How to Structure Your IA
Learn how to structure an IB Internal Assessment with a clear research question, rigorous methodology, strong analysis, and specific evaluation.
10 minRead guide
Internal Assessment (IA) Guides
Complete resources for planning, writing, and perfecting your Internal Assessments across all IB subjects.
Internal Assessments are a significant component of your IB Diploma, typically worth 20-25% of your final grade in each subject. Unlike exams, IAs give you control - you choose your topic, conduct your research or experiment, and have time to refine your work. This is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Our IA guides help you make the most of this opportunity by understanding what examiners look for, choosing topics that work, structuring your work effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls that cost marks.
Key Takeaways
- Start early - IA quality improves dramatically with time for iteration
- Understand criteria before you begin; they guide every decision
- Choose topics you genuinely find interesting; engagement shows in your writing
- Prioritise analysis and evaluation over description
- Get feedback on drafts from teachers and peers
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Guides in This Category
Biology IA Ideas That Actually Work
Find strong IB Biology IA ideas with measurable variables, realistic methods, and clear links to the syllabus and marking criteria.
12 minRead guide
Economics IA Structure & Commentary Tips
Learn how to structure an IB Economics IA commentary, choose articles, explain diagrams clearly, and score well against the criteria.
11 minRead guide
Physics IA Methodology Guide
Improve your IB Physics IA methodology with better variable control, uncertainty treatment, data processing, and evaluation.
9 minRead guide
Chemistry IA Topic Selection
Choose an IB Chemistry IA topic that is safe, feasible, data-rich, and well matched to the syllabus and assessment criteria.
10 minRead guide
Psychology IA Research Methods
Plan an IB Psychology IA with the right experimental design, sampling, controls, ethics, and statistical analysis.
11 minRead guide
Business IA Guide
Plan a stronger IB Business Management IA with a focused research question, better supporting documents, and clearer analysis and recommendations.
10 minRead guide
Maths AA IA Ideas
Explore strong IB Maths AA IA ideas with enough mathematical depth, personal engagement, and scope for clear analysis and reflection.
11 minRead guide
Maths AI IA Ideas
Find IB Maths AI IA ideas that use real-world data, appropriate technology, and mathematical modelling in a clear, high-scoring way.
11 minRead guide
Computer Science IA Guide
Improve your IB Computer Science IA with clearer client context, stronger criterion planning, and better evidence for design, development, and evaluation.
12 minRead guide
ESS IA Guide
Strengthen your IB ESS IA with a focused environmental question, practical fieldwork design, and better analysis and evaluation.
10 minRead guide
Design Technology IA Guide
Plan a stronger IB Design Technology IA with clearer client needs, more justified design decisions, and stronger testing and evaluation.
11 minRead guide
Sports Science IA Guide
Improve your IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science IA with better methodology, variable control, data processing, and evaluation.
10 minRead guide
Economics IA Article Selection Guide
Choose better IB Economics IA articles with clear economic concepts, real-world evidence, and enough scope for strong commentary and evaluation.
9 minRead guide
History IA Guide
Plan a stronger IB History IA with a focused research question, better source evaluation, and sharper analysis and reflection.
10 minRead guide
Geography IA Guide
Improve your IB Geography IA with a stronger fieldwork question, clearer data collection, and more effective analysis and evaluation.
10 minRead guide
Global Politics IA Guide
Strengthen your IB Global Politics IA with a focused political issue, stronger engagement evidence, and clearer analysis and reflection.
10 minRead guide
English A IA Guide
Prepare a stronger IB English A internal assessment with a clearer global issue, sharper extract analysis, and better oral structure.
9 minRead guide
English B IA Guide
Improve your IB English B internal assessment with better oral preparation, stronger thematic vocabulary, and more confident spoken responses.
9 minRead guide
German A IA Guide
Prepare a stronger IB German A internal assessment with a focused global issue, better textual analysis, and more confident oral delivery.
9 minRead guide
German B IA Guide
Improve your IB German B internal assessment with clearer oral structure, stronger topic vocabulary, and better interactive speaking technique.
9 minRead guide