IB Math Internal Assessment: Planning, Structure, and Word Count Guidelines

Published: July 31, 2025 8 min read

The IB Mathematics Internal Assessment can feel overwhelming at first glance. With multiple criteria to meet and a complex mathematical exploration to conduct, knowing where to start is half the battle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a successful Math IA that meets all requirements and showcases your mathematical thinking.

Understanding the Math IA Requirements

The Math IA is worth 20% of your final grade and should be approximately 12-20 pages long. Unlike other IB subjects, the Math IA doesn't have a strict word count but rather focuses on the depth and quality of your mathematical exploration.

Key Requirements:

Length: 12-20 pages (including diagrams, graphs, and calculations)
Mathematical content: Appropriate to your Math level (AA SL/HL or AI SL/HL)
Personal engagement: Clear connection to your interests or experiences
Mathematical communication: Clear explanations and proper notation

Choosing Your Topic: The Foundation of Success

Your topic choice can make or break your Math IA. The best topics are those that genuinely interest you and allow for mathematical exploration at your level.

Strong Topic Characteristics:

Personal relevance (sports, hobbies, cultural background)
Sufficient mathematical depth for your course level
Access to real data or ability to generate meaningful data
Clear research question that can be mathematically investigated

Topic Ideas by Math Course:

Math AA (Analysis and Approaches):

Modeling population growth in your city using exponential functions
Analyzing the mathematics behind music and harmonics
Investigating calculus applications in architecture
Exploring probability in your favorite card game

Math AI (Applications and Interpretation):

Statistical analysis of sports performance data
Mathematical modeling of disease spread
Optimization problems in logistics or resource allocation
Financial mathematics applied to personal investment strategies

Structure and Organization

A well-structured Math IA tells a clear story of mathematical discovery. Here's the recommended structure:

1. Introduction (1-2 pages)

Clearly state your research question
Explain why this topic interests you personally
Provide necessary background information
Outline what you plan to investigate

2. Mathematical Development (8-12 pages)

Present your mathematical exploration logically
Show all calculations and working
Include relevant graphs, diagrams, and tables
Explain your reasoning at each step
Demonstrate understanding of mathematical concepts

3. Results and Analysis (2-3 pages)

Interpret your mathematical findings
Discuss the significance of your results
Address any limitations or assumptions
Connect back to your original research question

4. Conclusion (1-2 pages)

Summarize your key findings
Reflect on the mathematical journey
Suggest areas for further investigation
Evaluate the success of your exploration

5. References and Appendices

Cite all sources using proper academic format
Include raw data in appendices if necessary
Add any additional calculations that support your work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' mistakes can save you valuable time and improve your final grade.

Content Mistakes:

Choosing overly simple topics: Your exploration should challenge you mathematically
Lack of personal engagement: Don't pick a topic just because it seems "mathematical"
Insufficient mathematical depth: Ensure your math is appropriate for your course level
Poor research question: Avoid questions that are too broad or too narrow

Presentation Mistakes:

Unclear explanations: Remember that your reader should understand your reasoning
Missing diagrams or graphs: Visual representations enhance understanding
Inconsistent notation: Use standard mathematical notation throughout
Poor organization: Structure your IA logically and coherently

Assessment Criteria Deep Dive

Understanding how your IA will be graded helps you focus your efforts effectively.

Criterion A: Presentation (4 marks)

Clear organization and structure
Coherent mathematical development
Appropriate use of mathematical language and notation

Criterion B: Mathematical Communication (4 marks)

Clear explanations of mathematical processes
Appropriate use of mathematical terminology
Well-labeled diagrams and graphs

Criterion C: Personal Engagement (3 marks)

Evidence of personal interest in the topic
Independent thinking and creativity
Self-reflection on the mathematical journey

Criterion D: Reflection (3 marks)

Review and evaluation of results
Discussion of limitations and assumptions
Suggestions for improvement or extension

Criterion E: Use of Mathematics (6 marks)

Relevant mathematics commensurate with course level
Correct application of mathematical techniques
Evidence of mathematical understanding

Timeline and Planning Strategy

Success in the Math IA requires careful planning and time management. Here's a suggested timeline:

8 Weeks Before Deadline:

Brainstorm and finalize your topic
Develop your research question
Begin background research

6 Weeks Before Deadline:

Start mathematical exploration
Collect and organize data
Begin drafting introduction

4 Weeks Before Deadline:

Complete main mathematical development
Create graphs, diagrams, and visual aids
Draft results and analysis section

2 Weeks Before Deadline:

Write conclusion and reflection
Complete first full draft
Begin revision and editing

1 Week Before Deadline:

Final revisions and proofreading
Check formatting and citations
Submit final version

Word Count Considerations

While the Math IA doesn't have a strict word count like other IB assessments, balance is key. Your explanations should be thorough but concise.

Guidelines for Written Content:

Introduction: 300-500 words of clear setup
Mathematical development: Focus on showing work and explaining reasoning
Analysis: 400-600 words of interpretation and discussion
Conclusion: 200-400 words of reflection and summary

Remember, mathematical notation, equations, diagrams, and graphs don't count toward written content, so use them liberally to enhance understanding.

Technology and Tools

Appropriate use of technology can strengthen your Math IA significantly:

Recommended Tools:

Graphing calculators: For complex calculations and visualizations
GeoGebra: Excellent for geometric explorations and dynamic graphs
Excel/Google Sheets: Data analysis and statistical calculations
Wolfram Alpha: Verification of complex calculations (use responsibly)
Python/R: For advanced statistical analysis (HL students)

Getting Help and Feedback

Your teacher is your best resource throughout the IA process. Here's how to make the most of their guidance:

Effective Questions to Ask:

"Is my mathematical approach appropriate for this course level?"
"How can I improve the clarity of this explanation?"
"Does my personal engagement come through clearly?"
"What aspects of my reflection could be strengthened?"

Final Tips for Success

Start early: Good Math IAs require time to develop and refine
Stay curious: Let your genuine interest drive the exploration
Show your thinking: Explain not just what you did, but why you did it
Embrace mistakes: Discussing what didn't work shows mathematical maturity
Get feedback early: Regular check-ins with your teacher prevent major issues
Practice mathematical communication: Clear explanations are as important as correct calculations

Conclusion

The Math IA is an opportunity to showcase your mathematical thinking and personal interests in a unique way. By choosing an engaging topic, structuring your exploration clearly, and communicating your mathematical journey effectively, you can create an IA that not only meets the assessment criteria but also demonstrates your growth as a mathematical thinker.

Remember, the best Math IAs are those where genuine curiosity meets rigorous mathematical exploration. Start early, stay organized, and don't hesitate to seek guidance when needed. Your Math IA is a chance to show what you've learned and how you think mathematically – embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of discovery.

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