One of the biggest challenges IB Math students face is deciding on a good Internal Assessment (IA) topic. Some ideas are too simple and end up not showing enough mathematical depth. Others are overly ambitious, requiring knowledge and skills well beyond the IB curriculum. And in many cases, students don’t receive enough guidance from their school teachers to evaluate whether an idea is truly suitable.
To solve this problem, I’ve created a checklist—a stress test—for students to run their IA idea through. Think of it as a filter: if your idea passes most of these checks, it’s likely a strong one. If it fails in several areas, it’s time to go back and refine (or even replace) your idea.
Let’s walk through the stress test together.
The title
Start simple. Can you state your IA idea in one straightforward title? If it takes a long paragraph to explain, chances are the topic is too vague or overly complex.
The aim
Ask yourself: What do I want to produce with this IA? Be specific. Your aim should be clear enough that another student could understand what you’re setting out to do. A bonus: if your idea is interesting (like a question people would be curious to know the answer for), that's even better.
Methodology
What are the steps you’ll take to achieve your aim? Outlining this early prevents you from getting stuck midway because you don’t know what to do next.
Mathematics required
This is one of the most important checks. Which mathematical concepts will you apply, and are they at least at the level of your IB Math SL or HL course? Remember: the IA is an opportunity to demonstrate your mathematical understanding. Choosing a topic that doesn’t allow for substantial mathematics will limit your score.
IA Criteria
The IB uses a rubric to mark your IA. Before committing to an idea, ask: How will I reach a high mark in each criterion? Go through them one by one:
- Presentation – Will my IA be clear, structured, and easy to follow?
- Mathematical Communication – Am I using correct notation, diagrams, and explanations?
- Personal Engagement – Does my topic connect to me personally (a hobby, an interest, or a curiosity)?
- Reflection – Will I be able to discuss my results critically, including limitations and possible improvements?
- Use of Mathematics – Is there enough depth and accuracy in the math I will present?
If you can’t see how your idea will hit these boxes, it might not be the right fit.
Bibliography
What resources will you use? Strong IAs are built on research—whether from books, articles, or reputable websites. If you don’t know where to start, your IA may lack foundation.
Data (for IAs using Statistics)
If your IA is statistics-based, do you actually have access to the data you need? Will you need to collect it? Think about where you’ll collect it, how reliable it is, and whether it’s appropriate for your analysis.
Softwares required
Finally, consider which tools might help you carry out your analysis. Programs like Geogebra Desmos R (for statistics), or Matlab (among others) can strengthen your IA and allow for a more professional presentation.
Final Thoughts
Your IA doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. What matters is that it shows clear mathematical thinking, personal engagement, and critical reflection. By running your topic through this stress test, you’ll save yourself weeks of wasted effort and set yourself up for a strong final product.
Remember: the IA is worth 20% of your final IB Math grade. Make your idea work for you—not against you.