How To Prepare A Good IB Internal Assessment: A 3 Step Guide

Table of Contents

As an International Baccalaureate student, your entire academic performance is highly important. This includes taking part in Internal Assessments, which are crucial if you want to maximize your overall grades.

Internal Assessments, or IAs as they more commonly known, are often the most difficult part of being an IB student. They can require a lot of hard work and concentration, but it’s worth it in the end.

The purpose of this blog post is to provide you with an introduction to the different components of Internal Assessments and how they can help boost your final grade. We will then move on to the three main steps that you need to take in order to prepare a good IA.

When it comes to IAs, there are a few key elements that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll need to be able to identify and understand the requirements for each IA task. Second, research and preparation should play a key role in your approach. Third, you will need to write and submit your IA, taking into account best practices for revising and editing. Following these steps will ensure that you have the best possible chance of success when completing your IA.

By following the advice laid out in this post, you will have the knowledge and skills to effectively complete your Internal Assessments. As a result, you may be able to improve your final grade and gain the full benefit of being an IB student.

How To Prepare A Good IB Internal Assessment

Step 1: Understanding the Key Requirements of an Internal Assessment

An Internal Assessment (IA) is a core requirement for IB students and can easily make or break your final grade. That’s why it’s so important to know what is expected of you. Every IA must include certain elements, and this step-by-step guide will explain each in detail.

To begin, there are two main components to an Internal Assessment: the Theory Component and the Practical Component. The theory component involves researching, analyzing, and synthesizing concepts and ideas. This portion is usually written in the form of an essay, and should be focused around a specific central theme or question. The practical component must show critical thinking, analysis, and understanding of the data collected from your chosen experiment. This section can be written in the form of a report.

The IA must also include a title page, an introductory paragraph, an abstract, a bibliography, and an assessment of your data. The title page should provide an overview of the project and include the names of all authors and assessors. The introduction should explain the purpose and goal of the IA, as well as the methods used to complete it. The abstract is a concise summary of your IA and should include the main points of the investigation. The bibliography should list any resources you used while researching and writing the IA. Finally, the assessment section should present the results of your investigation and any conclusions you’ve reached.

Now that you know the key components of an Internal Assessment, it’s time to move on to the next step. By following the steps outlined in this post, you’ll be better prepared to tackle your IA and achieve the best possible grade.

Step 2: Research and Prepare Thoroughly

Doing your research is one of the most important steps when it comes to preparing a good Internal Assessment. The more you know about the topic, the more likely you’ll be able to provide thoughtful, informed answers to your questions. In this step, we’ll go into detail on different sources of research and how to go about doing this effectively.

The first thing you should do is establish a comprehensive list of sources. Depending on the topic, these can include books, articles, and interviews with experts. You should also try to gather as much primary source material as possible from the internet, since this will be more relevant and up-to-date.

When gathering materials for your research, make sure to look for reliable sources. This means avoiding websites and publications that lack credibility, and sticking to sources that have been officially endorsed. Additionally, you’ll want to take notes and create a reference list of all the sources you use, so that you can properly cite them in your paper.

It’s also important to be mindful of plagiarism when researching and preparing for your Internal Assessment. Plagiarism is a serious offense and can lead to severe consequences if not properly avoided. Be sure to always give credit to any sources that you use, and be clear on the difference between your own ideas and those of other authors.

Finally, when doing your research, remember to stay organized and focused. Keep your notes organized by topic, and use keywords to help you quickly and easily access information when you need it.

In addition to researching, there are several other things to consider when preparing your Internal Assessment. These include citing sources properly, using the correct formatting, staying on top of deadlines, and taking advantage of resources such as tutoring and study groups.

Get Help With Your Paper

We will write a custom paper that will be FREE of AI and plagiarised content!

Step 3: Writing & Submitting Your Internal Assessment

In this step, we’ll cover all aspects of the writing process for your Internal Assessment — from planning and drafting to editing and submitting. Knowing how to write an effective IA will ensure that you get the best possible mark and show your hard work to its full potential.

The first thing to consider is the structure of your IA — what sections should it include, what information will they contain, and so on. It’s best to create a rough plan before you start writing, as this will help keep you focused and organized. Once you have a plan, you can start writing your draft. This is your chance to express yourself and explain your ideas and arguments. Make sure you use evidence to back up your points wherever appropriate. This could be in the form of quotes, statistics, or facts.

The next step is editing. This is an important part of the writing process and can make a huge difference to the quality of your work. Take time to consider what you have written — are there any inaccuracies or areas that can be improved? Pay attention to things like spelling and grammar, as these can hinder your final mark. If you’re not confident in your own editing skills, consider getting someone else to do it; a second opinion can be invaluable.

Finally, it’s time to submit your IA. Make sure you follow all the instructions to the letter — if you’re submitting electronically, use the correct format and ensure you include all of the required elements. If you’re submitting on paper, remember to include a title page and check that you have provided all of the necessary information. Once your IA is submitted, all you can do is wait for your mark and feedback.

Conclusion: Summing Up the Internal Assessment

Writing an Internal Assessment can seem like a daunting task for IB students. However, by following the steps we’ve outlined in this guide you can be sure to create an excellent piece of work!

We’ve covered the key components of the IA, from understanding the requirements, to researching and preparing thoroughly, to writing and submitting the final report.

After reading this guide, you will be better equipped to undertake the IA and understand the requirements so that you can confidently get started with your project. We hope you’ve learned something new and have taken away some helpful tips to ensure success.

One last tip is to review and edit your work thoroughly before submission. It is important to double-check your work, spelling and grammar and ensure that you have accurately addressed all points of the rubric. As always, if you are having difficulty getting started, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher or supervisor for help.

We wish you the best of luck with your Internal Assessment and hope that this guide has been useful to you!

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

ib english paper 1

IB Paper 1 Writing Guide

As an experienced IB writer, I’ve compiled this complete guide to help you feel strong as you take on this critical part of the IB Diploma Programme. This article details the methods and skills you need to ace Paper 1, from understanding how the test is set up and choosing the right texts.

Read More »
ib ia economics

IB Economics IA Article Suggestions 2024/2025

When IB students start their Economics Internal Assessment (IA), it’s important for them to pick an interesting topic. For the school years 2024/2025, we will consider many different areas of economics, ranging from the rise of inflation to the changing nature of global trade.

Read More »
hardest ee subjects

What Are the Easiest and Hardest Extended Essay Subjects?

In this article, we discuss the easiest and hardest extended essay subjects, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. From the creative freedom found in the Arts to the demanding nature of the Experimental Sciences, we break down into what makes a subject approachable or daunting.

Read More »
extended essay fail

Failed Your Extended Essay? What to Do?

In this article, I’ll consider the immediate steps you should take after receiving an EE score that didn’t meet your expectations. We’ll discuss how to analyze feedback effectively, manage your emotions, and consider whether a retake is the right choice for you. If a retake isn’t feasible, we’ll look at alternative paths that can still lead you to diploma success.

Read More »
failing tok essay

What to Do If You Fail Your TOK Essay?

Failing your TOK essay can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of your IB path. As a seasoned IB writer, I understand the intricacies of the TOK essay and the common pitfalls students face. In this article, I’ll guide you through practical steps to reassess, revise, and rebound from a failing grade.

Read More »
fail an IB IA

What to Do if You Don’t Pass Your IB IA and How to Succeed Next Time

Overcoming the challenges of failing an IB Internal Assessment can be daunting, but it’s not the end of your academic path. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the immediate actions to take if you don’t pass your IA, including analyzing feedback and consulting with your teachers. We’ll discuss opportunities for resubmission, the strategies for improving your work, and long-term tactics to prevent similar setbacks.

Read More »