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IA season

IB Maths IA rescue week: a 5-day check-up

Five short days to check your maths exploration against each criterion before you hand it in. This is guidance and checklists only: every word, graph and calculation in your IA must be your own, and your teacher’s advice comes first.

Start with the IA self-check

The 5 days

  1. Day 1

    Where are you now?

    • Score your draft against all five criteria.
    • Write down the three biggest gaps, in order.

    Read: IA self-check: estimate your band for A to E · The IA criteria, A to E

  2. Day 2

    Presentation and mathematical communication (A and B)

    • Check the structure: an aim, a clear order, a conclusion that answers the aim.
    • Define every variable, label every graph and table, use one notation throughout.

    Read: Criterion A: presentation · Criterion B: mathematical communication

  3. Day 3

    Use of mathematics (E)

    • Check every calculation is explained and correct.
    • Ask yourself whether the maths fits your course and level.

    Read: Criterion E: use of mathematics · Choosing and comparing models · Which statistical test should I use?

  4. Day 4

    Personal engagement and reflection (C and D)

    • Mark the places where your own choices and questions show.
    • Make sure you reflect as you go, not only at the end.

    Read: Criterion C: personal engagement · Criterion D: reflection

  5. Day 5

    Final check

    • Go through the checklist line by line.
    • Check citations and follow your school's academic integrity policy and deadlines.

    Read: IA checklist from an IB examiner · IA timeline and deadline planner · The IA hub

What this plan does not do

It does not write, rewrite or edit any part of your IA, and nothing on these pages should be copied into it. Use it to find gaps, then fix them yourself and talk them through with your teacher.

Other plans: Results day · 30-day challenge · all exam-season plans