How to Choose the Perfect IB IA Topic (Without Getting Stuck for Weeks)
Introduction
Choosing your Internal Assessment (IA) topic can feel overwhelming. Whether you're in IB Biology, History, or Maths AA, it's easy to get stuck — either with too many ideas or none at all.
But here's the truth: a great IA topic doesn't need to be groundbreaking — it just needs to be focused, feasible, and interesting to you.
Let's break down exactly how to choose a strong IA topic in less than a week.
1. Know What a "Good" IA Topic Looks Like
A strong topic is:
- Specific (not too broad or vague)
- Testable or researchable with available resources
- Aligned with your subject syllabus
- Engaging enough to keep you interested through multiple drafts
If it fits those four criteria, you're on the right track.
2. Don't Start with the Topic — Start with the Syllabus
Instead of brainstorming blindly, start with your subject syllabus. Why?
- It shows what's examinable
- It helps you stay aligned with IB expectations
- It sparks ideas rooted in actual course content
Use Study Marker's syllabus-aligned quiz and feedback tools to explore key concepts and see which ones could inspire your IA.
3. Use This Simple Framework to Generate Ideas
Try this formula for shaping your IA topic:
Subject area + variable or focus + real-world link or application
Examples:
- Biology: "How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis in duckweed?"
- History: "To what extent did propaganda influence women's roles in Nazi Germany?"
- Maths AA: "Modelling the spread of a local outbreak using logistic growth functions"
These are specific, researchable, and clearly connected to the subject.
4. Run a Quick Feasibility Test
Before committing, ask yourself:
- Can I realistically collect the data or find the sources?
- Is the math, science, or history level appropriate?
- Will I have enough to write 6–12 pages of analysis?
Better to find a solid, manageable topic than chase an overambitious one and burn out.
5. Use Study Marker to Test Your Topic
Once you've drafted your question:
- Run it through Study Marker for quick feedback
- Get suggestions for tightening focus
- Use the quiz generator to test your understanding of related syllabus points
It's like having a teacher review your topic instantly — even at 11PM.
Final Thought
The best IA topics aren't the flashiest — they're the ones that let you demonstrate deep thinking and personal engagement. Use your syllabus as a map, your curiosity as fuel, and Study Marker as your feedback engine.
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