How to Prepare for IB Internal Assessments Without Last-Minute Stress

1. Know What Your Subject Requires

Each IA is different:

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics: A scientific investigation
• Maths AA/AI: An exploration of a mathematical concept
• History or Geography: A research-based investigation
• Language & Literature: Textual analysis or cultural study

Start by reading the criteria — or ask Study Marker to break it down for you.

2. Pick a Topic You Can Actually Manage

Don't try to cure cancer or prove Einstein wrong. A focused, realistic topic always scores better than something overambitious.

Choose something you:

• Can research properly
• Can collect data for
• Actually understand

Study Marker's AI tools can help you test whether your research question is focused and viable.

3. Build a Simple Timeline

Break your IA process into parts:

• Week 1–2: Topic selection + research question
• Week 3–4: Research and data collection
• Week 5–6: Draft and analysis
• Week 7–8: Finalise and polish

Even if your class hasn't started the IA, working ahead can save your future self a lot of pain.

4. Use Feedback to Refine, Not Restart

One mistake IB students make is rewriting their whole IA every time they get feedback. Instead, work in layers:

• First fix structure
• Then fix analysis
• Then fine-tune wording

Use Study Marker to get instant feedback at every stage — without waiting for your teacher.

Final Tip

Your IA is your chance to show what you can do independently. Keep it focused, follow the criteria, and seek feedback early.