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IB Internal Assessment: What It Is, Methods, Structure
What an IB internal assessment (IA) is, how much it is worth, how teachers mark it and the IB moderates it, and how IA structure differs by subject group.
15 min
Biology IA Ideas: 40 Topics With Methods and Data
40 IB Biology IA topics by syllabus area, each with the method and data it needs, plus the current criteria, 3,000-word limit and research question tips.
16 min
Economics IA Structure: Criteria, Word Count, Format
IB Economics IA structure for 2026 and 2027: the 800-word rule, criteria A to F, what each commentary must include and an example commentary outline.
13 min
Physics IA Guide: Methodology, Uncertainties and Ideas
IB Physics IA guide for the current criteria: requirements, research design, controlling variables, uncertainty propagation, linearised graphs and 24 ideas.
13 min
Chemistry IA Topics: 40 Ideas With Methods and Data
40 IB Chemistry IA topics by syllabus area, each with the method and data it needs, plus example research questions, the current criteria and uncertainty tips.
16 min
Psychology IA: Research Methods and 2027 Criteria
The IB Psychology IA is now a research proposal: the four research methods, the 24-mark criteria, the 2,200-word limit and what changed from the old experiment.
13 min
Business IA Guide: BM Criteria, Word Count, Structure
IB Business Management IA explained: the 1,800-word research project, key concepts, how many supporting documents, all seven criteria and how to structure it.
12 min
Maths AA IA Ideas: 50 Topics for SL and HL
50 IB Maths AA IA ideas by syllabus area, each with why it works and the method or data it needs, plus criteria A-E, the 12-20 page length and SL vs HL.
21 min
Maths AI IA Ideas: 45 Topics With Data and Methods
45 IB Maths AI IA ideas grouped by topic, each with the data and method it needs, plus SL vs HL tools, criteria, page length and where to find reliable data.
18 min
Computer Science IA Guide: 2026 vs 2027 Criteria
IB Computer Science IA for 2026 vs 2027: the 34-mark client model, the new 30-mark computational solution, criteria, video length and project ideas.
12 min
ESS IA Guide 2026: Criteria, Ideas and Structure
IB ESS IA guide for 2026 and 2027: the 3,000-word rules, all six criteria with marks, 12 research question ideas and a report structure that scores well.
13 min
Design Technology IA: 2026 and 2027 Criteria Explained
Which IB Design Technology IA applies to you: the 2026 design project vs the new 2027 model, with criteria, hours, word limits, weightings and project ideas.
11 min
Sports Science IA Guide (SEHS): Criteria and Topics
IB SEHS IA guide for 2026 and 2027: the 3,200-word rules, all four criteria explained, 12 example research questions and the mistakes that cost marks.
15 min
How to Choose Economics IA Articles and Key Concepts
Choose IB Economics IA articles that score: the IB's article rules, a six-step test, the nine key concepts explained and article ideas for every unit.
11 min
History IA Guide: Structure, Word Count and Sources
How to write an IB History IA: the 2,200-word limit, the three sections and marks, how many sources to use, topic ideas, and what changes from May 2028.
14 min
Geography IA Guide: Structure, Word Count, Criteria
How to write the IB Geography IA (geo IA): the 2,500-word limit, the six criteria and marks, fieldwork questions, sampling, analysis and topic ideas.
11 min
Global Politics IA Guide: Structure and Criteria
The IB Global Politics IA (engagement project) for exams from May 2026: word limits, criteria and marks, the HL recommendation, structure and topic ideas.
10 min
IB English A IA Guide: Individual Oral, Marks, Timeline
The IB English A IA explained: the individual oral in Literature and Lang Lit, 30% SL and 20% HL weighting, marking and moderation, a timeline and text choice.
13 min
IB English B IA Guide: Individual Oral, Marks, Timeline
The IB English B IA explained: the individual oral at SL and HL, its 25% weighting, the 30-mark rubric, moderation, when it happens and how to prepare for it.
10 min
IB German A IA Guide: Individual Oral, Texts and Marks
The IB German A IA explained: the individual oral in German, Literature vs Language and Literature, choosing German works, self-taught rules, marks, timeline.
13 min
IB German B IA Guide: Individual Oral, Marks and Prep
The IB German B IA explained: the individual oral at SL and HL, 25% weighting, the 30-mark rubric, moderation, timing, and the themes and phrases to prepare.
11 min
Extended Essay Topics: How to Choose a Strong One
How to choose an IB Extended Essay topic: subject or interdisciplinary pathway, narrowing an idea, checking sources, plus 10 example topics across subjects.
11 min
Extended Essay Structure, Order and Format (2027 Guide)
The correct order of an IB Extended Essay, what goes on the title page, font, spacing and page number rules, and what counts in 4,000 words, for 2026 and 2027.
14 min
Extended Essay Research Question: Rules and Examples
How to write an IB Extended Essay research question: the official rules for 2026 and 2027, a four-step method, and weak versus strong examples by subject.
10 min
How to Write an Extended Essay: Academic Writing Guide
How to write an IB Extended Essay that scores well: a clear line of argument, analysis not description, sources and terminology, and evaluation throughout.
12 min
IB Citation Format: Referencing Your Extended Essay
There is no single IB citation format. See what every EE reference must include, how to cite websites and AI, and what counts towards the 4,000-word limit.
13 min
Biology Extended Essay Ideas: 32 Research Questions
32 Biology EE research questions with why each works, experimental vs secondary data, safety and ethics, and how the new 2027 EE criteria apply.
17 min
Chemistry Extended Essay Ideas: 30 Research Questions
30 Chemistry EE research questions that test real models, with what to avoid, lab safety, data-based options and how the new 2027 EE criteria apply.
15 min
Economics Extended Essay Ideas: 30 Research Questions
30 Economics EE research questions with the theory and free data behind each, common mistakes, and how the new 2027 EE criteria apply to Economics.
14 min
English Extended Essay Ideas: 35 Example Questions
35 English A extended essay research questions with why each works, what replaced Categories 1, 2 and 3, and how the new 2027 EE criteria are applied.
21 min
History Extended Essay Ideas: 30 Research Questions
30 History EE research questions with the sources and debates behind each, the 10-year rule, how to write a History EE, and the new 2027 criteria.
15 min
IB CAS Project: Requirements, 5 Stages and Examples
What the IB requires for a CAS project, the five CAS stages, 10 project examples, and when a CAS expedition counts. Correct for the classes of 2026 to 2028.
14 min
IB CAS Ideas and Expeditions: 50 Examples That Work
50 IB CAS ideas for creativity, activity and service, each with why it works, plus how CAS expeditions and trips count. Same rules for 2026 to 2028.
13 min
How to Write a CAS Reflection: Length and Examples
How long a CAS reflection should be, the IB's four elements of reflection, a weak and a strong example, and how many CAS reflections you actually need.
11 min
The 7 CAS Learning Outcomes: Examples and Evidence
The seven IB CAS learning outcomes in the IB's wording, what each one means, and examples of the evidence that shows it. Unchanged for 2026 to 2028.
10 min
IB English Individual Oral (IO): Structure and Criteria
How the IB English A individual oral works: the 10 + 5 minute format, all four 10-mark criteria, what you can bring, a timed structure and a 4-week prep plan.
14 min
IB Language B Individual Oral: Format and Rubric
The IB Language B individual oral at SL and HL: preparation time, the three timed parts, the 30-mark rubric and how to prepare a visual or literary extract.
10 min
IB IO Global Issues: 30 Examples and How to Choose
30 IB English IO global issue examples across the five fields of inquiry, what the IB counts as a global issue, and how to write a clear global issue statement.
11 min
IB IO Teacher Questions: Handling the Final 5 Minutes
In the IB individual oral, the follow-up questions come from your teacher, not an examiner. Question types, how they count, how to answer and how to practise.
8 min
What Does Evaluate Mean in an Exam? How to Answer
Evaluate means weigh up strengths and limitations, then give a supported judgement. The IB definition, answer structure, a model paragraph and subject examples.
9 min
Analysis vs Evaluation: The Difference, With Examples
Analysis breaks something into parts to show how it works; evaluation judges how good or important it is. Side-by-side differences, examples in five subjects.
13 min
How to Answer To What Extent Questions (vs Discuss)
To what extent asks how far a claim holds, so end with a judgement of degree. Step-by-step structure, a worked plan, key phrases and how discuss differs.
10 min
What Does Outline Mean? Outline vs Describe vs Define
Outline means give a brief account or summary: the main points, no reasons. See how it differs from define, describe and explain, with examples for each.
9 min
Compare and Contrast Questions: How to Answer Them
Compare means similarities, contrast means differences, compare and contrast means both, with both items in every point. Structures, phrases and examples.
8 min
Analyse in IB exams: what the command term asks of you
What the IB command term analyse demands, how to structure an answer, and how it plays out in economics, history, psychology and geography.
4 min
Calculate in IB exams: what the command term means
Calculate means work out a numerical answer and show your working. See what that demands in economics, physics, chemistry and business management.
3 min
Comment in IB exams: what the command term asks
What the IB command term 'comment' demands: an informed judgement, not a restatement. This page explains it for geography, economics and maths AI.
3 min
Compare in IB exams: what the command term asks for
What the IB command term compare demands: similarities, with every item kept in view. See how to apply it in history, biology, geography and psychology.
4 min
Construct in IB exams: meaning and how to answer
What the IB command term construct demands, and how it applies in economics, business management, maths AI and biology.
4 min
Contrast in IB exams: what the command term means
Contrast means setting out differences between items, referring to each throughout. See how to answer it in history, biology, geography and economics.
3 min
Deduce in IB exams: what the command term asks of you
What the IB command term deduce demands, how to show your reasoning, and how it appears in chemistry, maths AA, physics and biology.
3 min
Define in IB exams: what the command term asks for
What the IB command term 'define' demands, how to write a precise definition, and how it applies in economics, biology, business management and physics.
3 min
Derive in IB exams: what the command term means
What derive demands in IB exams: build a new relationship step by step. See how it applies in physics and maths AA and AI.
3 min
Describe in IB exams: what the command term means
Describe asks for a detailed account of what, not why. This page explains the IB command term and how it works in each subject.
4 min
Determine in IB exams: what the command term means
Determine asks you to work to the single answer the information allows. See what that demands and how it applies in each IB subject.
4 min
Discuss: what the IB command term asks for
What 'discuss' means in IB exams: weigh arguments for and against in a balanced way, then commit to a supported conclusion. With subject examples.
3 min
Distinguish in IB exams: what the command term asks
Distinguish means making differences between concepts clear. This page explains it subject by subject, with common mistakes.
4 min
Examine in IB exams: what the command term means
Examine asks you to expose the assumptions and links inside an argument. This page explains the IB command term and how it applies in each subject.
4 min
Explain in IB exams: meaning and how to answer
What the command term explain demands in IB exams: reasons, not just facts. This page shows how to apply it in each subject.
3 min
Explore in IB exams: what the command term asks of you
What the IB command term 'explore' demands, with notes on how to approach it in English A, Philosophy and History answers.
4 min
Identify: what the command term means in IB exams
What 'identify' demands in IB exams: pick out and name the right answer. See how it works in biology, geography and business management.
3 min
Interpret in IB exams: meaning and how to answer
Interpret asks you to find trends and draw conclusions from given information. This page explains the command term and how it applies in each subject.
3 min
Justify in IB exams: what the command term asks
Learn what the IB command term justify demands, how to build reasons and evidence, and what it looks like across four subjects.
4 min
Outline in IB exams: what the command term asks for
What 'outline' asks for in IB exams: brief main points, no development. See how it applies in biology, economics, geography and business management.
4 min
IB command term 'predict': meaning and how to answer
What the IB command term predict demands, and how it plays out in biology, chemistry, physics and economics answers.
3 min
Sketch in IB exams: what the command term means
What the IB command term 'sketch' demands: a labelled diagram or graph showing shape and key features, explained for each subject.
4 min
State: what the command term means in IB exams
State asks for a name, value or short phrase with no explanation. See how to answer it in IB biology, chemistry, physics and maths AA.
3 min
Suggest in IB exams: what the command term asks
What the IB command term 'suggest' demands, and how to answer it in biology, chemistry and physics questions with a supported proposal.
3 min
To what extent in IB exams: command term explained
What 'to what extent' demands in IB questions, how to state and defend a degree of judgement, and how it works in history, economics, psychology and geography.
4 min
IB Assessment Criteria Explained: How Marking Works
What IB assessment criteria are, how teachers, moderators and examiners use them, what criterion B means in each component, and how marks become a 1-7 grade.
10 min
How to Use IB Past Papers Effectively, Step by Step
How to use IB past papers and markschemes effectively: where to get official papers, which years to use, how to mark and log mistakes, and a plan to exam day.
10 min
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our IA Toolkit covers structure, research methodology, and marking criteria for every subject. Key areas include choosing a focused research question, understanding what examiners look for, and learning from exemplar IAs. For personalised support, our tutors provide 1-to-1 IA guidance as part of all tutoring bundles.
Start with a subject you're genuinely interested in. Narrow your focus to something specific and researchable. Your research question should be open-ended (not yes/no), focused enough to answer in 4,000 words, and have enough accessible sources. Our EE Toolkit walks you through topic selection and research question refinement.
Command terms are crucial. 'Describe' requires different skills than 'Evaluate' or 'Analyse'. Misinterpreting a command term often means missing marks even if your knowledge is correct. Our Command Terms guide breaks down every IB command term with examples and response structures.
Yes, all the resources on this page are freely available. We provide guides, tips, and strategies at no cost. If you want personalised 1-to-1 support for exam preparation, IA guidance, or ongoing tutoring, you can purchase a tutoring bundle and we'll match you with an expert tutor.
For IAs, start as soon as your teacher introduces the assessment. For the Extended Essay, begin topic exploration in IB1 and aim to have your research question finalised by the summer. Starting early gives you time to iterate, get feedback, and avoid last-minute stress.
The IB Diploma is one of the world's most rigorous pre-university programmes. With six subjects, the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS requirements, students need more than just classroom teaching to succeed.
Internal Assessments (IAs) are a significant component of your final grade in most IB subjects. Our IA guides cover everything from choosing a research question to understanding marking criteria. Whether you're writing a Biology lab report, an Economics commentary, or a History investigation, you'll find subject-specific advice.
The Extended Essay (EE) is your opportunity to dive deep into a topic you're passionate about. Our Extended Essay toolkit guides you through topic selection, crafting a focused research question, and managing your time over the months-long process.
Understanding IB command terms is essential for exam success. "Describe" requires a different response than "Evaluate" or "Analyse". Our command terms guide decodes exactly what examiners expect from each term.
When you need personalised support beyond these resources, IB Doctor tutoring is here. Simply purchase a tutoring bundle, complete our onboarding form, and we'll match you with a verified tutor within 24 hours on weekdays.