Math: Analysis & Approaches · Mathematics Exploration (IA)
IB Math: Analysis & Approaches Internal Assessment
Upload your Mathematics Exploration (IA) and get examiner-level feedback on every criterion — scored against the official IB Mathematics Exploration rubric (first assessment 2021). Free to try, no account required.
Assessment criteria — 20 marks total
Your Mathematics Exploration (IA) is graded against 5 criteria. iBacalao scores each one and tells you exactly where to gain marks.
Presentation
The exploration is coherent, well organized, concise and complete. A coherent exploration is logically developed, easy to follow and links to its aim. A concise exploration does not include irrelevant material.
Mathematical Communication
Relevant, appropriate and consistent mathematical communication: correct notation, symbols and terminology; key terms defined; appropriate use of multiple forms of representation (formulae, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, models).
Personal Engagement
Evidence of the student engaging with the exploration and making it their own: thinking independently or creatively, presenting ideas in their own way, exploring the topic from a personal perspective, asking and addressing their own questions.
Reflection
Critical reflection on the mathematics and the process: reviewing, analysing and evaluating; considering the significance of results; discussing limitations and/or extensions; linking reflections back to the aim of the exploration.
Use of Mathematics
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the SL course, explored correctly, demonstrating thorough knowledge and understanding. Mathematics below the level of the course caps this criterion at 2 marks.
Common mistakes to avoid
Presentation
Exploration rambles or includes irrelevant materialNo clear introduction, body and conclusionAim not stated or not linked to the workSteps left unexplained or hard to follow
Mathematical Communication
Inconsistent or incorrect notation and symbolsKey terms or variables left undefinedOver-reliance on a single form of representationCalculator or command notation instead of proper math
Personal Engagement
Topic feels generic or copied from a textbookNo independent or creative thinking shownIdeas not presented in the student's own wayConfusing effort or enthusiasm with engagement
Reflection
Reflection is superficial or just descriptiveNo discussion of limitations or extensionsResults stated but their significance not consideredReflection not linked back to the aim
Use of Mathematics
Mathematics stays below the level of the course (caps at 2 marks)Errors in the mathematics or steps left unjustifiedMostly prior-learning math rather than course-levelResults stated without demonstrating understanding
Common questions
How is the IB Math: Analysis & Approaches Mathematics Exploration (IA) marked?
Your Mathematics Exploration (IA) is marked against 5 criteria totalling 20 marks using the official IB Mathematics Exploration rubric (first assessment 2021). Your teacher marks first, then the IBO moderates a random sample from your school — so your mark may be adjusted up or down if the moderator consistently disagrees with your teacher.
What is the most important criterion in the IB Math: Analysis & Approaches IA?
All criteria matter, but the highest-weighted criterion — worth the most marks — is "Use of Mathematics". Focus on what the mark band descriptor says for the top score and make sure every element it mentions is present in your submission.
Can I use AI to help with my Math: Analysis & Approaches IA?
The IBO allows AI for feedback and research support, but the submitted work must be entirely your own. iBacalao gives criterion-by-criterion feedback on your draft — the same kind of comment your teacher would give — without generating any text for your IA.