IB Internal Assessment (IA): Explained for Students and Parents
What is Internal Assessment (IA)?
Internal Assessment is coursework completed during the course and marked by teachers. It is moderated by the IB to ensure consistent grading across schools. Each subject has one or more IA components.
IA types by subject
| Subject group | Example IA type |
|---|---|
| Sciences | Lab report, investigation |
| Languages | Oral exam, written task |
| Mathematics | Mathematical exploration |
| Humanities | Historical investigation, fieldwork |
| Arts | Portfolio, performance |
Each subject guide specifies the IA type, length and criteria.
How marking works
- Teachers mark using IB criterion-based rubrics
- Schools submit marks and a sample of work to the IB
- IB moderates the sample against global standards
- Adjustments may be applied to all students in that subject/class if marking is out of line
Moderation means a student’s mark reflects IB standards, not only the school’s marking.
IA weight in final grade
IA contributes a percentage of the final grade (often 20–30%, depending on subject). It is important for the overall result.
Tips for students
- Start early—IAs take time
- Follow the criteria—marks match the rubric
- Use feedback—from teachers and draft submissions
- Check deadlines—school and IB dates
- Academic honesty—cite sources; avoid plagiarism
Common questions
Can my teacher help me? Yes, within limits. Teachers can guide method and structure but must not write the work for you.
What if I disagree with my mark? Speak to your teacher. Moderation can change marks; individual appeals are possible in some cases.
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports IA preparation across subjects. Explore IB resources or book a free trial.
Source: IB Assessment
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