Many IB students in Hong Kong search for IB Maths IA examples hoping to find a “perfect template.” While examples can be helpful, copying structure without understanding why an IA scored well often leads to disappointing results.
At Mathzem, we review IA samples with students not to copy them but to decode what examiners reward. This article explains the key features of strong IB Maths IA examples, what examiners actually look for, and how you can apply those principles to your own work.
Table of Contents
Why Looking at IA Examples Can Be Misleading
Students often assume:
- Hard maths = high score
- Long IA = strong IA
- Fancy software = impressive IA
In reality, many high-scoring IAs:
- Use relatively simple maths
- Are clearly structured
- Focus heavily on explanation and reflection
Understanding why an IA scores well matters more than what it looks like.
What Examiners Look for in Strong IA Examples
IB examiners assess IAs using clear criteria. High-scoring examples consistently show strength in four areas:
- Mathematical focus
- Clear communication
- Logical exploration
- Meaningful reflection
Let’s break these down.
Feature 1: Clear and Focused Research Question
Strong IA examples:
- Start with a specific question
- Clearly state what is being investigated
- Avoid vague or overly broad aims
Weak example:
“Investigating calculus in real life”
Strong example:
“How can differential calculus be used to minimise packaging material for a cylindrical container?”
Clarity sets the tone for the entire IA.
Feature 2: Maths That Matches the Course
High-scoring IA examples:
- Use maths directly from the syllabus
- Match content to AA or AI pathways
- Avoid unnecessary advanced techniques
Examiners prefer:
- Correct, well-explained syllabus maths
- Over incorrect or poorly explained advanced maths
Relevance beats complexity.
Feature 3: Logical Mathematical Progression
Good IA examples show:
- Step-by-step reasoning
- Clear transitions between ideas
- Justification for methods used
Each calculation should answer:
Why am I doing this, and what does it show?
Disconnected calculations lose marks.
Feature 4: Strong Mathematical Communication
High-quality examples demonstrate:
- Clear notation
- Defined variables
- Labelled graphs and diagrams
- Logical paragraph structure
Neat, organised work directly improves communication scores.
Feature 5: Interpretation, Not Just Calculation
Top IA examples:
- Explain results in context
- Discuss limitations
- Reflect on assumptions
For example:
- Does the model realistically represent the situation?
- What factors were ignored?
- How could the model be improved?
Reflection is often the difference between average and high marks.
Feature 6: Controlled Use of Technology
Strong IA examples:
- Use calculators or software purposefully
- Include screenshots sparingly
- Explain outputs clearly
Technology supports analysis — it should never replace explanation.
Common Weaknesses in Low-Scoring IA Examples
At Mathzem, we often see:
- Overly long introductions
- Unfocused maths
- Minimal reflection
- Excessive screenshots
- Poor structure
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve scores.
How to Use IA Examples Effectively
When reviewing IA examples:
- Analyse structure, not content
- Identify how explanations are written
- Observe how reflection is integrated
- Apply principles to your own topic
Examples are learning tools — not templates to copy.
How Mathzem Helps Students Learn from IA Examples
At Mathzem, we help Hong Kong IB students:
- Analyse IA examples critically
- Identify examiner-friendly features
- Apply strong structures to their own work
- Improve clarity and reflection
This approach leads to stronger, more authentic IAs.
👉 Explore Mathzem membership and pricing options:
https://mathzem.com/membership-pricing/
FAQs About IB Maths IA Examples Explained
Q1: Is it okay to use IA examples for inspiration?
Yes, but never copy content or structure directly.
Q2: Do high-scoring IAs use difficult maths?
Not always, clarity matters more.
Q3: How long should my IA be?
Typically 12–20 pages, focused and concise.
Q4: Can AI students score as highly as AA students?
Yes, when criteria are met clearly.
Q5: Can tutoring help improve my IA after a draft?
Yes, targeted feedback is very effective.
Conclusion
High-scoring IB Maths IA examples succeed not because they are complex, but because they are clear, focused, and well-explained. Students who understand what examiners value and apply those principles thoughtfully consistently achieve stronger results.
Your IA doesn’t need to impress with difficulty. It needs to communicate maths effectively.
If you want expert guidance analysing IA examples and improving your own work, Mathzem is ready to help.
View membership and pricing options:
https://mathzem.com/membership-pricing/
