Research and method
Clarify a research question, choose a workable method and plan data collection.
Yanmai Education · since 2021
IB Internal Assessment (IA) tutoring
One-to-one guidance for research questions, methods, analysis and draft feedback across IB subjects.
Online one-to-one lessons are 60 minutes and use Zoom, Tencent Meeting (VooV) or ClassIn.
The learning journey
What IA guidance covers
Analysis and feedback
Review analysis, structure and drafts against the applicable subject criteria.
The IA format and weighting vary by subject. For example, Maths and the sciences use an investigation; Business Management uses a research project; Geography uses fieldwork; History uses a historical investigation; language courses use an individual oral.
The learning journey
Tutoring case studies
Classroom notes · research design
Developing a Biology IA research question
Use a Biology IA example to clarify variables, scope and whether the investigation can be carried out.
Classroom notes · topic planning
Refining a Geography IA research question
Compare candidate questions and decide which variables and scope make the investigation workable.
Draft feedback · IA
Modelling world-record times
An annotated mathematical modelling paper using men’s sprint and marathon world-record times.
Draft feedback · IA
pH and alpha-amylase activity
An annotated Biology IA draft investigating the relationship between pH and alpha-amylase activity.
Draft feedback · IA
Temperature and crystal violet reaction rate
A Chemistry IA investigation of temperature and crystal violet reaction rate, with page-by-page feedback.
Draft feedback · IA
Salt concentration and buoyancy
A Physics IA draft on salt concentration and buoyancy, with comments on its structure and content.
Draft feedback · IA
Pre-2027 syllabus IA (an experiment), for exams up to November 2026. From May 2027 the IA is a research proposal.
Visual memory and retention time
An annotated Psychology IA on how the retention time of visual information affects memory.
Draft feedback · IA
BP’s energy strategy and market performance
A business analysis paper on BP’s shift in energy strategy and its performance in global markets.
Draft feedback · IA
Recipe recommendations from available ingredients
A Computer Science IA proposal and annotated document for a system that matches ingredients with recipes.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
How much is the IA worth?
It varies by subject. It is 20% in Maths and in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Business Management, Economics and Computer Science IA is 30% at SL and 20% at HL. Geography, History and ESS IA is 25% at SL and 20% at HL. Check the subject section on this page for other formats.
Who marks the IA?
The teacher marks the work using IB criteria. The IB moderates a sample from the school, and this may lead to a school-wide adjustment.
When should I start preparing?
Many May-session students begin exploring requirements and topics in the second term of DP1, then complete drafts and final work in DP2. November-session students follow their school's calendar. Confirm the deadline with your school.
What does IA tutoring cover?
Sessions can cover topic choice, research questions, study design, data processing and analysis, feedback against the criteria, structure and referencing. Each lesson is 60 minutes online.
What is the IA in language courses?
Language A and B use an individual oral. Language A analyses an extract through a global issue; Language B begins with visual material at SL or a literary extract at HL, followed by a conversation.
Can I get support with more than one IA?
Yes. Each subject is matched with a tutor for that discipline, and planning can work backwards from the school's deadlines.