IB Diploma

IB internal assessments: a practical guide

6 min read · updated 2026-10-02

Internal assessments are coursework marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB. They count for 20 to 30% of most subjects, and most are due in DP2, often within a few weeks of each other.

What each IA is worth

✓ Maths AA and AI: the mathematical exploration, 20% at SL and HL
✓ Biology, Chemistry and Physics: the scientific investigation, 20%
✓ Economics: three commentaries of up to 800 words each, 30% at SL and 20% at HL
✓ History: a 2,200-word historical investigation, 25% at SL and 20% at HL
✓ Business Management: a business research project of up to 1,800 words, 30% at SL and 20% at HL

How to do well

✓ Read the criteria before choosing a topic, not after drafting
✓ Choose a narrow question you can answer with data or sources you can reach
✓ Plan analysis before collecting data
✓ Treat evaluation and limitations as a main section, not an afterthought
✓ Put every IA deadline in one calendar at the start of DP2

Academic integrity

The work must be the student's own. Teachers give feedback on a draft within IB rules; tutors can teach skills and explain criteria but must not write or edit the work.