iBOrbit Markscheme + checklist
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches · Internal Assessment

The exploration rubric, decoded.

The official markscheme for every criterion, plus the exact checklist that hits the top band. Keep it open while you write your IA.

What's marked Five criteria
APresentation4
BMathematical communication4
CPersonal engagement3
DReflection3
EUse of mathematics6
20 marks total 20% of your final grade SL & HL alike

The same five criteria are used for SL and HL; only Criterion E (Use of mathematics) has separate descriptors at each level. The exploration is an individual piece of around 12–20 pages. Criteria, first assessment 2021.

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A

Presentation

4marks

Assesses the organisation and coherence of the exploration: is it logically developed and easy to follow?

MarkDescriptor
0The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1The exploration has some coherence or some organisation.
2The exploration has some coherence and shows some organisation.
3The exploration is coherent and well organised.
4The exploration is coherent, well organised, concise and complete.Full marks
How to hit the top band

Open with a short intro that sets context and states one focused research question driving the whole exploration.

Move in a logical order: question, method, calculations, analysis, then interpretation and conclusion.

Place every graph, table and diagram where it's discussed, not dumped in an appendix. Only bulky raw data belongs there.

Keep formatting consistent: headings, fonts, spacing and equation style all uniform.

Cut anything that doesn't serve the question, no repeated or irrelevant calculations.

Say clearly where, and why, you used technology.

iBOrbitMath AA IA Rubric page 2 / 6
B

Mathematical communication

4marks

Assesses whether you use appropriate mathematical language, notation and forms of representation to communicate ideas clearly.

MarkDescriptor
0The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1The exploration contains some relevant mathematical communication which is partially appropriate.
2The exploration contains some appropriate mathematical communication.
3The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and is mostly consistent.
4The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and consistent throughout.Full marks
How to hit the top band

Use correct notation, symbols and terminology consistently, not calculator shorthand like ^ or *.

Define every variable, term and key concept the first time it appears.

Include a range of representations, formulae, graphs, tables, diagrams, and label them fully.

Give every graph a title, labelled axes, scales and units so it stands on its own.

State the degree of accuracy or rounding you're working to.

Interpret software or calculator output in words, don't just paste a screenshot.

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C

Personal engagement

3marks

Assesses how far you make the exploration your own, through independent thinking, genuine interest and ownership of the work.

MarkDescriptor
0The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1There is evidence of some personal engagement.
2There is evidence of significant personal engagement.
3There is evidence of outstanding personal engagement.Full marks
How to hit the top band

Pick a topic you genuinely care about and say why, link it to your own experience, curiosity or goals.

Make the methods and models your own choices, not a template handed to you.

Use self-collected data where you can, it's the clearest sign of ownership.

Be honest about what was hard and how you worked through it.

D

Reflection

3marks

Assesses how well you review, analyse and evaluate the exploration, going beyond simply restating results.

MarkDescriptor
0The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1There is evidence of limited reflection.
2There is evidence of meaningful reflection.
3There is substantial evidence of critical reflection.Full marks
How to hit the top band

Explain what your results actually mean in relation to your research question.

Weigh the strengths and weaknesses of your approach honestly.

Discuss limitations, rounding, uncertainty, measurement error, and how they affect your conclusions.

Suggest realistic extensions: more data, a stronger model, a related question.

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E

Use of mathematics

6marks

Assesses the level, accuracy and relevance of the mathematics. This is the only criterion with separate descriptors for SL and HL.

SLStandard Level
MarkDescriptor
1Some relevant mathematics is used.
2Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
3Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
4Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is partially correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
5Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is mostly correct. Good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
6Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.Full marks
HLHigher Level — adds sophistication, rigour and precision
MarkDescriptor
1Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
2Some relevant mathematics is used. The mathematics explored is partially correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
3Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
4Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct and demonstrates sophistication or rigour. Good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
5Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct, shows sophistication and rigour, and good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
6Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is precise and demonstrates sophistication and rigour. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.Full marks
iBOrbitMath AA IA Rubric page 5 / 6
Criterion E — how to hit the top band

Use mathematics that genuinely matches your level; flag anything beyond the syllabus and explain it.

Show every step with explanation, no skipped working or unexplained leaps.

Make sure the maths is correct and, at HL, precise, with appropriate accuracy throughout.

HL: show sophistication, link different areas, view the problem from more than one angle, and justify or prove your claims.

Don't reach for needless complexity, the right tool beats the fanciest one.

Don't just substitute into a formula with technology, interpret what the result means.

Before you submit

Aim for roughly 12–20 pages, quality over padding. Reference every source and dataset; the exploration must pass academic-honesty checks. Submit a full draft for one round of teacher feedback, that's allowed and it matters. Remember the IA is 20% of your final Math AA grade at both SL and HL.

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iBOrbitMath AA IA Rubric page 6 / 6