Research question
The question is narrow, answerable, and visible in the introduction, method, analysis, and conclusion. A reader should not have to guess what the IA is trying to prove.
Free checklist
IB IA checklist for students before final submission.
Use this checklist before asking for feedback or uploading an Internal Assessment draft. It is designed to catch the problems that usually matter more than wording: focus, method, evidence, analysis, evaluation, and communication.
Core IA checks
Method or source path
The method, model, article, source set, or investigation path is specific enough that someone can understand how evidence was produced or selected.
Evidence trail
Raw evidence and processed evidence connect clearly. Tables, graphs, quotations, calculations, or source details are labeled and explained.
Revision checklist
- Can every body section be connected back to the research question?
- Does the draft explain why the chosen method or source set fits the question?
- Are important data, quotations, diagrams, calculations, or sources interpreted instead of only displayed?
- Does the conclusion answer the question using the actual evidence from the draft?
- Does the evaluation explain which limitation matters most, not just list possible weaknesses?
- Are subject-specific terms used accurately and only where they help the argument?
- Would a teacher know what feedback you need after reading your current draft?
Signs the IA still needs work
The topic is clear, but the question is not
If the IA is about a broad area rather than a precise investigation, the analysis will usually drift.
Fix focus firstThe evidence appears, but the explanation is thin
Students often show the right data or sources but stop before explaining what the evidence proves.
Add interpretationLimitations are named without impact
Good evaluation explains how a weakness changes confidence in the conclusion.
Rank limitationsNext step
If the first checklist item is still uncertain, use the free IA research question checker before rewriting the rest of the draft. When the question and evidence path are stable, upload the draft for criterion-level score signals and a ranked revision order.
Is the research question ready?
Check my research questionRun the five-part stress test first, then move into a full independent IA review when the investigation is aligned.