Why Topic Choice Shapes the Entire IA
Choosing your IB Math IA topic is arguably the most important decision in the entire process.
A well-chosen topic keeps you motivated, ensures mathematical depth, and allows you to demonstrate creativity — all critical for achieving high marks across Criterion A (Presentation), Criterion D (Use of Mathematics), and Criterion E (Reflection).
Your topic should be meaningful, mathematically rich, and clearly scoped — not too broad, not too narrow.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Topic Finder, and Exemplars, you’ll learn how to pick a topic that aligns with your interests and satisfies IB expectations.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before finalizing your IA topic, make sure it:
- Involves mathematical analysis beyond simple computation.
- Relates to something you genuinely find interesting.
- Can be explored using at least two IB-level concepts.
- Allows for interpretation and reflection, not just results.
- Fits the time and page limits of the IA.
Use RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder to test whether your idea meets all these criteria.
Step 1: Start With What Genuinely Interests You
A personal connection fuels engagement — and reflection.
Think about hobbies, sports, science, art, or global issues that involve measurable patterns or relationships.
Examples:
- Modeling a soccer ball’s trajectory.
- Predicting music streaming growth using exponential functions.
- Exploring symmetry in architecture.
RevisionDojo’s Interest-to-Math Mapper helps you turn passions into mathematical explorations.
Step 2: Identify the Mathematical Core
Every IA must focus on mathematics, not the real-world story.
Ask: “What math will I use to answer my question?”
Examples:
- Calculus for optimization or rate of change.
- Statistics for probability or correlation.
- Trigonometry for periodic or geometric modeling.
RevisionDojo’s Concept Identifier helps pinpoint the exact math behind your idea.
Step 3: Check That the Topic Is Mathematically Appropriate
Your topic should challenge you but still be manageable within IB expectations.
Avoid topics that are either too simple or too advanced.
Examples of appropriate depth:
- Deriving equations from real data.
- Testing multiple models for best fit.
- Applying integration to a physical context.
RevisionDojo’s Depth Checker helps confirm your topic’s suitability for IB standards.
Step 4: Define a Focused Aim or Question
Narrow your idea into a specific, measurable goal.
Example:
“To determine how launch angle affects projectile range using quadratic modeling and differentiation.”
Avoid vague aims like “To study probability” — make your aim actionable.
RevisionDojo’s Aim Builder helps phrase aims precisely to align with IB rubric criteria.
Step 5: Ensure the Topic Allows for Reflection and Discussion
Good topics invite questions and interpretation — not just computation.
Example:
“What assumptions affect the accuracy of the model?”
“How could this model be improved with real-world data?”
RevisionDojo’s Reflection Potential Analyzer checks whether your topic allows for meaningful reflection.
Step 6: Research Background Information
Brief background research helps you refine your mathematical direction.
Find out what models, formulas, or relationships are already known in your area of interest.
RevisionDojo’s Background Builder helps summarize this research succinctly for your introduction.
Step 7: Test Feasibility Early
Before committing, ensure you can access necessary data or compute required models.
Example:
“I confirmed that velocity data could be collected from a motion sensor and analyzed using regression.”
RevisionDojo’s Feasibility Checklist prevents common pitfalls with unrealistic data or overly complex methods.
Step 8: Make Sure the Topic Is Original or Personal
Originality doesn’t mean no one has ever done it — it means it reflects your approach.
Example:
“While many IAs model population growth, I focused on modeling endangered animal populations to reflect my interest in environmental science.”
RevisionDojo’s Personalization Prompts help you make any topic unique to your perspective.
Step 9: Evaluate Breadth vs. Depth
Too broad = superficial; too narrow = limited reflection.
Aim for a question that lets you explore one concept deeply with supporting sub-concepts.
RevisionDojo’s Scope Balancer Tool helps fine-tune your IA question for ideal complexity.
Step 10: Confirm It Meets IB Requirements
Finally, cross-check your topic against IB’s official expectations:
- Appropriate mathematical level (AA or AI).
- Ethical and safe if involving data.
- Focused on personal exploration, not replication.
RevisionDojo’s IB Alignment Checklist ensures your topic meets examiner standards perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I choose a topic from physics or economics?
Yes — as long as your exploration focuses on the mathematics, not the subject content itself.
2. What makes a topic “too simple”?
If it can be solved using only one formula or concept with no reflection, it’s too simple.
3. How early should I decide on my topic?
Ideally within the first few weeks of the course — but test it with sample calculations before committing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right topic is the foundation of a successful IA.
A well-selected idea keeps you engaged, demonstrates mathematical depth, and allows for rich reflection — everything examiners value most.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Topic Finder, and Exemplars, you’ll choose a topic that’s personal, focused, and perfectly aligned with IB’s top scoring standards.
Call to Action
Find your perfect math idea.
Use RevisionDojo’s Topic Finder and IA/EE Guide to choose an engaging, mathematically rich IA topic that reflects your interests and achieves top marks.
