One of the biggest challenges IB students face in their Internal Assessment is moving from description to analysis. Many students understand their topic well and can explain it clearly, yet still lose marks because their work remains descriptive. Analysis is the skill that unlocks higher mark bands — but it often feels vague and difficult to apply.
The good news is that analysis is not mysterious. It is a skill that can be learned with the right approach.
Why Students Get Stuck in Description
Most students describe because it feels safe. Description relies on knowledge and accuracy, while analysis requires judgment and interpretation.
Students often describe when:
- They are unsure what examiners expect
- The research question is too broad
- They fear making mistakes
As a result, writing becomes explanatory rather than analytical.
Description Answers “What” — Analysis Answers “Why”
A simple way to identify analysis is to look at the type of question your writing answers.
Descriptive writing answers:
- What happened?
- What does this show?
- What is this concept?
Analytical writing answers:
- Why did this happen?
- Why does this matter?
- How does this affect the research question?
If your paragraphs stop after explaining what happened, analysis is missing.
Link Every Point Back to the Research Question
Analysis only exists in relation to the research question or aim. One of the most effective ways to shift from description to analysis is to make this link explicit.
After presenting evidence or explanation, ask:
- How does this help answer my question?
- What does this imply for my investigation?
Writing these links clearly shows examiners that you are analysing, not just explaining.
Focus on Interpretation, Not Information
Many students think analysis means adding more information. In reality, analysis often involves less information and more interpretation.
Strong analysis:
- Selects the most relevant evidence
- Explains its significance
- Connects it to a broader argument
Weak analysis often overwhelms the reader with detail but never explains why it matters.
Develop Points, Don’t List Them
Descriptive writing often looks like a list of facts or findings. Analysis develops each point fully.
To develop a point analytically:
- State the finding or idea
- Explain why it occurs
- Discuss its implications
This structure helps move beyond surface-level explanation.
Use Comparison and Cause-and-Effect
Analysis is strengthened by showing relationships.
Common analytical approaches include:
- Comparing results or ideas
- Explaining cause-and-effect
- Identifying patterns or trends
These approaches naturally push writing beyond description.
Evaluation Grows Out of Analysis
Strong evaluation depends on strong analysis. Once you have explained why something happens, it becomes much easier to:
- Identify limitations
- Judge reliability
- Justify conclusions
If evaluation feels forced, analysis is usually the problem.
Why Analysis Feels Hard Without a Framework
Many students struggle with analysis because they haven’t been shown how to build it consistently. Without a clear structure, students guess — and often revert to description.
A clear coursework framework helps students:
- Recognise where analysis is required
- Structure analytical paragraphs
- Apply analysis consistently across the IA
If you’re working on any IB IA or the Extended Essay, following a structured coursework system can help you move confidently from description to analysis.
You can find a step-by-step guide to developing strong analysis in IB coursework here:
👉 https://www.revisiondojo.com/coursework-guide
Final Thoughts
Moving from description to analysis is one of the most important transitions in IB coursework. By focusing on interpretation, linking ideas back to the research question, and developing points rather than listing them, students can dramatically improve their IA quality. Analysis is not about sounding complex — it is about explaining why your evidence matters.
