Presentation is the first thing examiners notice about your IB Math Internal Assessment (IA)—before they even read a single equation. A well-presented IA gives the impression of precision, care, and professionalism, which are all essential qualities in mathematics. The content may be strong, but how you present it determines how clearly your ideas are understood.
This guide shows you how to design, structure, and polish your IA so that it looks and reads like a professional mathematical report. Using RevisionDojo’s Presentation Planner, you’ll learn how to communicate your work confidently and make examiners immediately trust your analysis.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you finalize your IA presentation, make sure you have:
- A consistent structure from start to finish.
- Clearly labeled sections, headings, and subheadings.
- Professionally formatted equations, graphs, and tables.
- Readable, consistent fonts and spacing.
- A final review using the Presentation Planner for polish and flow.
A clean, professional layout helps your mathematical reasoning shine.
Why Presentation Matters in the IB Math IA
According to Criterion A (Presentation), examiners look for logical organization and clarity. That means your IA must be easy to follow, visually clear, and structured in a way that supports your argument.
Good presentation:
- Makes complex ideas easier to understand.
- Shows respect for the examiner’s time and effort.
- Reduces the chance of miscommunication.
- Reflects your discipline and attention to detail.
In short, strong presentation makes your mathematics look as good as it is.
The Ideal IA Structure
A well-structured IA helps examiners follow your reasoning smoothly. While your exact layout may vary by topic, the most effective format generally includes:
- Title Page
Include your name, candidate number, title, subject, and date. - Introduction
State your aim, motivation, and brief overview of what you’re exploring. - Mathematical Rationale
Explain the context and background behind your chosen topic. - Methodology / Approach
Describe how you will carry out your analysis and why your methods are appropriate. - Analysis and Discussion
Present calculations, derivations, and models with explanations and commentary. - Reflection and Evaluation
Discuss limitations, challenges, and insights gained. - Conclusion
Summarize your findings and answer your research question clearly. - References and Appendices
List all sources, data, and supplementary materials neatly.
This structure gives examiners clear signposts as they move through your work.
Using the Presentation Planner
RevisionDojo’s Presentation Planner guides you through the process of organizing, formatting, and reviewing your IA for maximum clarity. It includes:
- Section flow maps to visualize your structure.
- Formatting templates aligned with IB standards.
- Checklist prompts for headings, graphs, and equations.
- Final polish review for layout consistency and readability.
By using it before final submission, you’ll ensure your IA feels cohesive, elegant, and examiner-friendly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Presenting Your IA Professionally
1. Use Clear and Consistent Formatting
- Choose one professional font (e.g., Arial or Calibri) in size 11 or 12.
- Use uniform spacing—1.15 or 1.5 for readability.
- Keep margins and alignment consistent throughout.
- Highlight key equations using bold or equation formatting tools.
2. Label Figures, Graphs, and Tables
Every visual should have:
- A title or figure number (e.g., “Figure 2: Graph of Function f(x)”).
- Labeled axes with variables and units.
- Explanatory text that refers to each visual in the main body.
This helps your examiner connect visuals to your mathematical argument instantly.
3. Number and Reference Equations
If you have many equations, label them as (1), (2), (3), etc., so you can refer back easily.
Example:
“Substituting Equation (2) into Equation (3) gives the following result…”
This organization keeps your logic transparent and traceable.
4. Maintain Logical Flow
Each paragraph or section should connect naturally to the next. Use transition phrases like:
- “To verify this result…”
- “Building on the previous model…”
- “From this, it follows that…”
Good flow keeps your IA coherent and reduces examiner confusion.
5. Keep Graphs and Text Together
Never separate a graph from its explanation. Place commentary directly below or beside visuals to avoid confusion.
6. Use Consistent Notation
Decide early on how to represent variables, constants, and functions. If “r” means rate, don’t change it halfway through the report. Consistency builds clarity.
7. Limit Colors and Effects
Use simple, professional visuals. Stick to two or three neutral colors, and avoid excessive highlighting, shading, or 3D effects.
Mathematical elegance comes from simplicity.
How to Create a Confident Tone
Professional presentation is not just visual—it’s also about tone. Your language should be:
- Clear, precise, and formal.
- Confident but not boastful.
- Analytical rather than emotional.
Use phrases like:
- “This model effectively demonstrates…”
- “The result indicates a strong correlation between…”
- “One limitation of this method is…”
A confident tone makes examiners trust your analysis and your understanding.
Common Presentation Mistakes
Avoid these errors that make even strong IAs appear unpolished:
- Crowded pages: Too many equations or visuals with no white space.
- Inconsistent font or layout: Switching fonts between sections breaks flow.
- Unlabeled visuals: Every figure, graph, or table must have a title and description.
- Weak formatting: Uneven margins, misaligned text, or excessive bolding distract from content.
- Overly casual tone: Keep phrasing academic and focused.
Clean presentation reflects careful thinking and earns examiner confidence.
Final Review Tips Using the Presentation Planner
Before submitting, use the Presentation Planner’s final checklist to ensure:
- Headings are numbered and aligned consistently.
- All visuals appear where they are first discussed.
- Graphs and tables fit comfortably on the page.
- The overall tone matches IB academic expectations.
- Your IA reads smoothly from start to finish without layout interruptions.
If it looks easy to read, it feels easy to understand—and that’s what examiners reward.
Reflection: The Power of Presentation
Presentation isn’t decoration—it’s communication. When your layout, visuals, and explanations work together, your mathematical reasoning becomes more persuasive. A professionally presented IA signals to examiners that you value clarity, structure, and precision—the exact qualities the IB values most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the best font and spacing for the IA?
Use Arial or Calibri, size 11 or 12, with 1.15 or 1.5 spacing for readability.
2. Should I include a cover page?
Yes, include a simple title page with your name, candidate number, IA title, and date. No need for images or decoration.
3. Can I use color in my graphs?
Yes, but use color sparingly. Ensure it remains legible in grayscale printing.
4. How long should my IA be?
Stay within 12–20 pages (approximately 1,800–2,000 words of analysis). Quality and organization matter more than page count.
5. Do examiners actually notice presentation quality?
Absolutely. A well-structured, clearly formatted IA is easier to read and interpret, which directly influences your Criterion A score.
Conclusion
A professional presentation turns your IA into a coherent, polished, and persuasive piece of mathematical writing. It shows examiners that you not only understand your topic but can communicate it effectively.
Using RevisionDojo’s Presentation Planner, you can structure your IA with clarity, confidence, and professionalism—giving your mathematical insights the attention they deserve.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Present your IB Math IA like a professional. Use RevisionDojo’s Presentation Planner to design, organize, and polish your work—so examiners see clarity, confidence, and mastery from the very first page.
