Why Your Opening Paragraph Sets the Entire Tone
Your opening paragraph (or abstract, if included) is the examiner’s first window into your IA.
It introduces your topic, clarifies your mathematical purpose, and sets expectations for depth and clarity.
A strong abstract feels confident, concise, and professional — signaling that the rest of your exploration will be equally thoughtful.
While the IB no longer requires an abstract, starting your IA with a brief, well-written summary gives your work structure and readability.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Structure Templates, and Exemplars, you’ll craft opening sections that instantly capture examiner attention and establish clarity.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing your abstract or opening paragraph:
- Define your research question or aim clearly.
- Summarize the mathematical methods used.
- Indicate any key findings or outcomes.
- Keep it under 150 words for readability.
- Use RevisionDojo’s Structure Templates for formatting consistency.
Step 1: Start With the Context
Begin with one or two sentences explaining why you chose the topic and what real-world or mathematical idea it explores.
Example:
“Projectile motion offers a rich intersection of algebra, trigonometry, and physics. This investigation explores how launch angle affects horizontal range.”
RevisionDojo’s Context Builder helps you craft engaging opening sentences without sounding generic.
Step 2: Clearly State the Aim or Research Question
Your reader should understand your purpose immediately.
Example:
“The aim of this investigation is to model and analyze the relationship between initial velocity and projectile range using trigonometric functions.”
RevisionDojo’s Aim Template Library ensures every IA begins with a clear, concise aim aligned with IB criteria.
Step 3: Mention the Mathematical Methods Used
Briefly identify which mathematical techniques will appear in your IA — this helps examiners understand scope and depth.
Example:
“The exploration applies quadratic modeling, trigonometric identities, and differentiation to derive optimal launch conditions.”
RevisionDojo’s Method Outline Tool helps summarize complex mathematical methods in one or two clean sentences.
Step 4: Summarize Key Findings or Insights
End your abstract with a brief statement of what you discovered, avoiding detailed numerical results.
Example:
“The model showed that the maximum range occurs at a 45° launch angle, aligning theoretical prediction with experimental data.”
RevisionDojo’s Findings Summary Builder helps you phrase results professionally and succinctly.
Step 5: Keep It Objective and Analytical
Avoid emotional or overly personal phrasing.
Stick to academic tone — this shows examiners that you understand formal scientific writing.
Weak: “I really enjoyed working on this IA because I love physics.”
Strong: “This exploration highlights how mathematical principles explain and predict real-world motion.”
RevisionDojo’s Tone Analyzer ensures your writing sounds professional yet authentic.
Step 6: Limit to One Short Paragraph
Your abstract or opening paragraph should fit within 120–150 words — one tight paragraph.
Long introductions lose focus and reduce impact.
RevisionDojo’s Word Optimizer helps you condense your abstract while keeping it complete.
Step 7: Avoid Equations or Detailed Data
The opening paragraph introduces — it doesn’t analyze.
Save formulas, derivations, and data discussions for later sections.
RevisionDojo’s Structure Templates keep mathematical detail properly placed within the IA flow.
Step 8: Match Tone and Structure to the Rest of Your IA
Your abstract should mirror the professionalism of your full IA — clean formatting, consistent language, and smooth transitions.
RevisionDojo’s Consistency Checker ensures formatting, spacing, and language remain uniform throughout.
Step 9: Optional — Add a One-Line Personal Motivation
If it feels natural, include a brief motivation sentence showing engagement.
Example:
“As an athlete interested in sports analytics, I wanted to explore how mathematical modeling predicts optimal throwing performance.”
RevisionDojo’s Engagement Sentence Prompts help you write motivation statements that sound genuine and academic.
Step 10: Review With the IA Abstract Checklist
Before finalizing, ensure your abstract meets these IB-style standards:
- 1 paragraph (120–150 words)
- Clear aim stated early
- Mathematical focus defined
- Real-world link established
- Tone objective and concise
RevisionDojo’s Abstract Checklist guarantees you meet every criterion smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an abstract required in the IB Math IA?
No — but a short opening paragraph serves the same purpose and improves clarity.
2. Should I include results or conclusions?
Briefly, yes — just a summary sentence, not detailed calculations.
3. Can I mention personal interest?
Yes, if it’s tied to mathematical motivation, not emotion.
Final Thoughts
Your abstract or opening paragraph is your IA’s first impression.
When it’s concise, clear, and mathematically grounded, it sets the tone for a professional and high-scoring exploration.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Structure Templates, and Exemplars, you’ll write introductions that immediately capture examiner attention and frame your mathematics beautifully.
Call to Action
Start strong and sound professional.
Use RevisionDojo’s Structure Templates and IA/EE Guide to craft opening paragraphs that elevate your IA from the very first sentence.
