Introduction
Writing the Personal Project report is the final and most important step in your IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) project journey. It’s where you bring together months of research, action, and reflection to tell the story of your learning.
This report isn’t just a summary of what you did — it’s an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, organization, and personal growth. In this guide, we’ll break down each section of the MYP Personal Project report, explain what examiners look for, and share strategies to help you write with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Purpose of the Report
The MYP Personal Project report allows you to:
- Showcase your process and progress from start to finish.
- Reflect on how you used Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.
- Explain your connections to a Global Context.
- Evaluate how effectively you achieved your goal.
It’s assessed using four IB criteria (A–D), each scored on a 0–8 scale, for a total of 32 marks. Your report is not only a record of your project — it’s evidence of your ability to inquire, plan, act, and reflect independently.
The Four Criteria for Assessment
Criterion A: Investigating
- Define a clear and specific goal.
- Explain why the goal is personally significant.
- Identify the Global Context and explain how it connects to your project.
- Conduct relevant research that supports your ideas.
Criterion B: Planning
- Outline a detailed action plan or timeline.
- Describe the materials, resources, and methods you used.
- Explain how ATL skills helped you organize your process.
Criterion C: Taking Action
- Describe how you created your final product or outcome.
- Demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Include evidence of your work through photos, prototypes, or notes.
Criterion D: Reflecting
- Evaluate your success based on your original goal.
- Reflect on what you learned about yourself and your chosen topic.
- Discuss how your project contributed to your personal and academic growth.
Report Structure Breakdown
Your MYP Personal Project report should follow a clear and logical structure. Here’s a section-by-section guide:
1. Introduction (Criterion A)
Begin by introducing your project idea and motivation.
- What inspired you to choose this topic?
- What is your specific goal or outcome?
- Which Global Context does it connect to, and why?
Example:
“I chose to create a digital photography exhibition on environmental awareness because I’m passionate about using art to inspire change. This project connects to the Global Context of Globalization and Sustainability.”
Include brief background research to show you understand the issue or concept behind your project.
2. Planning (Criterion B)
This section explains how you organized your project.
- Create a timeline or Gantt chart showing major milestones.
- Describe the steps you took to achieve your goal.
- Discuss how you used ATL skills (organization, research, self-management).
Example:
“I developed a weekly plan that included research, photo shoots, and editing sessions. Time management was essential, so I used a digital planner to track progress.”
Be specific — vague statements like “I worked hard” won’t earn high marks.
3. Taking Action (Criterion C)
This is where you describe the process of creating your final product.
- Include visuals such as photos, drafts, or screenshots.
- Explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
- Show how your product demonstrates your creativity and understanding.
Example:
“When my initial design didn’t print correctly, I researched eco-friendly paper suppliers and adjusted the layout to minimize ink use. This problem-solving improved my final presentation.”
This section should clearly show your initiative and effort.
4. Reflection and Evaluation (Criterion D)
End your report by evaluating your learning journey.
- Did you achieve your goal? How do you know?
- What skills did you develop most?
- How did your understanding of your topic or yourself change?
- What would you do differently next time?
Example:
“My photography project deepened my understanding of environmental activism. I learned that impactful art requires empathy and technical skill. Next time, I’d collaborate with more artists to expand perspectives.”
Strong reflections show maturity, self-awareness, and growth.
5. Bibliography and Appendices
- List all research sources using MLA or APA format.
- Include appendices such as sketches, plans, or evidence of your product.
- Make sure visuals support, not replace, your written explanations.
Writing Tips for Success
1. Keep It Concise
Your report should be up to 3,500 words (about 10–15 pages). Write clearly and avoid unnecessary detail.
2. Use the IB Command Terms
Include words like analyze, evaluate, explain, and reflect to align with IB language.
3. Show Evidence, Don’t Just Tell
Support every claim with proof — photos, screenshots, or direct references to your journal.
4. Be Honest About Challenges
Admitting difficulties and explaining how you overcame them shows resilience and critical thinking.
5. Proofread and Format Professionally
A well-presented report demonstrates care and organization — both valued ATL skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a topic that’s too broad or vague.
- Forgetting to connect to the Global Context.
- Describing the product but not analyzing the process.
- Missing reflection or personal growth analysis.
- Ignoring proper citation rules.
Avoid these pitfalls by revisiting your criteria checklist before submission.
Conclusion
Writing your MYP Personal Project report is your chance to showcase not just what you created, but how you learned and grew. By organizing your report around the four IB criteria — Investigating, Planning, Taking Action, and Reflecting — you’ll produce a clear, thoughtful, and high-scoring submission.
Remember: the best reports tell a story — one of curiosity, creativity, and self-discovery. Treat yours as a reflection of who you are as a learner, and you’ll be proud of both the process and the product.
