Why Exemplars Are the Most Powerful IA Resource
Most IB Math students struggle with the IA because they’ve never seen what excellence looks like. They know the rubric but can’t visualize how a top-tier IA flows, analyzes, and reflects.
That’s why RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars are game changers.
They give you access to real, examiner-approved examples of high-scoring IAs — showing exactly how to meet (and exceed) every assessment criterion.
Instead of guessing what “good reflection” or “mathematical communication” means, you can model your work after proven success.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before you start writing or editing your IA:
- Open RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars library.
- Filter by course (Math AA or AI) and topic.
- Read through one complete exemplar from start to finish.
- Highlight sections that match IB criteria (Presentation, Use of Math, Reflection, etc.).
- Compare those to your own draft and identify what’s missing.
Step 1: Understand What Exemplars Teach You
Each RevisionDojo Exemplar comes with detailed commentary explaining why it scored highly — referencing real IB rubric criteria.
You’ll see:
- How top students present graphs and data neatly.
- The level of math sophistication that earns 6–7 marks.
- The tone and clarity of reflection that examiners reward.
It’s not about copying the content — it’s about copying the approach.
Step 2: Analyze Structure First
Before diving into math, pay attention to how exemplars are structured.
Most high-scoring IAs follow a consistent layout:
- Introduction: Clearly explains topic choice and research question.
- Mathematical Exploration: Shows logical progression of models and calculations.
- Analysis: Interprets results and evaluates reliability.
- Reflection: Discusses assumptions, improvements, and limitations.
- Conclusion: Summarizes findings concisely.
RevisionDojo’s Exemplars show transitions between sections — how ideas flow naturally without abrupt jumps. Modeling this structure gives your IA immediate coherence.
Step 3: Observe the Mathematical Depth
Mathematical depth is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean using advanced formulas — it means applying relevant math meaningfully.
For instance, a top-scoring AI IA might use linear regression creatively, while an AA HL IA could explore calculus modeling with clear justification.
Use Exemplars to identify how students justify their methods:
- They explain variable choices.
- They test model accuracy with data.
- They interpret what parameters mean.
RevisionDojo’s annotations highlight these key explanations so you can mirror them in your own writing.
Step 4: Study Reflection and Evaluation Closely
The Reflection criterion (Criterion D) is where many students lose marks.
Reading Exemplars helps you see what genuine reflection looks like.
Look for these patterns:
- Acknowledgment of limitations (“The sample size limits generalizability”).
- Thoughtful evaluation of models (“A quadratic fit is appropriate only within x < 5”).
- Suggestions for future exploration.
RevisionDojo’s Exemplars also show weak reflections — so you can learn what not to do. Seeing both helps you internalize the standard.
Step 5: Examine Presentation and Clarity
Formatting, layout, and consistency matter.
Top exemplars:
- Label every graph and figure clearly.
- Use consistent notation throughout (no switching between x and t).
- Present results neatly, often rounding values to appropriate significant figures.
RevisionDojo includes a Presentation Checklist drawn from real examiner reports. Apply it before submission to ensure your IA looks as polished as the best examples.
Step 6: Use Exemplars for Language and Tone
One overlooked advantage of Exemplars is the writing tone.
Notice how top students balance mathematical precision with approachable explanations.
They don’t use overly technical jargon — instead, they explain complex math in simple, confident language.
Example from a top Exemplar:
“The exponential model fits the data well for x < 10, though deviations appear beyond that range, suggesting model limitations.”
RevisionDojo annotates these examples to highlight clear, examiner-friendly phrasing you can emulate.
Step 7: Compare Your Draft Against an Exemplar
Once you’ve read a few Exemplars, open your own IA draft beside one.
Ask yourself:
- Does my introduction clearly define a research question?
- Is my math exploration logical and connected?
- Have I reflected critically, not just descriptively?
- Is my notation consistent with IB conventions?
RevisionDojo’s IA Comparison Tool helps automate this — you can upload your draft and get side-by-side alignment notes against exemplar structure.
Step 8: Review Multiple Exemplars for Variety
Don’t rely on just one example. Reading a range of IAs (different topics and grades) helps you see how creativity can fit within IB’s framework.
RevisionDojo categorizes exemplars by theme:
- Algebra and Functions
- Probability and Statistics
- Calculus and Optimization
- Real-world Modeling
Seeing this variety can inspire topic extensions or ideas for improvement in your own exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use phrases or wording from exemplars in my IA?
No — your IA must be 100% original. Exemplars are for learning structure and tone, not copying text. RevisionDojo flags plagiarism automatically to protect your integrity.
2. Should I choose an exemplar in the same topic as mine?
Yes, ideally. Seeing how another student handled a similar topic helps you gauge appropriate depth and structure.
3. How many exemplars should I review?
At least two: one in your topic area and one in a different mathematical field. This gives a well-rounded understanding of what examiners value across disciplines.
Final Thoughts
The best way to learn how to write a top-tier IA is to see one.
RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars demystify expectations, showing you real, high-scoring examples that match the IB rubric perfectly.
By analyzing structure, tone, and reflection through exemplars, you gain a clear roadmap for success — transforming your draft from average to exceptional.
Call to Action
Ready to refine your Math IA like a top scorer?
Open RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars today and use them to polish, structure, and elevate your IA for maximum marks.
