A Compassionate Guide to Scoring a 7 in Your Math
AI HL IA
"The Exploration (IA) is your chance to shine outside the pressures of exam
time. It is a journey of inquiry, not just an assignment. Be proud of the curiosity
that led you to your topic. You have the skills to make this piece of work truly
your own."
Understanding the Criteria Breakdown
To reach a 7, you need to understand exactly what your moderators are looking
for. The IA is scored on 20 points across five criteria. Here is how to conquer them:
Criterion Focus Key Tip for a 7
Ensure a logical flow. Use a table of
Organization &
A: Presentation contents, clear headings, and defined
Clarity
variables.
Use correct IB mathematical notation
Notation,
B: Math Comm consistently throughout. Explain your
Terminology
terminology clearly.
This must be *yours*. Describe *why*
C: Personal Interest,
you chose this, how you personalized the
Engagement Creativity
math, and show your enthusiasm.
Reflect *throughout* the exploration, not
Meaningful
D: Reflection just at the end. Discuss strengths,
commentary
limitations, and extensions.
The math should be HL level and
Relevance & relevant to the task. Ensure you show all
E: Use of Math
Accuracy steps and use GDC/software
appropriately.
Actionable Tips for a Level 7
1. Choosing Your Topic (The Foundation)
Choose a topic you genuinely care about, but ensure it allows for "High-
Level" mathematics. If you love sports, analyze player performance curves
using regression. If you love business, model cost-revenue optimization. The
best IA is one where you are the expert on the context.
2. The "Reflection" Secret
Many students lose marks here. Do not just summarize. After each major
math section, write a paragraph reflecting on why you chose that method,
what it revealed about the real-world problem, and if there are limitations to
the model you created.
3. Personal Engagement is Not Fluff
Personal engagement is about voice. Include your own data collection
(surveys, experiments) or your own unique application of a model. Show the
examiner your process—your initial hurdles and how you overcame them.
4. Precision and Communication
Always define your variables. If you use a function like f(x), explicitly state
what x represents and the domain you are working within. A 7-level IA is
readable by another student in your class—it should be that clear.
Final Encouragement
Writing an IA is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one section at a time. Celebrate
the small wins, like when a model finally fits your data well. Trust in your ability
to communicate your passion through mathematics. You are doing great work.