The Checklist for a Level 7 Mathematics IA
8 min read · IA Guidance
The Math IA is graded against five criteria, and a genuinely strong exploration needs to perform well across all of them — not excel in one and neglect the rest. Below is a practical checklist covering what examiners consistently look for at the top band.
1. Presentation
- Is the exploration organized in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence?
- Are all graphs, tables, and diagrams labeled clearly and referenced in the text?
- Is the length appropriate — focused and coherent, not padded to hit a page count?
2. Mathematical Communication
- Is notation used consistently and correctly throughout?
- Are variables clearly defined the first time they appear?
- Are key steps explained in words, not just shown as isolated equations?
3. Personal Engagement
- Does the topic stem from genuine curiosity rather than a generic, commonly recycled idea?
- Is there evidence of independent thinking — questions the student asked themselves along the way?
- Does the student explore the topic further than the minimum needed to reach an answer?
4. Reflection
- Is reflection woven throughout the exploration, not just tacked on as a closing paragraph?
- Does the student critically assess the limitations of their own method or model?
- Are the implications of results connected back to the original question meaningfully?
5. Use of Mathematics
- Is the mathematics used relevant to the question, and used correctly?
- Does the level of mathematics match or exceed the course level appropriately, without becoming an unmotivated technical detour?
- Is there sufficient rigor — proofs, justifications, or derivations where the exploration calls for them?
A common trap to avoid
Many students assume more advanced mathematics automatically means a higher score. It doesn't. An IA that uses appropriately-leveled mathematics with full understanding and clear justification will consistently outscore one that borrows an overly complex technique the student can't fully explain or connect back to their research question.
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