Criterion A: Presentation (4 marks)
Examiner Focus
Organization and coherence of the exploration.
Top-Band Move
The exploration is coherent, well organized, and concise.
Common Penalty
The exploration has some coherence or some organization.
IA Playbook
Math AA IA Criteria Guide
Build a coherent exploration with a clear mathematical question and disciplined communication.
Use this guide to keep your exploration focused on a precise line of inquiry, well-presented mathematics, and reflection that goes beyond calculation.
Criteria Breakdown
Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.
Criterion B: Mathematical Communication (4 marks)
Examiner Focus
Appropriate use of mathematical language, representation, and logical development.
Top-Band Move
The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and consistent throughout.
Common Penalty
The exploration contains some relevant mathematical communication which is partially appropriate.
Criterion C: Personal Engagement (3 marks)
Examiner Focus
Evidence of independent thinking and creative engagement with the topic.
Top-Band Move
There is evidence of outstanding personal engagement.
Common Penalty
There is evidence of some personal engagement.
Criterion D: Reflection (3 marks)
Examiner Focus
Depth of review, analysis, and evaluation of the exploration.
Top-Band Move
There is substantial evidence of critical reflection.
Common Penalty
There is evidence of limited reflection.
Criterion E: Use of Mathematics - SL (6 marks)
Examiner Focus
Relevance and correctness of mathematics used, commensurate with SL level.
Top-Band Move
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Common Penalty
Some relevant mathematics is used.
Criterion E: Use of Mathematics - HL (6 marks)
Examiner Focus
Relevance, correctness, and sophistication of mathematics used, commensurate with HL level.
Top-Band Move
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is precise and demonstrates sophistication and rigour. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Common Penalty
Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
Markbands
Criteria point markbands to benchmark where your current draft sits and what a stronger band demands.
Criterion A: Presentation (4 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
The exploration has some coherence or some organization.
Points 2
The exploration has some coherence and shows some organization.
Points 3
The exploration is coherent and well organized.
Points 4
The exploration is coherent, well organized, and concise.
Criterion B: Mathematical Communication (4 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
The exploration contains some relevant mathematical communication which is partially appropriate.
Points 2
The exploration contains some relevant appropriate mathematical communication.
Points 3
The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and is mostly consistent.
Points 4
The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and consistent throughout.
Criterion C: Personal Engagement (3 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
There is evidence of some personal engagement.
Points 2
There is evidence of significant personal engagement.
Points 3
There is evidence of outstanding personal engagement.
Criterion D: Reflection (3 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
There is evidence of limited reflection.
Points 2
There is evidence of meaningful reflection.
Points 3
There is substantial evidence of critical reflection.
Criterion E: Use of Mathematics - SL (6 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Some relevant mathematics is used.
Points 2
Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
Points 3
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
Points 4
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is partially correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Points 5
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is mostly correct. Good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Points 6
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Criterion E: Use of Mathematics - HL (6 marks)
Points 0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
Points 2
Some relevant mathematics is used. The mathematics explored is partially correct. Some knowledge and understanding is demonstrated.
Points 3
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Points 4
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Points 5
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct and demonstrates sophistication or rigour. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Points 6
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is precise and demonstrates sophistication and rigour. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Build Sequence
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Choose a mathematically rich question
Pick a question that invites genuine reasoning, not just a long calculation chain.
Step 2
Keep notation and structure clean
Show definitions, assumptions, and transitions clearly so the mathematics is easy to follow.
Step 3
Use mathematics with intent
Only include methods that move the exploration forward and can be interpreted in context.
Step 4
Reflect on limitations
Explain what the model captures well, where it breaks down, and how your thinking changed.
Submission Checklist
- The exploration question is narrow enough to finish well.
- Mathematical communication is consistent and easy to track.
- Graphs, tables, and algebra are tied to the argument, not pasted in as decoration.
- Reflection comments on validity, limitations, and possible improvements.
Quick Wins
- Write the research question so it can be answered with a specific mathematical process.
- Label every graph and variable exactly once, then reuse the same notation everywhere.
- Add one short reflection after each major result so the logic stays visible.
Did You Know?
Check Your Math AA Exploration Against The Band Descriptors
Marksy grades your Math AA draft against each criterion, points out weak communication, and helps you tighten the exploration before submission. Marksy is built to grade faster with criterion-level precision, so you can improve before final submission.
1. Upload your IA draft PDF to Marksy.
2. Get criterion-by-criterion feedback fast.
3. Revise and resubmit with focused improvements.
Instant Grading Results
See where your score is now, not just where it could be.
Criterion-Level Feedback
Marksy explains feedback by rubric criterion, so revision is targeted.
Action List To Improve
Get concrete next edits instead of vague "improve analysis" advice.
Confidence And Integrity Signals
Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.