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 AI IA Criteria Guide
Build a polished exploration that uses mathematics to make sense of a real-world context.
Use this guide to keep your exploration focused on a practical question, clear communication, and a model that is justified by the context it serves.
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 and representation.
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
Student's independent 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 analysis and evaluation in 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 understanding of mathematics used.
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, understanding, and sophistication of mathematics used.
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 practical question
Select a context where modelling or statistics genuinely helps answer something useful.
Step 2
Make your communication readable
Use clean tables, labels, and notation so the mathematical reasoning is easy to follow.
Step 3
Interpret results in context
Explain what the numbers mean, where the model is strong, and where it oversimplifies reality.
Step 4
Evaluate the model honestly
Discuss assumptions, limitations, and whether a better model would materially change the conclusion.
Submission Checklist
- The exploration question is tied to a clear real-world context.
- Notation, graphs, and calculations are consistent and easy to read.
- Results are interpreted in words, not just left as numbers.
- Reflection explains how well the model fits the context.
Quick Wins
- Add a short sentence after each calculation that says why it matters.
- Use the same symbols and labels throughout tables, graphs, and formulas.
- End each section by linking the result back to the practical question.
Did You Know?
See How Your Math AI Exploration Scores Before You Submit
Marksy grades your Math AI draft against the rubric, then shows where your modelling, presentation, and reflection can be tightened. 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.