This page is designed to give you an overview of the process for the internal assessment for mathematics, the mathematical exploration, as it is called. This page should be your starting place to understand what it is, what it is worth to you and how long it should be.

What is it?

Your internal assessment in mathematics, called the exploration, is a written project on a subject of your choice. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical concepts you have learned during the course whilst exploring a topic of personal interest to you. The piece of work will probably take you several weeks or months to complete.

How long?

The exploration should be 12 to 20 pages in length (double spacing) including graphs, tables and diagrams.

What is it worth?

It is marked out of 20 and it counts for 20% of your final grade.

How will it be graded?

You teacher will grade your exploration, then the exam board take a sample of student work from your school to check that the IB agrees with the marking of your teacher. You are assessed on five different criteria Presentation (4 marks), Mathematical Communication (4 marks), Engagement (3 marks), Reflection (3 marks), Use of mathematics (6 marks). There is a complete page dedicated to understanding the assessment criteria so that you can get the best possible mark LINK

Am I allowed help?

You are encouraged to work collaboratively with classmates to generate ideas, select the topic and share research. Your teacher should be able to help you too and will be able to give you written feedback on a first draft. You must write the exploration yourself and your teacher will have to sign a document that s/he believes that to be the case.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT to write my exploration?

The IB has not banned the use of AI, like ChatGPT. However, you should be aware that the IB does not regard any work produced, even only in part, by such tools, to be your own work. If you use AI to generate any of the final work in your exploration, then you must reference it in the bibliography. Even if you reference it carefully, using AI to write parts of your exploration will likely prevent to scoring well on your internal assessment. The exploration should be your own work.

How do I come up with an idea?

This is often the most difficult part. You are strongly encouraged to explore a topic in which you have a genuine personal interest. As a starting point, it is a good idea to look at previous titles, as well as completed pieces to start with to give you a good idea what you are expected to come up with. Artificial Intelligence tools might be able to help you with your research. There is a complete page dedicated to coming up with Exploration Ideas

Do I have to use difficult mathematics to get a good mark?

No, definitely not! You are expected to use mathematics that you have learnt in the course. Often students that use mathematics beyond the level of the course do not score well. It’s usually better to use mathematics that is a little simpler and show that you really understand it. Choosing a topic that allows you to show that you understand mathematics from your Analysis and Approaches course is essential. It’s a little like getting the temperature of the porridge right in the story of Goldilocks and the three Bears.