Official IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches IA criteria
Read the official IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Internal Assessment criteria with markbands, guiding questions, and notes. Use the selectors to switch subject, level, or component; the optional AI grading prompt stays at the bottom for self-review.
Step 1 — what are you working on?
Step 2 — narrow it down
Group
Subject
Level
Official criteria
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches · SL · Exploration
5 criteriaTotal 20 marks
Criterion A: Presentation
4 marks
0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1
The exploration has some coherence or some organization.
2
The exploration has some coherence and shows some organization.
3
The exploration is coherent and well organized.
4
The exploration is coherent, well organized, and concise.
Criterion B: Mathematical communication
4 marks
0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1
The exploration contains some relevant mathematical communication which is partially appropriate.
2
The exploration contains some relevant appropriate mathematical communication.
3
The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and is mostly consistent.
4
The mathematical communication is relevant, appropriate and consistent throughout.
Criterion C: Personal engagement
3 marks
0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1
There is evidence of some personal engagement.
2
There is evidence of significant personal engagement.
3
There is evidence of outstanding personal engagement.
Criterion D: Reflection
3 marks
0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1
There is evidence of limited reflection.
2
There is evidence of meaningful reflection.
3
There is substantial evidence of critical reflection.
Criterion E: Use of mathematics—SL
6 marks
0
The exploration does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
1
Some relevant mathematics is used.
2
Some relevant mathematics is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
3
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. Limited understanding is demonstrated.
4
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is partially correct. Some knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
5
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is mostly correct. Good knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
6
Relevant mathematics commensurate with the level of the course is used. The mathematics explored is correct. Thorough knowledge and understanding are demonstrated.
Optional: AI grading prompt
For self-review only
A copyable prompt that embeds the criteria above and asks an AI to grade the work criterion by criterion. Use it as a draft sanity check — not a substitute for teacher or examiner feedback.
Common questions
Where do the criteria come from?
The criteria are stored locally in a structured database that mirrors the official IB descriptors. The page only displays them — descriptor wording is preserved as written, with no paraphrasing.
Why pick subject, level, and component?
The criteria differ by assessment type, subject, level, and component. The selectors at the top filter the database to the criteria set that applies to your specific submission.
What is the AI grading prompt at the bottom for?
It is an optional helper. The prompt embeds the same criteria you see above and asks an AI to evaluate the work criterion by criterion. Useful for a quick self-review before teacher feedback.
Is my work sent anywhere?
No. The page only loads criteria. If you choose to use the AI prompt, you copy it manually and paste it into the AI tool of your choice — nothing leaves this page.
More IB resources
Other tools that pair well with the official criteria.