Why Your Introduction Sets the Tone for the Entire IA
Your IB Math IA introduction is the examiner’s first impression — and it’s where you show curiosity, direction, and clarity.
A well-structured introduction not only explains what your exploration is about, but also demonstrates that you understand why it matters mathematically.
Students often lose marks in Criterion C: Communication because their introductions feel vague or generic.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Exemplars, and Structure Templates, you can craft introductions that are purposeful, precise, and examiner-ready.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing your introduction:
- Clearly define your research question or aim.
- Explain why your topic is interesting or relevant.
- Connect your topic to a real-world or mathematical context.
- Outline the mathematical tools you’ll use.
- Preview the structure of your exploration.
Step 1: Begin With Curiosity or Context
Start your IA introduction by showing why you chose your topic.
You can begin with a question, observation, or curiosity-driven statement.
Example:
“As a tennis player, I’ve always wondered how the angle of a serve affects the ball’s landing position. This investigation explores the mathematics behind that relationship.”
RevisionDojo’s Introduction Builder helps you phrase opening sentences that feel genuine and engaging.
Step 2: State Your Aim or Research Question Clearly
Examiners must immediately understand what you are investigating.
Phrase your aim in precise mathematical language.
Example:
“The aim of this exploration is to model the relationship between launch angle and horizontal distance in projectile motion using trigonometric and quadratic functions.”
RevisionDojo’s Aim Statement Templates ensure your research question aligns perfectly with IB expectations.
Step 3: Provide Background or Real-World Context
Context gives meaning to your exploration.
Briefly explain where your topic fits in the real world or why it’s relevant to mathematics.
Example:
“Projectile motion is widely used in sports science and physics to optimize performance and analyze trajectories.”
RevisionDojo’s Context Prompts help you connect your topic to authentic scenarios without unnecessary detail.
Step 4: Justify the Mathematical Relevance
Explain what areas of mathematics your IA will involve — and why those areas are appropriate.
Example:
“This investigation involves kinematic equations, trigonometric identities, and quadratic modeling to analyze motion under constant acceleration.”
RevisionDojo’s Math Relevance Guide provides phrasing examples for describing the mathematical scope confidently.
Step 5: Preview the Structure of Your IA
Give the reader a roadmap. Outline how your exploration will unfold — introduction, data, modeling, analysis, reflection, conclusion.
Example:
“This report first outlines the theoretical framework, then develops a model using real data, evaluates its accuracy, and reflects on its limitations.”
RevisionDojo’s Structure Template helps you organize this summary clearly in one short paragraph.
Step 6: Show Personal Engagement Early
IB examiners love to see genuine interest.
Include a sentence that connects your personal experience or curiosity to the math.
Example:
“Having studied the physics of ball sports, I wanted to understand how mathematical modeling could predict optimal performance outcomes.”
RevisionDojo’s Engagement Prompts help you express motivation authentically while keeping the tone academic.
Step 7: Define Key Variables or Terms (If Needed)
If your exploration involves specific quantities or parameters, define them early for clarity.
Example:
“Let θ represent the launch angle, v₀ the initial velocity, and R the horizontal range.”
RevisionDojo’s Variable Definition Tool ensures consistency throughout your IA.
Step 8: Keep It Concise and Focused
Your introduction should typically be 150–250 words — enough to inform, not overwhelm.
Avoid too much background theory or complex derivations here.
RevisionDojo’s Word Optimizer helps you trim unnecessary content while preserving impact.
Step 9: Maintain a Professional but Engaging Tone
Avoid overly formal or overly casual language.
The best tone is confident, clear, and motivated.
Weak: “I think this topic is cool.”
Strong: “This topic intrigued me because of its elegant blend of geometry and real-world application.”
RevisionDojo’s Tone Analyzer reviews your writing to ensure your introduction sounds polished and examiner-ready.
Step 10: Transition Smoothly Into the Main Body
Your introduction should naturally lead into your mathematical exploration.
End with a sentence that connects curiosity to calculation.
Example:
“To quantify this relationship, I constructed and analyzed a mathematical model that predicts range as a function of launch angle.”
RevisionDojo’s Transition Builder provides phrases that help you move seamlessly from introduction to analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should the IA introduction be?
Around 150–250 words, depending on complexity.
2. Should I include formulas in the introduction?
Only if they’re central to defining your aim — otherwise, keep formulas for later sections.
3. Can I use ‘I’ in the introduction?
Yes, if it expresses genuine motivation or reflection while maintaining a professional tone.
Final Thoughts
A strong introduction is your IA’s foundation.
It tells examiners that you’ve chosen a meaningful question, understand the math behind it, and can communicate clearly from start to finish.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Structure Templates, and Exemplars, you’ll craft introductions that engage curiosity, show purpose, and earn higher marks in communication and reflection.
Call to Action
Start your IA the right way.
Use RevisionDojo’s Introduction Builder and IA/EE Guide to create clear, focused, and examiner-ready introductions that set your exploration apart.
