Common Mistakes

Using a document but not referencing it in the text.

Fix: Reference every supporting document in the body and the bibliography.

A one-sided argument.

Fix: Weigh strengths and weaknesses of different positions.

Missing table of contents, page numbers, or headings.

Fix: These are part of a well-presented project.

Leaving the key concept off the title page.

Fix: It must be clearly indicated there.

Not highlighting the relevant parts of your documents.

Fix: Highlight them so the marker can see what you used.

Adding new facts or arguments.

Fix: Only summarize what you already showed.

A conclusion that does not answer the research question.

Fix: Answer it explicitly.

Copying text from sources, other students, or AI tools.

Fix: Your IA must be your own work; follow your school's and the IB's rules.

Going over 1,800 words.

Fix: The marker stops reading at 1,800, so your conclusion may go unread.

An incomplete bibliography.

Fix: List every source you used.

Mentioning the concept only in the introduction.

Fix: Weave it through analysis, evaluation, and conclusion.

Leaving everything until the last week.

Fix: Use the Timeline Planner.

Describing what happened instead of analyzing it.

Fix: Interpret your findings and say why they matter.

Naming a tool without applying it to your evidence.

Fix: Use real information from your documents.

No blank questionnaire or results summary.

Fix: Attach them if you did primary research.

Writing about several organizations.

Fix: Keep your focus on ONE organization; industry context is fine.

Documents older than 3 years.

Fix: They must be recent.

Choosing a fictional business.

Fix: The IA must be about a real, current issue.

A research question too broad for 1,800 words.

Fix: Narrow it to one organization, one issue, one decision.

More than one video or audio transcript.

Fix: Only one is allowed.

Three to five documents from the same company, or similar surveys.

Fix: Choose a range of ideas and views.

A title that is not written as a question.

Fix: Your title must be a question.