Internal assessments
Each IB subject sets its own IA. In the sciences it is a 3,000-word investigation worth 20%; in maths it is the exploration, also 20%.
Online help with IB IAs, the Extended Essay and TOK
Understand the criteria. Keep the work your own.
Internal assessments (IAs), the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) are a large part of the IB Diploma, and they are marked against published criteria. An IBPapa tutor explains how those criteria work, helps you plan and sharpen your ideas, and gives feedback on your approach.
From May 2027 the Extended Essay follows a new guide. It has a maximum of 4,000 words plus a reflective statement of up to 500 words, and it is marked out of 30 against five criteria. TOK is assessed through a 1,600-word essay on one of six prescribed titles and an exhibition of three objects linked to one of 35 prompts.
IB rules say your IA, EE and TOK work must be your own. Your tutor will not write, edit or rewrite it for you. Every IBPapa session is 1-to-1, online and recorded.
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"A [name initialised for tutor's privacy] is a great tutor! After multiple tutors for IB chemistry I was on the verge of giving up my search for a tutor. I found A as a tutor because a friend of mine had him as his math and biology tutor. He is fun to talk to and is really relatable. In A’s classes, I not only learnt to like chemistry, but I actively noticed how I got better, more motivated and more confident in chemistry. He is perfectly familiar with the IB and helped me to get my IB SL chemistry grade from a 3 to a 6 in my finals!!"
Extended Essay
New guide from May 2027: up to 4,000 words plus a 500-word reflection, marked out of 30.
Theory of Knowledge
A 1,600-word essay on a prescribed title, and an exhibition of three objects with up to 950 words.
Pay-As-You-Go
1 hour£70
Maximum flexibility for one-off, last-minute, or trial sessions. Try our tutoring before committing or get instant, personalized help.
- Flexible scheduling
- Risk free
- Single personalized session
- Recorded session
Try-Pack
3 hours£200
Targeted help in a low-commitment bundle. Perfect for test prep or sampling our approach. Includes feedback & progress reports.
- Flexible scheduling
- Minimum commitment
- 3 personalized sessions
- Feedback and progress for parents
- Recorded session
5-Pack
5 hours
£325 £305
Five sessions tailored for subject mastery, exam strategy, or ongoing support. Try our approach with progress tracking.
- Flexible scheduling
- Minimum commitment
- 5 personalized sessions
- Feedback and progress for parents
- Recorded session
Valedictorian's Pack
20 hours£1200
Full-service package for IA, EE, TOK, or major exam prep with dedicated expert guidance and ongoing feedback.
- Flexible scheduling
- 20 personalized sessions
- Perfect for IA, EE, TOK mentorship
- Long-term progress tracking
- Recorded session
FAQ
IA, EE and TOK tutoring FAQs
How is the new Extended Essay assessed?
From the May 2027 exams, the Extended Essay has a maximum of 4,000 words plus a reflective statement of up to 500 words. It is marked out of 30: Framework (6), Knowledge and understanding (6), Analysis and line of argument (6), Discussion and evaluation (8) and Reflection (4).
How is TOK assessed?
Through two parts. The TOK essay is up to 1,600 words on one of six prescribed titles. The TOK exhibition uses three objects linked to one of 35 prompts, in up to 950 words. Each part is marked out of 10; the essay is worth two-thirds of the TOK grade and the exhibition one-third.
Do the EE and TOK affect my diploma score?
Yes. Together they can add up to 3 points to your IB Diploma score. A grade E in either the EE or TOK means the diploma is not awarded.
How much are IAs worth?
It depends on the subject. In the sciences the IA is a scientific investigation of up to 3,000 words, marked out of 24 and worth 20% of the grade. In IB Maths the exploration is worth 20%.
Will my tutor write or edit my work?
No. IB rules require your IA, EE and TOK work to be your own. Your tutor explains the criteria, helps you plan and develop your ideas, and gives feedback on your approach.
How much does IA, EE and TOK tutoring cost?
A single one-hour session costs £70. Packs cost £200 for 3 hours, £305 for 5 hours and £1,200 for 20 hours. The 3-hour and 5-hour packs include feedback and progress updates for parents, and your first demo session is free.
Is the tutoring online?
Yes. All IBPapa sessions are 1-to-1 and online, and every session is recorded so you can rewatch it.
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