26 Feb Mastering the ESS Internal Assessment
An ESS IA is your own investigation of a focused environmental question. A useful starting point is to decide what evidence you can obtain and how it can answer that question. Planning, data treatment, analysis and evaluation need to connect clearly.
Develop a feasible question
Define the environmental issue, context and outcome you will investigate. A local site can be practical, but suitable secondary data may also support your question. Check access, equipment, safety and school requirements before committing.
Explain your method
Describe what you will measure or select, where and when, and why the method fits. Justify the sampling design. Distinguish independent sampling units from repeated readings of the same unit.
Keep clear data records
Record units, dates, locations and relevant conditions. Keep raw observations and note any deviations from the method. Sampling effort should suit the variability and analysis; there is no universal number of trials that guarantees a strong IA.
Analyse and interpret
Choose graphs and calculations that help answer the question. Explain the patterns and limitations, and avoid claiming causation from correlation alone. Do not invent data or a conclusion before conducting the investigation.
Evaluate the investigation
Identify specific weaknesses, explain their effects and propose feasible improvements. Use the current six assessment criteria and the 3,000-word maximum in the official IB ESS guide, first assessment 2026.
Request a FREE 20-minute trial lesson. Include your IB year, SL or HL level, main question, availability and time zone. Your assessed work remains your own.
No Comments