SL IA QUIZ + ANSWERS

Question 1

What is the recommended amount of time that should be spent on the SL IA?

Answer 1

15 hours

Question 2

What is the maximum word limit for the Written Commentary?

Answer 2

1500

Question 3

Are there any marks that will be deducted if the word limit is exceeded? If so, how many?

Answer 3

Not explicitly, but students can lose 4 marks for evaluation (Criterion E) and 3 marks for
conclusion (Criterion D) if these sections appear after the 1,500th word

Question 4

How much of the final exam is the Written Commentary worth (weighting)?

Answer 4

25%

Question 5

Does the quality of the presentation of the work (visual and written) affect the final grade?

Answer 5

Yes, Criterion H (presentation); and perhaps Criterion G (structure)

Question 6

Pricing strategy is an example of a business theory – True or False?

Answer 6

true

Question 7

The Boston Consulting Group matrix is an example of a business tool – True or False?

Answer 7

true

Question 8

What does the candidate declaration do?

Answer 8

It acts as a declaration of authenticity

Question 9

Where should the word count be declared?

Answer 9

Cover (title) page

Question 10

Are tables of statistical data and equations, diagrams, formulae and calculations counted
as part of the word count?

Answer 10

No (page 76 of Guide)

Question 11

Does the title of the IA have to be in the format of a question?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

How many supporting documents are required in the SL IA?

Answer 12

3 to 5

Question 13

What should be included in the bibliography?

Answer 13

All sources that have been used, including
the 3 to 5 supporting documents

Question 14

○ Does the conclusion have to be consistent with the evidence provided?

Answer 14

yes

Question 15

○ Are judgments required in the evaluation?

Answer 15

yes

Question 16

Is a contents page required?

Answer 16

yes

Question 17

Are recommendations required?

Answer 17

no

Question 18

Are topics from the Higher Level syllabus allowed to be considered?

Answer 18

No – SL students are
required to select a real business issue or problem for their written commentary that must
relate to the SL syllabus

Question 19

Are examiners expected to read beyond the word limit?

Answer 19

no

Question 20

How many of the supporting documents can be a transcript of video/audio material?

Answer 20

one

Question 21

Is primary or secondary data more valuable to the SL IA?

Answer 21

Secondary

Question 22

Do the supporting documents have to be contemporary in nature?

Answer 22

Yes, within 3 years of
submission deadline to IBO

Question 23

How many drafts of the IA can a student submit for marking?

Answer 23

One – “teachers should read
and give advice to students on one draft of the work… The next version handed to the
teacher must be the final version for submission”