Build a transparent AI-use record for your teacher
For an assignment where AI assistance is permitted, keep the real tool, prompt and generation date. The IB requires generated material copied or paraphrased into coursework to be identified in the body and bibliography. This record is only a source log, not permission to submit generated work.
Source-record draft
ChatGPT (OpenAI) · generated 2026-10-09 · prompt: “Explain the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction in a chemistry investigation.”. Identify the precise generated passage, paraphrase or image in the body where it is used, and cite using the school's required style.
Example tool details are illustrative. The final bibliography format and allowed AI use must be confirmed with your teacher. The input stays in your browser tab.
A worked AI-material attribution record
Hypothetical example invented for teaching, not actual student work or an acceptable-use exemption. The IB academic-integrity policy's AI appendix says that copied or paraphrased AI output must be identified in the body and reference list, with the prompt and date.
1 · Hypothetical use
A tool generated a three-sentence explanation of why higher temperature can change a reaction rate. The student wants to quote one sentence in a Chemistry IA draft.
2 · In-text reference structure
Identify the exact tool-generated sentence with quotation marks plus attribution using the referencing style required by the school. Never present the sentence as the student's own experimental interpretation.
3 · Bibliography/source record
Record tool/provider name; exact prompt entered; calendar date of generation; and, where available, a stable output reference. Preserve screenshots or a log of the original output for the teacher's review.
4 · Separate permission question
Ask whether the specific assignment permits generated explanation at all. Citation establishes provenance; it does not transfer authorship or guarantee permission.
What the official guidance says
AI tools can be used as part of learning, but a generated passage, graphic or result copied into assessed work must be identified and referenced. Submitting it as original authorship risks academic misconduct.
What a detector score does not prove
The IB's academic-integrity policy cautions against relying on purported human-vs-AI writing detectors as proof. Your development process, ability to explain the work, citations and authentic evidence matter more than a standalone detection percentage.
Four common requests, four different boundaries
01Asking AI to explain a concept
Use explanations as a study aid; verify accuracy against course materials and create your own assessed response.
Keep a record: Which source confirmed the answer, and what did you actually understand?
02Using AI to brainstorm possible questions
Treat proposed questions as unverified starting points. Check subject task, ethics, feasible evidence, and teacher guidance.
Keep a record: Note how and why you selected or changed the question yourself.
03Copying AI-generated sentences, images or graphs into assessed work
The IB says this material is not your own; indicate that it is AI-generated and credit it in the body and bibliography as required.
Keep a record: Keep the exact generated content and a traceable tool/reference record.
04Asking AI to rewrite an assessed paragraph
A rewrite that replaces your own reasoning can cross an authorship boundary. School rules and the IB's originality principles still apply.
Keep a record: Discuss acceptable editing assistance with your teacher before submitting.
A transparent tool-use note is not permission
If an assignment and your school's rules permit AI assistance, preserve the prompt, tool, date and portion used so you can describe it accurately. Crediting generated material does not automatically make every kind of assistance acceptable. Ask your coordinator which activities and citation format are permitted in your subject.
Questions that change the next step
Can I paste AI-written coursework if I cite the tool?
A citation identifies the source but does not automatically make every use acceptable. AI-generated material is not your original authorship; check the IB academic-integrity policy and your school's assignment rules before including it.
Do AI-detector percentages establish academic misconduct?
A standalone detection score does not reliably establish authorship. Preserve drafts, sources and your development process, and be prepared to explain the assessed work and what assistance you used.
Is an AI-generated research question acceptable in an IA?
A suggestion may be a starting point for discussion, not a substitute for your own academically appropriate research design. Verify originality, feasibility, assessment constraints and teacher approval before using it.
Sources and verification
Primary-source references for this article, checked 8 October 2026. Rules and admission policies can change; confirm the current version for your assessment session or university course.
- IB — guidance on AI in assessment and education ↗
Official 2025 IB assessment position on AI tools and attribution.
- IB — academic integrity policy, appendix on AI tools ↗
Formal policy requiring attribution for AI-generated material submitted as coursework.
- IB statement on AI-generated assessed work ↗
Official required identification of AI material in body and bibliography.
Independent student guidance, not an official IB publication. Ask your school coordinator to confirm policies relevant to your circumstances.