Philosophy · Philosophical Analysis of a Non-Philosophical Stimulus (IA)
IB Philosophy Internal Assessment
Upload your Philosophical Analysis of a Non-Philosophical Stimulus (IA) and get examiner-level feedback on every criterion — scored against the official IB Philosophy internal assessment criteria (philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus; unchanged in the first-assessment-2025 guide). Free to try, no account required.
Assessment criteria — 25 marks total
Your Philosophical Analysis of a Non-Philosophical Stimulus (IA) is graded against 5 criteria. iBacalao scores each one and tells you exactly where to gain marks.
Identification of Issue and Justification
The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus (a film, image, article, song…) clearly and explicitly identified, with a clear justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue.
Clarity
A well-structured, focused and effectively organized response that is clear and coherent throughout.
Knowledge and Understanding
Relevant, accurate and detailed philosophical knowledge, a well-developed explanation of the philosophical issue, and appropriate use of philosophical vocabulary throughout.
Analysis
Well-developed critical analysis rather than description, with well-chosen examples that support the argument, and counter-arguments identified and analysed in a convincing way.
Evaluation
Clear evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view, with all or nearly all of the main points justified, arguing from a consistently held position to a clearly stated conclusion consistent with the argument.
Common mistakes to avoid
Identification of Issue and Justification
Issue implied by the discussion but never explicitly statedNo justification of why the stimulus raises this issueStimulus treated as decoration rather than the source of the issueIssue too broad ("ethics") instead of a focused philosophical question
Clarity
No recognizable structure (issue, analysis, evaluation, conclusion)Paragraphs that drift from the taskReader can't tell what the answer is trying to conveyStimulus summary crowding out the philosophy
Knowledge and Understanding
Philosophical positions named but not accurately explainedPhilosophical vocabulary absent or misusedKnowledge recited without connection to the issueOnly one philosophical tradition or thinker considered where the issue invites more
Analysis
Describing the stimulus or the positions instead of analysing themNo examples, or examples that don't support the argumentCounter-arguments never raisedCounter-arguments stated but immediately dismissed without analysis
Evaluation
Alternative interpretations mentioned but never weighedMain points asserted without justificationPosition shifts midway through the responseConclusion missing, or inconsistent with the argument made
Common questions
How is the IB Philosophy Philosophical Analysis of a Non-Philosophical Stimulus (IA) marked?
Your Philosophical Analysis of a Non-Philosophical Stimulus (IA) is marked against 5 criteria totalling 25 marks using the official IB Philosophy internal assessment criteria (philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus; unchanged in the first-assessment-2025 guide). Your teacher marks first, then the IBO moderates a random sample from your school — so your mark may be adjusted up or down if the moderator consistently disagrees with your teacher.
What is the most important criterion in the IB Philosophy IA?
All criteria matter, but the highest-weighted criterion — worth the most marks — is "Analysis". Focus on what the mark band descriptor says for the top score and make sure every element it mentions is present in your submission.
Can I use AI to help with my Philosophy IA?
The IBO allows AI for feedback and research support, but the submitted work must be entirely your own. iBacalao gives criterion-by-criterion feedback on your draft — the same kind of comment your teacher would give — without generating any text for your IA.