Command Terms Signal Depth
Command terms such as “show that”, “hence”, “find”, and “determine” signal the depth of working required.
Reaching a 7 in IB Mathematics requires understanding how the grade is awarded and building habits that match the assessment criteria. This guide covers the 1–7 scale, paper weightings, Internal Assessment criteria, command terms, calculator use, and a realistic two-year timeline for both Analysis and Approaches and Applications and Interpretation at HL and SL.
The IB awards grades on a 1–7 scale. A 7 indicates excellent performance with comprehensive understanding and consistent application of concepts in unfamiliar contexts.
Grade descriptors for mathematics emphasise thorough knowledge, effective problem solving, clear communication, and the ability to synthesise ideas across topics.
Grade boundaries are set after each examination session and reflect the difficulty of the papers.
They vary by subject, level, and session.
Students should use published boundaries as rough guides only, not fixed targets.
Raw marks needed for a 7 can change from session to session.
Command terms such as “show that”, “hence”, “find”, and “determine” signal the depth of working required.
Demonstrate a given result with clear steps.
Use the previous result to progress the solution.
Obtain the answer with full working shown.
Markschemes award M (method), A (accuracy), and R (reasoning) marks. Matching your response to the command term and showing clear steps secures method marks even if the final answer has a slip.
Familiarity with the graphical display calculator (GDC) saves time in Paper 2 and Paper 3. Practise solver functions, graphing, statistics, and matrix operations before exams.
Ensure fluency with matrix and vector functions on the GDC for relevant syllabus topics.
Verify exam mode settings and battery life before every assessment.
The formula booklet is provided in exams. Know where each formula sits and annotate your personal copy during revision to locate items quickly.
Quick navigation of the booklet reduces time pressure in exams.
Frequent errors include poor notation, premature rounding, insufficient communication of reasoning, and over-reliance on calculator output without showing steps.
Self-auditing work against markschemes helps identify these patterns before exams.
Yes, the guide addresses both courses at HL and SL, noting where paper structures and weightings differ.
The IB publishes grade boundaries after each examination session; they vary by subject, level, and paper difficulty.
The IA contributes a significant portion of the final grade and is assessed against five criteria; strong IA work supports a 7 but must be combined with strong exam performance.
Master solver, graphing, statistics, and matrix functions; verify exam mode settings; and always show the mathematical steps that lead to calculator output.
Begin mixed-topic past papers in DP2 after core topics are consolidated, and use full timed mock exams in the final revision weeks.
Submit the consultation form on the website to discuss your needs and arrange a programme with an experienced subject tutor.
Book a consultation with IB Tutoring Academy to review your current level, plan IA work, and structure past-paper practice around the criteria that matter.