Attention to details
Consistent significant figures or decimal place rounding
Use of proper notation such as "≈" for approximations
Avoid calculator notations such as 4*5 or x^2 or 2.3E4 etc.
Graphs must be clear with logical scales and labeled axes
All graphs, diagrams, and important equations must be clearly labeled
Work stands alone
The audience is your classmates or other students of the same level of class
Speak in the first person; DO NOT use "we"
Do not refer to any of your assignment sheets
Reads smoothly and effortlessly
Answers are not numbered unless required
Single word-processed document
Integrate an equation writing program, spreadsheets, graphing program, etc.
Comment on everything included
Explain steps each time a new mathematical process is used
Avoid repetition of processes already explained
Important notes on graphs, diagrams, tables, charts, etc.
Graphs, charts, etc. appear on the same page where they are explained
It is okay to leave space on the bottom of a page if needed to separate each graph/table/diagram with appropriate discussions
Use the "Insert Page-Break" feature when a new problem is started (if there is not enough space on the current page)
Proof for comments such as "see the graph below" when the graph was accidentally moved to the next page during editing
Avoid full-page graphs or diagrams; must be small but clear (If a graph must take up a full page, include a full discussion of it on the next page)
Use features such as "text-wrapping" to make graphs or diagrams an integrated part of the work
Avoid using Excel to generate graphs; instead, use GeoGebra, Desmos, or other professional graphing tools
Pie Charts and bar graphs are usually not good tools for sophisticated analysis
Scatter plots are okay if appropriate and relate to the topic (such as linear regression in Statistics) but not quite suitable for other purposes
Use a variety of mathematical approaches
Use of many "kinds" of math (techniques)
Have several possible approaches for the solution
All math used is relevant to the task
No fluff or space-fillers
Work through all problems with pencil and calculator before writing
Will help you to get the feel for the project so that you can start to address the main goal and insights right from the start of the paper
Have detailed notes on the mathematical approach and the analysis of the maths
Can pretend that you are writing a chapter in a textbook
Fully explain each step
Creative formatting
TAKE PRIDE!
May approach the paper as a science lab
Write a hypothesis
Collect data
Analyze data
Draw conclusions
Discuss possible errors or improvements
Important notes about data
Authentic data is NOT the most important thing!
You may follow the format of science lab papers, but you DO NOT have to collect all data from your own experiment
All data can be collected online, with proper works cited
Raw data should be organized as concisely as possible and included in the appendix
The main body should only include the compiled data used in the relevant calculation
DO NOT frequently refer to the appendix because it will cut the flow of reading; if what is in the appendix is very important, move it to the body
PROOF READ for any grammatical errors and structures for references
For math papers, the graders do not grade on the grammar errors, spelling, or structures of citations, HOWEVER they greatly impact the credibility of your paper, and the flow of reading.
IB IS LOOKING FOR STUDENT WORK! IT IS OBVIOUS WHEN IT IS NOT!!!