The document discusses the internal assessment (IA) component of the IB Biology course, which makes up 24% of a student's overall IB score. The IA consists of laboratory reports written by students and graded internally by the teacher. Reports are assessed based on three criteria: design, data collection/processing, and conclusion/evaluation. Students can earn up to 36 points across multiple reports. The document provides examples of scored reports and explains the additional criteria of manipulative and personal skills. It emphasizes maintaining portfolios in an exam-ready format. The external exam, worth 76% of the score, consists of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions testing core and optional topics, with higher level students assessed on additional material.