IB Economics IA Structure: 800-Word Commentary Guide

IB Economics IA: Quick Answer

Each IB Economics IA commentary must be based on a published news-media article and contain no more than 800 words. Build the commentary around accurate economic theory applied to the article, relevant diagrams, one key concept and a balanced evaluation. The portfolio contains three commentaries based on different syllabus units.

Assessment focus	What the commentary should demonstrate
Diagrams	Accurate, relevant and fully explained diagrams adapted to the article
Terminology	Economic terms used accurately in context
Application and analysis	Theory connected throughout to the facts and stakeholders in the article
Key concept	A clear, developed link between the selected concept and the article
Evaluation	Supported judgements considering consequences, assumptions and stakeholder effects

1. Choose a Suitable Article

• Use a published news-media extract with a clear economic issue and identifiable stakeholders.

• Choose an article that permits economic analysis rather than one that already supplies all the analysis.

• Confirm that the article and syllabus unit satisfy the current portfolio requirements.

• Select a key concept that genuinely helps explain the issue, not one added only as a label.

2. Plan Before Allocating Words

There is no official compulsory paragraph template. First identify the relevant model, the causal chain, the article evidence, the key-concept linkage and the evaluation. Allocate the 800-word limit according to what the chosen article requires rather than following fixed paragraph word counts.

3. Introduce the Issue and Theory

Briefly identify the article’s issue, define only the terms needed for the analysis and establish the theory you will apply. Avoid using a long introduction that merely summarises the article.

4. Draw and Explain Relevant Diagrams

Label axes, curves, equilibria and changes accurately. Adapt the diagram to the article and explain every important movement or shift in the commentary. A chart copied from the article is not a substitute for an economic diagram.

5. Apply and Analyse Throughout

Use specific evidence from the article to trace a clear mechanism. Explain who is affected, how incentives or costs change, and why the predicted outcome follows. Analysis that remains theoretical or descriptive will not fully demonstrate application.

6. Develop the Key-Concept Link

Explain how the selected concept—such as intervention, equity, efficiency or sustainability—illuminates the issue. The connection should recur naturally in the analysis rather than appearing in one isolated sentence.

7. Evaluate and Reach a Judgement

• Compare short-run and long-run effects.

• Consider different stakeholders and unintended consequences.

• Test assumptions and the significance of elasticities or market structure.

• Assess alternative policies and opportunity costs where relevant.

• Finish with a judgement supported by the article and analysis.

Common IA Mistakes

• Exceeding 800 words; examiners do not read beyond the limit.

• Summarising the article instead of applying economic theory.

• Using generic, copied or incorrectly labelled diagrams.

• Mentioning a key concept without developing the linkage.

• Making evaluation assertions without evidence or explanation.