How to Write a High-Scoring IB Economics IA
- Excel in Economics
- Nov 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Quick answer
A strong IB Economics IA uses a suitable real-world article, applies a small number of relevant economic concepts accurately, and develops analysis and evaluation around the key issue. The aim is a focused economic commentary, not a broad summary of the news.
Key ideas at a glance
Stage | What to do | Common risk |
Choose the article | Use a recent, focused issue with clear economic relevance | Selecting a story that is too broad |
Select concepts | Use the few concepts that genuinely explain the issue | Name-dropping unrelated theory |
Analyse and evaluate | Show consequences, stakeholders and conditions | Describing the article instead of applying economics |
Exam-answer checklist
Keep every paragraph tied to the chosen key concept.
Use diagrams only when they advance analysis.
Make evaluation specific to the article and stakeholders.
The Internal Assessment (IA) is a critical part of IB Economics, accounting for 20% of the overall grade in HL and 30% in SL. Crafting a top-scoring IA requires a balance of real-world application, clear analysis, and effective evaluation. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of planning, writing, and refining your IA to help you achieve a Level 7.
1. What Is the IB Economics IA?
The Internal Assessment consists of three commentaries based on news articles that relate to different sections of the IB syllabus: microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics.
Each commentary is:
Each commentary has a 750-word limit and is based on a published news extract. Check the current IB guide and school deadlines for all portfolio requirements.
2. How to Choose the Right Articles
The choice of articles can make or break your IA. Follow these tips to select the best ones:
Key Characteristics of a Strong Article:
Economics Focus: Look for articles that clearly relate to economic concepts. For example:
Microeconomics: Topics like taxes, subsidies, price controls, or market failure.
Macroeconomics: News on GDP, inflation, unemployment, or fiscal/monetary policy.
International Economics: Articles about trade barriers, exchange rates, or balance of payments.
Specific Examples: The article should provide enough real-world details (e.g., specific policies, data, or case studies) to analyze.
Recent: Ensure the article is published within the past year.
Where to Find Articles:
News Websites:
BBC News (Economy section)
The Economist
Reuters
Google Alerts: Set up alerts for keywords like “subsidies,” “GDP,” or “exchange rates.”
Pro Tip: Avoid overly technical articles or those focused on broad economic trends without specifics.
3. Structure of a Level 7 Commentary
A top-scoring IA commentary follows a clear structure:
Section | What to Include |
Introduction | - Briefly summarize the article (2–3 sentences). - Define the key economic concepts or terms. - State the focus of your analysis. |
Diagrams | - Include at least one diagram, neatly drawn and fully labeled. - Integrate it into your analysis. |
Analysis | - Explain the economic theory or model relevant to the article. - Apply the theory to the real-world example in the article. |
Evaluation | - Discuss limitations, alternative perspectives, or long-term implications of the economic issue. |
Conclusion | - Summarize your findings and connect them back to the question or issue raised in the article. |
Pro Tip: Use subheadings (e.g., “Introduction,” “Analysis”) to organize your work and make it easier for examiners to follow.
4. Current IB Economics IA Commentary Criteria
Each commentary is assessed using criteria A–E. Application and analysis form one criterion, while the selected key concept has its own criterion. The link to the key concept must be developed throughout the commentary rather than mentioned only once.
Criterion | Focus | Maximum |
A: Diagrams | Relevant, accurate, explained and applied to the article | 3 |
B: Terminology | Accurate economic terminology used in context | 2 |
C: Application and analysis | Economic theory applied and analysed throughout the article context | 3 |
D: Key concept | A clear, developed link between the article and the selected concept | 3 |
E: Evaluation | Supported, balanced judgments about the article and policy or issue | 3 |
Current IB examiner guidance also stresses that copied generic diagrams, descriptive summaries and unsupported conclusions do not demonstrate the highest-level application, analysis or evaluation.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing Weak Articles: Avoid articles that are too broad or lack specific examples.
Ignoring Diagrams: Every commentary must include at least one relevant diagram.
Over-Describing the Article: Summarize briefly—spend more time analyzing and evaluating.
Exceeding Word Count: Keep your commentary under 750 words.
Using Informal Language: Write formally and use proper economic terminology.
6. Tips for Efficient Writing
Start with the Diagrams: Build your analysis around them.
Plan Before Writing: Spend 10–15 minutes outlining your commentary.
Use Bullet Points for Evaluation: This keeps your arguments concise and clear.
Get Feedback: Share your draft with teachers or peers for input.
7. Example Topics for Each Section
Here are some topic ideas to inspire your commentaries:
Microeconomics:
Government-imposed taxes on sugary drinks to combat obesity.
The impact of subsidies on electric vehicles.
Macroeconomics:
Fiscal stimulus packages to address recession.
Central bank decisions to raise interest rates.
International Economics:
Trade restrictions due to political conflicts.
Currency depreciation and its effects on exports.
Conclusion
Writing a Level 7 IB Economics IA is about balancing theory with real-world application. By choosing strong articles, mastering diagrams, and focusing on analysis and evaluation, you can craft commentaries that impress examiners. Remember, consistency across all three commentaries is key—start early, seek feedback, and refine your work to perfection.
