Answering the Paper 1 Essays (DP IB Economics): Revision Note
How to answer the IB Economics Paper 1 ten-mark question
Paper 1 (a) questions primarily assess AO1 (knowledge) and AO2/AO3 (application and analysis)
Evaluation is not required
Real-world examples are not required for Paper 1 (a) questions
What examiners are looking for
Accurate economic definitions where relevant
Clear chains of reasoning
Correct and relevant diagrams
Focus on the variable named in the question
Worked Example
Question
Explain how a change in the determinants of demand or the determinants of supply can lead to a new market equilibrium. [10]
Sample response
Why this scores in the top band
✅ Clear explanation of both demand-side and supply-side determinants
✅ Logical cause-and-effect reasoning
✅ Accurate and relevant use of a demand–supply diagram
✅ No unnecessary evaluation (appropriate for a 10-mark question)
How to answer the IB Economics Paper 1 fifteen-mark question
Paper 1 (b) questions assess AO3 (synthesis and evaluation), supported by AO1, AO2, and AO4
Real-world examples are required to support evaluation and demonstrate depth of understanding
A real-world example should:
be specific (policy, country, market, or organisation)
be accurate
be clearly linked to the economic theory used
support evaluation, not replace analysis
Worked Example
Question
Using real-world examples, evaluate the impact of imposing a price floor in an agricultural market. [15]
Sample response
Why this scores in the top band
✅ Clear focus on the command term evaluate
✅ Accurate and well-integrated economic theory
✅ Specific and relevant real-world example (CAP) used to support evaluation
✅ Balanced consideration of advantages and disadvantages
✅ A justified, context-aware conclusion
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