Answering the Paper 3 Essay (DP IB Economics): Revision Note

How to answer IB Economics Paper 3 10-mark question

• Paper 3 assesses your ability to use quantitative techniques and apply them to real economic issues

• The final part of each question, part (b), is a 10-mark policy recommendation

• This is not an essay and must not be treated like a Paper 1 or Paper 2 response.

• Paper 3 (b) is about using numerical evidence to justify a clear policy choice

What examiners are looking for in Paper 3 (b)

• Paper 3 (b) primarily assesses:

  • AO4 (use and application of skills) – correct use of calculations and numerical data

  • AO2 (application) – linking results to the specific context

  • AO3 (evaluation) – balanced and justified judgment

• To access the top mark band, students must:

  • recommend one main policy only

  • use calculations from part (a) as evidence

  • evaluate the policy’s strengths and limitations

  • reach a clear, justified final recommendation

• Recommending multiple policies or ignoring calculations typically caps marks around the middle bands

Structure of a strong Paper 3 (b) answer

• A high-scoring Paper 3 response typically follows this structure:

  1. Identify the policy clearly

  2. Use results from part (a) to support analysis

  3. Evaluate the policy (advantages and limitations)

  4. Reach a justified conclusion based on the data