IB Economics Paper 1 Guide
Master structured economic essay writing for microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economics.
Duration
1h 15m
Plan before writing
Choice
1 of 3
Choose one question
Marks
25
10 + 15 marks
Calculator
No
Not permitted
Paper 1
SLHLMaster structured economic essay writing for microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economics.
Paper 2
SLHLBuild confidence with case-study questions, calculations, diagrams and source-based evaluation.
Paper 3
HLPrepare for HL policy analysis with quantitative skills, diagrams and reasoned recommendations.
- Explain core theory in a precise sequence instead of listing memorized points.
- Use accurate diagrams with labels, shifts and written explanation.
- Apply relevant examples where the question asks for evaluation or real-world context.
- Part (a) is worth 10 marks and focuses on explanation and diagram use.
- Part (b) is worth 15 marks and requires deeper analysis plus evaluation.
- A strong answer directly answers the command term before adding nuance.
- Define key terms briefly, then move quickly into analysis.
- Keep diagrams integrated: introduce them, explain them, and link them back to the question.
- For evaluation, compare short-run and long-run effects, stakeholder impacts and assumptions.
- Writing generic essays that do not answer the exact question.
- Dropping in diagrams without explaining the movement or outcome.
- Saving evaluation until one rushed sentence at the end.
- Memorize a flexible essay structure for 10-mark and 15-mark answers.
- Practice drawing common diagrams quickly and cleanly.
- Build a bank of real-world examples for each syllabus unit.
Ready to practise?
Move from reading strategy to active recall with quizzes, diagrams and applied examples.
More Past Paper Practice
Explore the other IB Economics paper libraries.
Related Resources
Practice Quizzes
Test definitions, diagrams and exam technique before moving to timed papers.
Economics Diagrams
Revise the diagrams that make your explanations clearer and easier to mark.
Real-World Examples
Build the examples needed for stronger Paper 1 and Paper 2 evaluation.
IA Guide
Use the same analytical habits in your internal assessment portfolio.