Economics Internal Assessment (IA) Guide

Introduction

• Economics IAs can be daunting, especially with the updated syllabus for IB exams from 2022 onwards.
• Changes in Syllabus:
  • SL Economics: IA commentaries are 30% of overall grade.
  • HL Economics: IA commentaries are 20% of overall grade.
  • New syllabus includes a focus on sustainability.

IA Components

• IA Commentaries:
  • Address Units 2, 3, or 4 with distinct articles.
  • Highlight key economic concepts like scarcity, sustainability, etc.
• Assessment Criteria:
  • Criteria A-E apply to individual commentaries.
  • Criteria F assesses the portfolio as a whole.

Article Selection Guidelines

1. Date: Article should be written within the last year.
2. Source: Must be from reputable news outlets like NYT, BBC.
3. Content: Should present a problem, solution, and pros/cons.
4. Length: 2.5 to 3 pages is ideal.
5. Treatment: Highlight references in the article for examiners.

Writing the Commentary

Introduction

• Briefly describe the article.
• Limit introduction to less than 150 words.

Explaining the Key Problem

• Use diagrams to illustrate problems.
• Use textual quotations from the article.
• Detailed, step-by-step explanation of diagrams.

Evaluating Solutions

• Connect problems to solutions provided by authorities.
• Use diagrams to explain policies (e.g., shifting AD curve for fiscal policy).
• Pros and cons of policies using article data.
• Contextualize the advantages/disadvantages.

Conclusion

• Provide a valuable judgment, not just a summary.
• Consider long-term vs. short-term effects, stakeholders, pros vs. cons.
• State any need for more information to make decisions.

Conclusion

• Use the guide to understand IA requirements and structure.
• Reach out for queries and support.
• Prepare thoroughly and give your best shot!