ECONOMICS · IB Diploma Programme
Economics Exam Tips
In IB Economics Paper 1, many candidates unknowingly cap their marks before they even finish their first paragraph. In Part (a) questions (worth 10 marks), the prompt frequently asks you to explain two distinct determinants or benefits—for example, explaining two non-price determ…
Papers
3
Total marks
125
Time limit
4h 45min
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
A graphic display calculator (GDC) from the IB-approved list is required for most Mathematics and Sciences papers and must be set to examination mode. Note that some papers do not permit a calculator (for example Mathematics Paper 1 and the multiple-choice Sciences Paper 1).
3
Papers
4
Strategies
7
Mistakes
- In IB Economics Paper 1, many candidates unknowingly cap their marks before they even finish their first paragraph. In Part (a) questions (worth 10 marks), the prompt frequently asks you to explain two distinct determinants or benefits—for example, explaining two non-price determinants that could increase market supply, or two determinants of consumption. If you only explain one, the markscheme imposes a strict maximum ceiling of 6 out of 10 marks.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.