The Ultimate IB Economics IA Guide for Top Marks (Structure, Markscheme & Expert Tips)

Last reviewed April 2026 by Ignacio Diez Lacunza, IB Examiner for Economics

Forty-five marks, and the structure to earn them is more straightforward than most students expect. The IB Economics IA counts for nearly a third of your final grade at SL, yet it is one of the most predictable assessments in the programme. The markscheme is clear, the format is consistent, and with the right approach, top marks are genuinely within reach. 

In this guide, you will find a full breakdown of the IB Economics IA markscheme, a recommended commentary structure, expert writing tips, and answers to the most common questions students ask. Whether you are at SL or HL, this is the starting point for a stronger submission.

IB Economics IA at a Glance

If you are just getting started with your IB Economics IA, here are the essential facts you need to know before diving in:

• Type: Internal assessment portfolio (3 commentaries)
• Word count: 750 to 800 words per commentary
• Weighting:
  • SL: 30% of final grade
  • HL: 20% of final grade
• Based on: Real-world news articles
• Core focus: Economic analysis, evaluation, and application
• Key requirement: Use different syllabus units and concepts for each commentary

Keeping these points in mind from the start will help you stay on track and understand exactly what examiners are looking for in a strong economics IA IB submission.

What is IB Economics Internal Assessment?

The IB Economics Internal Assessment is a portfolio of three written commentaries, each based on a different real-world news article. It is a compulsory component for both SL and HL students, and it gives you the opportunity to show how well you can apply economic theory to situations happening in the world around you.

Ignacio elaborates the following tips:

TIP 1: It is recommended to use screenshots or a PDF version of the article to attach instead of just copying and pasting the content, as it must be demonstrated that the candidate did not edit or alter the article at all.

TIP 2: Although it is not mandatory for short articles, it is a good practice to highlight the relevant parts of the article to be used in the commentary.

TIP 3: Be sure that your article is long enough, very short articles with not enough information usually trend to be speculative commentaries. Even better if the article states a problem and a solution or the effects of them to be analyzed.

Each commentary must focus on a different unit of the syllabus:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• The Global Economy

On top of that, each commentary must be built around a different key concept from the WISE ChoICES framework. Some examples include Scarcity, Choice, Efficiency, Equity, and Sustainability. The full list includes nine concepts in total, and no concept can be repeated across your three commentaries.

What makes this assessment unique is that it is not just about explaining what an article says. Your job is to connect the real-world situation to economic theory, apply the relevant key concept, and evaluate the outcomes. That is what separates a good Economics Internal Assessment from a great one.

Your portfolio is first marked by your school teacher, and the IBO then selects some portfolios for external moderation. Most students spend around 20 hours completing the full portfolio, so planning your time carefully is well worth it.

IB Economics IA Markscheme

One of the best things you can do early on is get familiar with the Economics IA criteria. Once you understand how marks are awarded, you can write with purpose and avoid common mistakes that cost students easy points.

Each commentary is marked out of 14 across five criteria. There are also three additional marks awarded for your portfolio as a whole.

Commentary Markscheme

Additional Portfolio Marks

• Each commentary covers a different syllabus unit → 1 mark
• Each article comes from a different valid source → 1 mark
• Each article is recent (published within 12 months of writing) → 1 mark

This comes to a total of 45 marks.

At SL, the IB Economics IA accounts for 30% of your final grade. At HL, it accounts for 20%. Either way, it is a significant part of your overall result, and it is worth investing real effort into getting it right.

The key takeaway here is this: examiners are not just rewarding knowledge. They are rewarding clarity, relevance, and the quality of your evaluation.

The Structure of IB Economics Internal Assessment

A logical, well-organised structure makes your IB Economics IA far easier for examiners to follow, and it makes the writing process much less overwhelming for you. While the IB does not prescribe a fixed format, there is a structure that works very well in practice.

Recommended IA Structure

A Few Key Points to Remember

• Keep your analysis focused on one main economic issue throughout
• Integrate diagrams into your written explanation rather than treating them as separate add-ons

Here are some more tips from Ignacio:

TIP 1: To show dynamics in your diagrams besides arrows, be sure to label the curves accordingly with consecutive numbers or letters. D1, D2, etc.

TIP 2: Examiners will look for non-generic diagrams; therefore, include as much specific information about the article as possible in the diagram. It is not the same “Price” as “Price of EVs in thousands of Euros”

TIP 3: You can use brackets or two-headed arrows to show distances between 2 magnitudes, like the distance between Qe and Qso for an overconsumption or Y and Yfe for a recessionary gap.

TIP 4: If you use areas, be sure to label them with Capital letters and to reference more than one, use them separated by a sign “+” without spaces to avoid increasing your word count, A+B+C, etc.

TIP 5: Unlike the External Assessment papers, your IA portfolio will not be scanned; therefore, you can use colors in your diagrams and areas, just be sure that they are differentiated. Some examiners may be colorblind, so it will be a good idea to use labels as well.

• Avoid repeating the same ideas across different sections

Getting your structure right from the beginning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your Economics IA score before you have even written a single word of analysis.

How to Write a High-Scoring IB Economics IA Report

Writing a strong IB Economics Internal Assessment is about much more than knowing your theory. You need to present your ideas clearly, stay grounded in the article, and show genuine evaluative thinking throughout. The students who score highest are not always the ones who know the most economics. They are the ones who communicate it most effectively.

Here are the most important strategies to focus on.

Structure Your IB Economics IA for Maximum Clarity

A clear, logical structure is the foundation of any high-scoring Econ IA. When examiners can follow your argument easily, they are far more likely to award full marks in each criterion.

To improve the clarity of your commentary:

1. Use clearly defined sections: introduction, analysis, and evaluation
2. Keep each paragraph focused on one idea
3. Avoid blending your explanation and evaluation together in the same paragraph

Short, focused paragraphs are much easier to read than long walls of text, and they also help you stay within the word count.

Apply Economic Terminology Accurately and Consistently

Precise use of terminology is one of the clearest signals to an examiner that you genuinely understand the economics behind your commentary. It is not about dropping in as many terms as possible. It is about using the right terms in the right context.

When applying terminology in your IB Econ IA:

• Use terms such as market failure, price elasticity of demand, or deadweight loss correctly and in context
• Avoid vague or general phrasing that could apply to any situation
• Let your usage demonstrate understanding rather than relying on definitions to do the work for you

You do not need to define every term you use, but your application must be precise and clearly tied to the article.

Incorporate Diagrams to Strengthen Your Analysis

Diagrams are not optional extras in an IB Economics Internal Assessment. They are a core part of the assessment criteria and can make a real difference to your mark.

To use diagrams effectively:

• Include at least one diagram that is directly relevant to the economic issue in your article
• Label all axes, curves, shifts, and equilibrium points clearly and specifically (for example, “Price of EVs in thousands of euros” rather than just “Price”)
• Always explain your diagram in writing and refer to it explicitly in your analysis
• Show dynamic changes by labelling curves consecutively, such as D1 and D2, rather than using arrows alone

A strong diagram supports your argument. It should never feel like it has been included just to fill space.

Support Arguments with Evidence and Relevant Article Quotes

Your commentary must stay grounded in the article throughout. One of the most common mistakes students make in their IB economics IA is drifting into general theory without tying it back to the specific situation in the article.

To keep your commentary well-supported:

• Use data, statistics, and specific details from the article wherever possible
• Include short and relevant quotes where they add real value
• Paraphrase where you can in order to protect your word count
• Always connect the evidence back to your economic analysis and key concept

Examiners want to see that your analysis is rooted in the real-world situation, not just a theoretical exercise.

Develop Focused Analysis and Strong Evaluation

This is where top students truly stand out. Analysis and evaluation together account for six out of the fourteen marks available per commentary, so it is worth spending real time developing these skills.

Strong analysis in an IBDP Economics IA:

• Applies theory directly and specifically to the situation in the article
• Explains cause and effect relationships clearly
• Avoids speculation beyond what the article supports

Ignacio has these tips for your analysis:

TIP 1: You must be very careful here of not speculating or getting out of the article’s context or the economics theory related to it; always focus on what the article is saying.

TIP 2: Be sure that your Key Concept is highlighted in bold letters, for your teacher or examiner to have a better idea of how many times and where you are using it.

Strong evaluation:

• Considers both short-term and long-term effects of the economic situation or policy
• Discusses the impact on different stakeholders, including consumers, firms, and government
• Identifies limitations, trade-offs, and possible alternative approaches
• Reaches a clear and justified conclusion

Avoid making broad, general statements. Every evaluative point should be specific, relevant, and directly linked to the article and the key concept you have chosen.

Manage Word Count and Presentation Effectively

Each Economics Internal Assessment commentary must stay within 750 to 800 words. This might feel tight at first, but with careful writing it is very manageable.

To stay within the limit without losing quality:

• Cut repetition wherever it appears
• Write concise, direct sentences
• Keep article quotes short and purposeful

For presentation, make sure your commentary is:

• Clearly formatted with logical paragraph flow
• Easy for examiners to read and navigate
• Free of unnecessary padding or filler phrases

Good presentation will not earn you extra marks on its own, but poor presentation can make it harder for examiners to award the marks your analysis deserves.

Select a Relevant Article

Choosing the right article is one of the most important decisions you will make in your IBDP Economics IA, and it is worth taking the time to find something genuinely suitable rather than rushing this step.

A strong article for your IB Economics IA should:

• Have been published within the last 12 months
• Focus on a clear and identifiable economic problem
• Include reference to a policy, solution, or outcome that you can evaluate

TIP: It is important to not make reference to any other document or source of information other than the article, instead of footnotes, quotations could be better. This is something that examiners look for immediately. Sadly, many students think that referencing more documents will be rewarded, but that is only acceptable in the Extended Essay.

• Provide enough factual detail and data to support real economic analysis

Stick to reputable mainstream news sources such as the BBC, The Guardian, CNN, or the Washington Post. Avoid purely opinion-based pieces or articles that already contain economic analysis, as these leave you with very little to do yourself.

If you find a longer article that covers several topics, that is not necessarily a problem. Focus on highlighting the relevant sections and make sure your commentary stays tightly focused on the specific economic issue you have chosen to address.

FAQ: IB Economics IA

What is the recommended word limit for an IB Economics IA?

Each commentary should be between 750 and 800 words. This word count excludes diagrams, references, labels, and the article itself. Quotations from the article, however, do count toward your total, so use them carefully.

How many diagrams are appropriate to include in an Economics IA?

At least one well-labelled diagram is expected in every commentary. High-scoring IB Economics IA responses often include two diagrams where the economic situation calls for it, for example when showing both the cause and the effect of a market intervention.

Can I select any news article for my Economics IA?

Not quite. Your article must be recent, sourced from a credible outlet, and focused on a clear economic problem with a policy or outcome you can evaluate. Avoid economics-specific publications like the Financial Times or The Economist, as they tend to include analysis that overlaps with what you are supposed to provide yourself.

How can I make sure my IA satisfies IB assessment criteria?

The most effective approach is to keep the Economics IA criteria in front of you as you write. Check each section against the markscheme and ask yourself whether you have included accurate diagrams, precise terminology, focused analysis, and well-reasoned evaluation. Getting feedback from a teacher or experienced IB Economics tutor before your final submission is also extremely valuable.

Do I need to define every economic term in my IA?

No, definitions are not compulsory. What matters far more is that you use economic terms correctly and in context. If you do choose to include definitions, make sure they are accurate and appear naturally in the flow of your writing.

Is it appropriate to include direct quotations from the source article?

Yes, short and relevant quotations are perfectly appropriate and can add real strength to your Economics IA. Just remember that quotes count toward your 800-word limit, so be selective. Paraphrasing is often a more efficient choice when the exact wording is not essential.

Final Thoughts

A high-scoring IB Economics Internal Assessment comes from choosing a strong article, applying economic theory with precision, building a clear structure, and developing evaluation that goes beyond simple description.

Whether you are just starting or refining a draft, focusing on these strategies will put you in a strong position. If you would like personalised support, TutorsPlus offers guidance from experienced IB Economics teachers and examiners to help you at every stage, from article selection to your final commentary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ignacio brings well over a decade of teaching experience to his Economics tuition, and teaches the IB Economics HL course on the IB-accredited Pamoja online platform. As an IB Examiner for Economics since 2018 he expertly guides his students to greater independent thought and improved results in their Internal Assessments and Extended Essays. He knows IB Economics inside-out and is perfectly placed to guide you to success in your IB Economics Internal Assessment. You can book tuition with Ignacio here.