Essay Paper
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
Other paper guides
SL / HL
Currently viewingPaper 1
Master structured economic essay writing for microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economics.
SL / HL
Paper 2
Build confidence with case-study questions, calculations, diagrams and source-based evaluation.
HL only
Paper 3
Prepare for HL policy analysis with quantitative skills, diagrams and reasoned recommendations.
What the Paper Tests
Paper 1 rewards clear theory, accurate diagrams and direct answers to the command term.
- 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.
Question Structure
- 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.
How to Score Highly
- 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.
Common mistakes
- 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.
Revision checklist
- 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?
Put the strategy into practice
Practise the full paper, review key concepts with flashcards or test yourself with quizzes.
Past Papers & Mock Exams
Put the exam structure into practice with timed Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 mock exams.
Flashcards
Review definitions, models and key concepts with premade IB Economics flashcard decks.
Quizzes
Test yourself with unit quizzes, diagrams, definitions and calculation practice.
Paper 1
Ready for a full practice paper?
Open the matching mock exam library and practise under exam conditions.
More mock exam 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.