HL Policy Paper
IB Economics Paper 3 Guide
Prepare for HL policy analysis with quantitative skills, diagrams and reasoned recommendations.
Duration
1h 45m
Two questions
Level
HL
Higher Level only
Marks
60
30 marks x 2
Calculator
Yes
GDC recommended
Other paper guides
SL / HL
Paper 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
Currently viewingPaper 3
Prepare for HL policy analysis with quantitative skills, diagrams and reasoned recommendations.
What the Paper Tests
Paper 3 combines quantitative reasoning with policy judgement and real-world application.
- Calculate, interpret and use quantitative results accurately.
- Use diagrams and data to support policy analysis.
- Recommend policies while acknowledging trade-offs and limitations.
Question Structure
- There are two compulsory questions, each worth 30 marks.
- Part (a) is 20 marks and focuses on calculations, interpretation and explanation.
- Part (b) is 10 marks and asks for policy recommendation or evaluation.
How to Score Highly
- Show all working for calculations, then explain what the number means economically.
- Link policy recommendations to the data rather than giving generic solutions.
- Evaluate using trade-offs, stakeholder impacts, time periods and feasibility.
Common mistakes
- Treating Paper 3 like an essay paper and underusing quantitative evidence.
- Making a policy recommendation without explaining opportunity costs or trade-offs.
- Skipping units, labels or interpretation after calculations.
Revision checklist
- Practice calculations under timed conditions.
- Revise policy tools for micro, macro and global economics.
- Write short recommendations that balance effectiveness, equity and feasibility.
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 3
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.