IBonomicsHow to Find Perfect Economics IA Articles
A step-by-step guide to selecting the right news articles for your Internal Assessment commentaries.
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Official IB Requirements
Official IB Requirement
Core Requirements:
- Individual Selection: You must choose your own articles - teachers cannot provide them to the class
- Link Theory to Practice: Explain connections between the article, a key concept, and economic theory
- Authenticity Check: Be prepared to discuss your article choice and content with your teacher
✅ Acceptable Sources:
- Newspapers (print or online)
- Academic journals
- Reputable online news sites
- Published within the last year
❌ Not Acceptable:
- Television broadcasts
- Radio broadcasts
- Articles older than one year
- Articles provided by your teacher
Language & Length Tips
- • Use articles in the same language as your commentary when possible
- • If using a foreign language article, provide a complete translation
- • Avoid overly long articles - highlight the specific sections you'll analyze
- • Include the original article in your portfolio
Three Different Units Required
Unit 2
Microeconomics
Unit 3
Macroeconomics
Unit 4
Global Economy
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Strategic Article Selection Tips
Tip 1: Specific but Manageable
Choose articles that are not too long but cover a specific economic issue you can analyze in depth.
Microeconomics Example: Article on taxes for goods with externalities (e.g., cigarette taxes)
Macroeconomics Example: Central bank changing interest rates (e.g., expansionary monetary policy)
Global Economics Example: Implementation of tariffs (e.g., trade policy changes)
Tip 2: Room for Discussion
Choose articles that leave room for economic evaluation and policy recommendations.
- • Look for articles discussing policy proposals or changes
- • Find situations where an economic solutions exist
- • Avoid articles that do not leave room for discussion
Tip 3: Advanced Diagram Opportunities
For higher marks, choose articles that allow you to draw relatively advanced economic diagrams.
Example: Instead of just demand and supply for a good, choose a good with externalities so you can analyze market failure, welfare loss, and policy solutions.
Microeconomics Articles
Market Failure Topics
Market Structure Topics
- • Tech company monopolies
- • Airline industry competition
- • Price discrimination in streaming
- • Minimum wage changes
Macroeconomics Articles
Monetary Policy
- • Central bank interest rate changes
- • Quantitative easing programs
- • Inflation targeting policies
- • Currency intervention
Fiscal Policy
- • Government stimulus packages
- • Tax reform announcements
- • Infrastructure spending plans
- • Budget deficit discussions
Global Economics Articles
Trade Policy
Development & Exchange
- • Exchange rate fluctuations
- • Foreign aid programs
- • Economic integration initiatives
- • Debt relief announcements
Research Thoroughly
Spend time finding the perfect article that you can link a key concept to - it's the foundation of your entire commentary
Match Your Strengths
Choose topics you understand well and can analyze with confidence
Think Long-term
Consider how your three articles will work together as a complete portfolio. You can only use a key concept once!