How to Structure Your Economics IA
Master the proven 6-paragraph structure that consistently produces high-scoring Internal Assessment commentaries.
IA Structure
Writing Guide
High Marks
Why Structure Matters
A clear, logical structure helps you hit all assessment criteria while staying within the 800-word limit. This proven framework ensures you cover theory, application, analysis, and evaluation effectively.
↓
The 6-Paragraph IA Structure
1. Introduction Paragraph
Foundation
Purpose: Sets up the economic story you are about to analyze.
Essential Elements:
- Clearly state the focus of the article (e.g., interest rate changes, price controls)
- Mention relevant economic theory (e.g., supply and demand, exchange rates)
- Provide basic context from the article (what happened and why)
- Identify your key concept (e.g., change, scarcity, efficiency)
- Introduce the main variable affected and policy aims
2. First Diagram Paragraph
Visualization
Purpose: Visualizes the initial impact using economic theory.
Key Components:
- Present a standard economic model (S&D curve, AD-AS model, forex market)
- Describe curve shifts clearly (which curve moves and why)
- Link theoretical shifts to real-world policy from the article
- Explain economic effects (changes in equilibrium, price, quantity)
3. Deep Explanation / Policy Analysis
Analysis
Purpose: Shows deep understanding of context and economic mechanisms.
Analysis Focus:
- Explain why the policy was used and its intended effects
- Link to macro/micro goals (reduce deficit, control inflation, increase efficiency)
- Discuss stakeholder impacts (consumers, producers, government, foreign sector)
- Integrate economic definitions and real data from the article
4. Second Diagram / Extended Theory
Complexity
Purpose: Adds nuance and multiple perspectives to your analysis.
Advanced Elements:
- Introduce second diagram if needed (J-curve, subsidy diagram, PED effects)
- Explore long-run vs. short-run impacts
- Apply conditions or limitations (Marshall-Lerner condition, elasticity)
- Show how real outcomes may deviate from the model
5. Evaluation Paragraph
Critical Thinking
Purpose: Demonstrates critical thinking and application of IB evaluation criteria.
Evaluation Framework:
- Critically evaluate policy effectiveness using theory
- Discuss real-world limitations and unintended consequences
- Include conditions for success (e.g., elasticities must be > 1)
- Consider external factors (global prices, political constraints)
6. Conclusion
Summary
Purpose: Wraps up your argument clearly and concisely.
Conclusion Elements:
- Summarize policy outcome (helpful? short-term vs. long-term?)
- Repeat the key point from your evaluation
- End with a balanced or qualified judgment
↓
Common Patterns Across All IAs
Universal IA Success Patterns
✅ Always Include:
- • Real-world context + economic theory
- • At least one well-explained diagram
- • Explicit links between diagrams and article
- • Clear cause-effect chains ("`X leads to Y, which causes Z"`)
- • Precise IB terminology (PED, allocative efficiency)
- • Stakeholder impacts and time frame analysis
🎯 Advanced Techniques:
- • Marshall-Lerner condition (when relevant)
- • Elasticity assumptions and their implications
- • Market structure effects
- • Short-run vs. long-run distinctions
- • Conditions for policy success
- • Cautious, qualified conclusions
↓
Your IA Writing Blueprint
Introduction
- • What happened (from the article)?
- • What theory applies?
- • What key concept is relevant?
Diagram 1 Paragraph
- • Draw and explain diagram (with axis labels, curve shifts)
- • Explain what changed and why
Theory Application
- • How does this affect consumers/producers/government?
- • What are the short-run effects?
Diagram 2 or Advanced Concept
- • Long-run effects (J-curve, elasticity, efficiency)
- • Include limitations or assumptions
Evaluation
- • Pros and cons of the policy
- • Will it work? Under what conditions?
Conclusion
- • Short summary of your judgment
Final Structure Tips
Stay Focused
Each paragraph should have a clear purpose and connect to your overall argument
Link Everything
Constantly connect your theory back to the real-world situation and key concept in your article
Balance Analysis
Show both the benefits and limitations of the economic policy or situation
Success Formula
Structure + Economic Theory + Real-World Application + Critical Evaluation = High-Scoring IA. This framework ensures you hit all assessment criteria while maintaining clarity and focus.