IB Economics IA Criteria (2025)
Understand exactly what examiners are looking for - and how to meet every criterion.
The IB Economics Internal Assessment is made up of three short commentaries, each one based on a real-world news article and a key concept from the syllabus. Each commentary is limited to 800 words and is internally assessed by your teacher, then moderated by the IB.
At SL, the IA counts for 30% of your final grade. At HL, it’s worth 20%.
The marking criteria are the same for both levels - and they’re the key to scoring well.
This page breaks down each of the five assessment criteria used to grade your Economics IA, so you know exactly what examiners want to see - and how to deliver it.
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IB Economics IA Criteria Overview
Each commentary is marked out of 15 - for a total of 45 marks across the full portfolio.
The same five criteria are used to grade every commentary, with an additional 3 marks awarded for meeting overall portfolio requirements.
Here’s how the marks break down:
| Criterion | Marks per Commentary | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| A: Diagrams | 3 | Use of accurate, well-labeled economic diagrams |
| B: Terminology | 2 | Use of relevant and precise economic vocabulary |
| C: Application & Analysis | 3 | How well you apply theory and analyze the situation |
| D: Key Concept | 3 | Clear and relevant connection to the chosen key concept |
| E: Evaluation | 3 | Strength of your evaluation — depth, balance, justification |
| Rubric Requirements | 3 (for the full IA) | Use of 3 different sources, 3 different sections of the syllabus, and 3 different key concepts across all commentaries |
Together, these criteria determine your final mark — and knowing how to meet each one is the key to scoring high in your IB Economics IA.
Let’s break them down one by one.
IB Econ IA Criterion A: Diagrams
A strong Economics IA always includes a relevant, well-labeled diagram. It needs to support your analysis and connect directly to the real-world article you’ve chosen.
What examiners want to see:
A diagram that matches the real-world situation described in your article
Correct labeling (axes, curves, shifts, equilibria, etc.)
Integration into your explanation - you should walk the reader through what the diagram shows
A diagram that adds value to your analysis, not one that’s just thrown in
Tip: Choose a diagram that shows a clear causal relationship (e.g. change in demand, subsidy, market failure) and explain it step by step. The strongest diagrams are simple, accurate, and tightly linked to your argument.
Strong vs. Weak Use of Diagrams
| Strong | Weak |
|---|---|
| Clearly drawn S&D diagram showing the effect of a subsidy from the article | Generic S&D diagram unrelated to the actual issue |
| All axes, curves, and shifts labeled | Missing or incorrect labels |
| Explanation walks through diagram in analysis | Diagram inserted with no explanation |
| Diagram reflects the article’s cause-effect link | Diagram used decoratively or out of habit |
Need help choosing the right diagram and explaining it clearly?
Talk to a tutor who’s marked hundreds of Econ IAs.
IB Econ IA Criterion B: Terminology
Your commentary should use economic terminology fluently and correctly. The goal isn’t to define every term - it’s to show that you understand and can apply the language of economics naturally in context.
What examiners want to see:
Correct use of economic terms like “market failure,” “demand,” “subsidy,” “elasticity,” etc.
Terms used accurately and in context — not misapplied or thrown in for effect
Occasional, brief definitions where clarity is needed (especially for less common terms)
Use economic terms confidently and correctly - your writing should sound like someone who understands the concepts, not like a glossary. Define terms only when necessary, and focus on using them in a way that shows your understanding.
| Strong | Weak | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uses “externality” correctly and links it to real-world effects in the article | Uses “externality” without explaining what the effect is or why it matters | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Briefly defines “subsidy” the first time it’s used, then applies it fluently | Defines every basic term in a robotic or off-topic way | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Applies “inelastic demand” accurately when interpreting a price change | Uses “inelastic”
Need help tightening up your IB Econ IA language?
|
| Strong | Weak |
|---|---|
| Discusses how a subsidy might help consumers short-term but create budget pressure long-term | Only mentions benefits, no drawbacks or trade-offs |
| Considers how different groups (e.g. farmers vs. taxpayers) are affected | Talks generally about “society” with no detail |
| Questions an assumption (e.g. perfect information, price elasticity) and explains its effect | Assumes textbook outcomes with no critique or reflection |
| Ends with a clear, justified conclusion about policy effectiveness | Ends with a vague or neutral statement like “it depends” |
Common mistake:
Listing pros and cons without explaining them — or skipping the judgment entirely. Examiners want to see that you’ve made a thoughtful call based on the evidence.
Need help developing a strong, balanced evaluation?
Talk to a tutor who’s helped students score top marks on their Econ IA.
IB Econ IA Rubric Requirements (3 Marks)
In addition to the 15 marks per commentary, you can earn 3 extra marks for meeting the overall portfolio requirements. These are easy to lose if overlooked— but also easy to secure if you plan ahead.
To get full marks, your portfolio must include:
3 different commentaries, each:
Based on a different news article (published within the last 12 months of writing)
Focused on a different section of the syllabus:
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
The Global Economy
Linked to a different key concept from the IB’s 9 official concepts
Each commentary must also:
Clearly state the article source and date
Clearly identify the syllabus section and key concept (usually at the top)
IB Tutor Tip: Plan your articles and concepts in advance — otherwise, it’s easy to repeat ideas or get stuck trying to retrofit your third commentary.
IB Econ IA SL vs HL: Any Differences?
The IB Economics IA is the same for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students.
Same format: 3 commentaries, 800 words each
Same criteria and expectations
The only difference? Weighting
SL: IA is worth 30% of your final grade
HL: IA is worth 20%
| Strong | Weak |
|---|---|
| Discusses how a subsidy might help consumers short-term but create budget pressure long-term | Only mentions benefits, no drawbacks or trade-offs |
| Considers how different groups (e.g. farmers vs. taxpayers) are affected | Talks generally about “society” with no detail |
| Questions an assumption (e.g. perfect information, price elasticity) and explains its effect | Assumes textbook outcomes with no critique or reflection |
| Ends with a clear, justified conclusion about policy effectiveness | Ends with a vague or neutral statement like “it depends” |
Common mistake:
Listing pros and cons without explaining them — or skipping the judgment entirely. Examiners want to see that you’ve made a thoughtful call based on the evidence.
Need help developing a strong, balanced evaluation?
Talk to a tutor who’s helped students score top marks on their Econ IA.
IB Econ IA Rubric Requirements (3 Marks)
In addition to the 15 marks per commentary, you can earn 3 extra marks for meeting the overall portfolio requirements. These are easy to lose if overlooked— but also easy to secure if you plan ahead.
To get full marks, your portfolio must include:
3 different commentaries, each:
Based on a different news article (published within the last 12 months of writing)
Focused on a different section of the syllabus:
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
The Global Economy
Linked to a different key concept from the IB’s 9 official concepts
Each commentary must also:
Clearly state the article source and date
Clearly identify the syllabus section and key concept (usually at the top)
IB Tutor Tip: Plan your articles and concepts in advance — otherwise, it’s easy to repeat ideas or get stuck trying to retrofit your third commentary.
IB Econ IA SL vs HL: Any Differences?
The IB Economics IA is the same for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students.
Same format: 3 commentaries, 800 words each
Same criteria and expectations
The only difference? Weighting
SL: IA is worth 30% of your final grade
HL: IA is worth 20%
Final IB Econ IA Checklist: Are You Meeting All the Criteria?
Before you submit your IB Economics IA, ask yourself:
Does each commentary include a relevant, labeled diagram?
Have I used key terms fluently and correctly - without overdefining?
Am I clearly applying theory to the article, with logical, real-world analysis?
Did I integrate a different key concept into each piece - and use it meaningfully?
Have I evaluated outcomes, perspectives, and limitations - and drawn a clear conclusion?
Across all three commentaries, have I used 3 different articles, concepts, and syllabus areas?
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