Welcome to EconPrep’s Ultimate Guide on how to tackle IB Economics Paper 1 Part (a) essays. If you’re an IB student aiming to ace your exams, you’re in the right place.
Written by former IB alumni and tutors from Singapore, here’s an inside take on what it takes to score a 7 for IB Economics.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about structuring and writing effective Part (a) essays for IB Economics.
By the end, you’ll not only understand the formula for success but also feel confident applying it to any question thrown your way.
Let’s dive in!
- Why Mastering Paper 1 Essays is Important
- What is Part (a)?
- EconPrep’s Step-by-Step Framework for Part (a) Essays
- Step 1: Ask Before Writing – What Are the Keywords?
- Step 2: Ask Before Writing – What Economic Concepts Are Relevant?
- Step 3: Definition – Start with Key Terms
- Step 4: Brief Answer – Introduce Your Thesis Statement
- Step 4a (Optional): Real-World Example
- Step 5: Diagram – Add Visuals for Clarity
- Step 6: Explanation – Expand on Your Thesis
- Step 7: Conclusion – Restate Your Answer
- Common Mistakes to Avoid for Paper 1 Part (a) Essays
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Why Mastering Paper 1 Essays is Important
First, why should you care about getting this right?
Paper 1 essays are worth 20% to 30% of your IB Economics grade.
Part (a) essays test your ability to explain economic concepts clearly and accurately.
They’re less about evaluation and more about demonstrating knowledge, structure, and clarity.
Show your knowledge with a step-by-step framework like EconPrep’s Paper 1 Essay Framework—it makes essay writing faster and more effective.
If you master the structure and nail the content, you’re not just gaining marks—you’re building a solid foundation for the rest of the exam.
Plus, the skills you learn here—logical reasoning, structured thinking, and concise writing—are invaluable beyond the IB.
What is Part (a)?
Part (a) is the first section of the Paper 1 exam—the “explain” question.
It’s worth 10 marks and usually asks you to define and explain an economic concept or theory. Here are its key features:
- Command Terms: Typically “define” and “explain.” No evaluation required.
- Focus: Clear definitions, logical explanations, and detailed diagrams. You may choose to use real-world examples where appropriate, although not mandatory.
- Time Limit: Spend no more than 35 minutes on Part (a).
EconPrep’s Step-by-Step Framework for Part (a) Essays
Writing a Part (a) essay can feel intimidating.
Based on our experience tutoring students, most struggle with its structure.
Hence, EconPrep’s got you covered with a simple, foolproof step-by-step framework for Paper 1 essays.
Follow these 7 steps:
Step 1: Ask Before Writing – What Are the Keywords?
Before you even pick up your pen, analyze the question:
- Identify the command terms (e.g., “define,” “explain”).
- Highlight keywords or phrases.
- Rephrase the question in your own words to understand exactly what it’s asking.
Example Question: “Explain the concept of price elasticity of demand.”
- Keywords: Price elasticity of demand.
- Rephrased: What is PED, and how does it work?
This step ensures you don’t miss the focus of the question.
Step 2: Ask Before Writing – What Economic Concepts Are Relevant?
Next, link the question to specific economic concepts. Think about:
- Theories or models involved (e.g., demand and supply).
- Diagrams that might support your explanation.
- Any technical terms you’ll need to define.
As an example, for PED, you’ll want to cover:
- The definition of PED.
- Its formula and key determinants.
- How elasticity is represented on a graph.
- Why PED matters to firms.
Step 3: Definition – Start with Key Terms
Begin your essay by defining the keywords in the question.
This is crucial for securing marks.
Keep your definitions clear and concise.
Example: Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to changes in price. It is calculated as the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price.
Pro Tip: Use precise language, but don’t overcomplicate things. Think of your definition as laying the foundation for your answer.
Step 4: Brief Answer – Introduce Your Thesis Statement
Next, write a one-sentence answer that summarizes the concept and introduces the key ideas you’ll explain next.
This is your thesis statement. It tells the examiner what to expect in the rest of your essay.
Example: The price elasticity of demand varies depending on factors such as the availability of substitutes, the proportion of income spent on the good, and whether the good is a necessity or a luxury.
Step 4a (Optional): Real-World Example
Real-world examples aren’t mandatory for Part (a), but they can make your answer more relatable.
Use them sparingly and only if they simplify your essay.
Example: For instance, luxury goods like designer handbags tend to have high price elasticity of demand, while basic necessities like bread have low price elasticity of demand.
This step isn’t essential, so don’t stress if you skip it.
Step 5: Diagram – Add Visuals for Clarity
A well-drawn, labeled diagram can be a game-changer. Include one if it supports your explanation.
Example for PED:
- Draw a demand curve showing elastic vs. inelastic demand.
- Label axes (Price, Quantity) and key points (steep vs. flat curves).
Diagrams should:
- Be neat and easy to read.
- Directly link to your explanation.
Step 6: Explanation – Expand on Your Thesis
This is the core of your essay. Break down your thesis statement into smaller, logical steps:
- Explain the theory or concept in detail.
- Refer to your diagram to reinforce key points.
- Use examples (if applicable) to illustrate your explanation.
Example for PED:
- Discuss how the availability of substitutes affects elasticity.
- Explain why luxury goods have higher elasticity than necessities.
- Link back to your diagram to show these differences visually.
Pro Tip: Write as if you’re teaching a friend. Use simple, direct language, but be as clear and detailed as possible.
Step 7: Conclusion – Restate Your Answer
End your essay with a one-sentence summary of your explanation. This wraps things up neatly and reinforces your argument.
Example: In conclusion, the price elasticity of demand depends on factors such as substitutes, income proportion, and necessity, which determine how consumers respond to price changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Paper 1 Part (a) Essays
Let’s talk about what NOT to do:
- Skipping Definitions: Definitions are essential—don’t lose easy marks.
- Messy Diagrams: Make sure your diagrams are neat and labeled correctly.
- Overloading with Theory: Stick to what’s relevant to the question. Don’t regurgitate everything that the textbook says.
- Time Mismanagement: Practice finishing Part (a) essays within 35 minutes.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of the EconPrep Paper 1 Part (a) framework:
- Identify keywords and concepts.
- Start with clear definitions.
- Write a concise brief answer/thesis statement.
- Use diagrams to support your explanation.
- Expand on your answer logically and clearly.
- Wrap up with a strong conclusion.
Conclusion
Writing great IB Economics Part (a) essays isn’t rocket science—it just takes practice and structure.
By following the EconPrep framework, you’ll be well on your way to writing essays that score top marks.
