Welcome to EconPrep’s Ultimate Guide on how to write effective IB Economics Paper 1 Part (b) essays.
This post is the second part to our IB Economics Paper 1 Guide – read part one here.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to write great part (b) essays in your Paper 1 exams.
Let’s dive in!
- Why IB Economics Paper 1 Matters
- What Makes Part (b) Unique?
- EconPrep’s Step-by-Step Framework for Part (b) 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 IB Economics Paper 1 Matters
Paper 1 essays are worth 20% to 30% of your IB Economics grade.
While Part (a) essays test your ability to explain economic concepts clearly and accurately, part (b) essays test your skill in applying them to real-world situations and evaluating their effectiveness.
In short, these essays measure your analytical and critical thinking skills — the heart of what economics is all about.
Following a step-by-step framework like EconPrep’s Paper 1 Essay Framework makes essay writing faster and more effective.
What Makes Part (b) Unique?
Part (b) essays are worth 15 marks. Spend no more than 40 minutes on Part (b).
Unlike Part (a), which focuses on straightforward explanations, Part (b) demands:
- Real-world examples to show application.
- Evaluation using frameworks like CLASPP (Constraints, Long-term vs Short-term, Assumptions, Stakeholders, Priorities, Pros and Cons).
- Structured arguments that guide the examiner through your thought process.
Your essay must nail these three components to get a top score.
EconPrep’s Step-by-Step Framework for Part (b) Essays
Writing a Part (b) essay can feel intimidating.
EconPrep’s got you covered with a simple, foolproof framework. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Ask Before Writing – What Are the Keywords?
Before you write anything, take a deep breath and dissect the question. Ask yourself:
- What are the keywords? Underline terms like “evaluate,” “analyze,” or specific economic concepts like “subsidies” or “market failure.”
- What’s the question really asking? Rephrase it in your own words to clarify the task.
Example Question: “Using real-world examples, evaluate the impact of subsidies on market efficiency.”
- Your interpretation: “How do subsidies help or hurt markets? Let’s look at efficiency and evaluate both sides, using real-world examples to support my key points.”
Step 2: Before Writing, Recall Relevant Economic Concepts
What theories or models can you use to address the question? This is where you brainstorm relevant concepts. For subsidies, you might include:
- Market outcomes
- Market failure
- Allocative efficiency
- Deadweight loss
Pro Tip: Note these ideas down in your plan to avoid missing key points later.
Step 3: Define Key Terms
Start your essay with precise definitions.
This sets the tone and ensures the examiner knows you’re grounded in the basics.
Example: Subsidy refers to a payment by the government to reduce the cost of production and encourage consumption or production of a good.
Pro Tip: Don’t be too wordy here. Definitions should be concise and directly relevant to the question.
Step 4: Craft a Brief Answer (Thesis Statement)
This is your essay’s backbone.
Write a one-sentence answer that summarizes the concept and introduces the key points you’ll cover.
Example: Subsidies can improve market efficiency by addressing underproduction in merit goods, but they may also lead to government failure if poorly implemented.
Step 5: Expand on Body Paragraphs
Here’s where the magic happens. Follow this structure for each paragraph:
Paragraph 1: Explain Relevant Theory
- Fully explain a key economic theory related to the question.
- Example: For subsidies, you might discuss how they reduce costs for producers and shift the supply curve. Be detailed and thorough in your explanation here.
Diagram 1: Include a Relevant Diagram
- Draw and label a supply-and-demand diagram showing the impact of a subsidy.
- Explain it clearly.
- Example: “The subsidy shifts the supply curve from S to S1, reducing equilibrium price and increasing quantity.”
Real-World Example 1
- Use a specific example, like government subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs).
- Explain: “In the U.S., subsidies for EVs aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address market failure in the form of negative externalities from petrol vehicles.”
Paragraph 2: Another Theory + Example
- For the next paragraph/next key point, discuss a complementary or contrasting theory.
- Example: How subsidies can cause inefficiencies like overproduction.
- Example: EU agricultural subsidies leading to surplus production and food waste.
- Draw additional diagrams only where appropriate, only if they support your essay. Remember – every diagram means you must also spend time and word budget to explain the diagrams. This reduces your time spent on evaluation – consider this opportunity cost.
Step 6: Evaluate Key Points Using a Framework (e.g. CLASPP Framework)
Evaluate key concepts/policies via CLASPP in context of article’s information and data.
Use CLASPP as a guide to structure your key points – you don’t have to write every single letter (C, L, A, S, P, P) in your answer!
Remember to kee your evaluations (1) balanced and (2) effective.
Applying the CLASPP framework to the Subsidies example,
- Constraints: Are there budget limitations on subsidies?
- Long-term vs Short-term: Immediate benefits vs sustainability.
- Assumptions: What assumptions are we making? (e.g., producers pass on the subsidy savings to consumers.)
- Stakeholders: Who benefits (e.g., consumers, producers) and who loses (e.g., taxpayers)?
- Priorities: Does the subsidy align with government priorities, like environmental goals?
- Pros and Cons: Balance your argument.
Step 7: Conclusion – Restate Your Answer
Wrap up with a summary and a reasoned judgment.
These should be written after you complete your evaluation, as a summary is different from an evaluation.
- Summary: Recap your main points.
- Reasoned Judgment: Take a stand. “While subsidies can address market failures, they require careful design to avoid inefficiency and waste.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Paper 1 Part (b) Essays
Let’s talk about what NOT to do:
- Missing Real-World Examples: These are non-negotiable.
- Poor Diagrams: Label them clearly and link them to your examples.
- Lack of Evaluation: Always balance your argument.
- Overloading with Theory: Stick to what’s relevant to the question. Don’t regurgitate everything that the textbook says.
- Time Mismanagement: Practice finishing Part (b) essays within 40 minutes.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of the EconPrep Paper 1 Part (b) framework:
- Follow the 8-step EconPrep Framework.
- Use real-world examples and diagrams effectively.
- Evaluate using CLASPP.
Mastering this structure will not only help you score higher but also make writing essays less stressful.
With this guide, you’re well on your way to writing winning Part (b) essays in your IB Economics Paper 1 exams.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So, grab your pen, start writing, and show the examiners what you’ve got!
Good luck, future economists! ✌️
