Mastering Your IB Economics IA: Word Count Requirements and Analysis Techniques

Understanding the IA Structure

Each commentary follows a structured approach that demonstrates your ability to apply economic theory to real-world scenarios through current news articles.

Article Selection and Summary (Approximately 100 words per commentary)

Choose recent articles (within one year) from credible sources that clearly relate to economic concepts. Provide a brief summary that identifies the key economic issue without simply restating the article. Focus on the economic problem or situation that will be analyzed.

Economic Analysis (Approximately 500 words per commentary)

This is the core of your commentary. Apply relevant economic theory using:

• Clear economic terminology and concepts
• Appropriate diagrams with proper labeling
• Logical cause-and-effect relationships
• Multiple economic perspectives where applicable
• Real-world examples to support theoretical points

Evaluation and Synthesis (Approximately 150 words per commentary)

Critically evaluate the economic situation by considering:

• Limitations of the theory applied
• Alternative viewpoints or solutions
• Long-term vs. short-term effects
• Stakeholder perspectives
• Potential unintended consequences

Key Areas of Focus

Microeconomics Commentary

Focus on market structures, price mechanisms, market failures, government intervention, or consumer and producer behavior. Use supply and demand analysis, elasticity concepts, and welfare economics where appropriate.

Macroeconomics Commentary

Analyze economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, or business cycles. Incorporate aggregate demand and supply analysis, multiplier effects, and policy evaluation.

International/Development Economics Commentary

Examine trade policies, exchange rates, economic development strategies, inequality, or globalization effects. Apply trade theory, development indicators, and policy analysis frameworks.

Using CiteCount for Your Economics IA

CiteCount is essential for managing word limits across your three commentaries. Our tool excludes citations and references, helping you focus on analytical content while ensuring each commentary stays within the 750-word limit.

Check each commentary individually to maintain balanced analysis across all three areas of economics.