Common Mistakes in IB Economics Exams

IB Economics exams consistently reveal the same student errors year after year. Examiners report these mistakes in detail — learning from them is one of the fastest ways to improve your score.

Missing definitions

Many students jump straight into explanations without defining key terms. Definitions are often worth 1-2 marks and take seconds to write. Always define the core economic concept before analysing it.

Incorrect or missing diagrams

Diagrams are expected for most 10-mark and 15-mark questions. Common diagram errors include:

• Missing axis labels (Price/P on vertical, Quantity/Q on horizontal)
• Shifting the wrong curve
• Not showing the new equilibrium
• Not referring to the diagram in your written answer

See our complete guide to IB Economics diagrams for how to avoid these errors.

The best way to eliminate these mistakes is to practise with real questions and get instant feedback on your Economics answers.

Weak or absent evaluation

Without evaluation, you cannot access the top marking band. "There are pros and cons" is not evaluation. You must make a judgement and explain why one side outweighs the other.

Not applying to context

Paper 2 questions provide data and context. If you write a generic answer without referencing the specific data provided, you lose application marks. Always quote figures and refer to the scenario.

Poor time allocation

Students often spend too long on Part (a) questions and run out of time for the higher-value Part (b) essay. Budget your time based on marks available and stick to it.