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NotesEconomicsTopic 3.2Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks
Back to Economics Topics
3.2.35 min read

Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks

IB Economics · Unit 3

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Contents

  1. 1Short-run equilibrium and shocks
  2. 2The monetarist long run
  3. 3The Keynesian view
  4. 4Exam-style question

Short-run equilibrium is where AD = SRAS. A shock to either curve moves it.

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Two kinds of shock

1

Demand shock

A sudden change in C, I, G or X − M: AD shifts.

AD
2

Supply shock

A sudden change in costs or capacity: energy prices, droughts, wars. SRAS shifts.

SRAS

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Monetarists say the economy corrects itself in the long run.

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The points to remember

  • Long-run equilibrium: AD = SRAS on LRAS, unemployment at its natural rate.
  • Flexible wages close any gap: only the price level changes in the long run.

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Keynesians say it can get stuck.

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Remember it as: Monetarist: wages fall, gap closes. Keynesian: wages stick, gap stays.

Paper 1 asked this in May 2025, as part (a) for 10 marks.

IB-style questionExplain[10 marks]

Explain why, according to the Keynesian model, a country may experience a persistent deflationary (recessionary) gap.

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What the diagram must show

  • Axes: price level up, real GDP across.
  • A Keynesian AS (flat, rising, vertical) with Yf marked.
  • AD crossing the flat part at Y1, well below Yf: the gap labelled.

How the 10 marks are given

MarksWhat your answer needs
9–10Theory fully explained, terms used correctly all the way through, the diagram included and fully explained
7–8Theory explained, terms mostly right, the diagram included and explained
5–6Theory partly explained, some terms, the diagram included
1–4Theory only described or stated; few relevant terms

IB Exam Questions on Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks

Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 3.2.3. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

Practice Topic 3.2.3 QuestionsBrowse All Economics Topics

How Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

  • Define

    Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks.

    AO1
  • Describe

    Give a detailed account of processes or features in Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks.

    AO2
  • Explain

    Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks.

    AO3
  • Evaluate

    Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Equilibrium and macroeconomic shocks.

    AO3
  • Discuss

    Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

    AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide

Related Economics Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

3.1.1What is GDP and how is it measured?3.1.2Real vs nominal GDP and comparisons3.1.3GDP and well-being3.1.4The business cycle
View all Economics topics
Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for Economics
Previous3.2.2Aggregate supplyNextEconomic growth3.3.1

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