How to Prepare for IB Economics Paper 1 May 2025
IB Economics Paper 1 is a crucial component of the IB Diploma Programme’s assessment structure — and with the May 2025 session fast approaching, strategic preparation is more important than ever.
Success in Paper 1 is not just about working harder. It’s about understanding the question structure, mastering evaluation techniques, and practicing with syllabus-aligned materials.
Here’s how to prepare smarter and maximize your performance in IB Economics Paper 1 May 2025.
Understand the IB Economics Paper 1 Structure
Before diving into preparation, it’s critical to understand what Paper 1 demands.
IB Economics Paper 1 consists of two extended response questions, one from microeconomics and one from macroeconomics. Students must choose one question to answer.
Each question has two parts:
- Part (a): A 10-mark "explain" question
- Part (b): A 15-mark "evaluate" question
Key points:
- The two parts must be answered in essay format, using diagrams where appropriate.
- Diagrams must be fully labeled and integrated into the written explanation.
- Part (b) requires a well-structured evaluation, not just a descriptive response.
Understanding these expectations is the foundation of strategic preparation.
Master the Use of Real-World Examples
The IB Economics markschemes place strong emphasis on the use of real-world examples.
Students aiming for top marks must:
- Apply theoretical concepts to real economies, firms, or industries.
- Choose examples that are recent, relevant, and specific.
- Integrate examples naturally into both explanation and evaluation.
For example, when discussing price ceilings, referencing rent control policies in Berlin or New York adds credibility and relevance to your answer.
Tip: Prepare a personal "bank" of 10–15 real-world examples across microeconomics and macroeconomics before the exam.
Focus on Command Terms
Many students lose easy marks by misunderstanding IB command terms.
The most common command terms in Paper 1 are:
- Explain: Provide a clear and detailed account of causes, reasons, or mechanisms.
- Evaluate: Assess the merits of a concept, policy, or outcome, providing strengths, weaknesses, and a reasoned final judgment.
Each command term has specific marking expectations.
For 10-mark "Explain" questions:
- Define relevant terms.
- Use diagrams where appropriate.
- Provide a step-by-step explanation without evaluation.
For 15-mark "Evaluate" questions:
- Explain the concept first.
- Present at least two sides (advantages and disadvantages).
- Use real-world examples.
- Provide a clear final judgment.
Understanding and practicing the correct structure for each command term is essential.
Practice Essay Planning Under Time Pressure
One of the biggest mistakes students make is writing without planning.
Effective Paper 1 essays are always:
- Structured with clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Divided logically between explanation and evaluation.
- Built around diagrams and examples.
Recommended strategy:
- Spend the first 3–5 minutes planning your essay.
- Outline key points, diagrams, and examples before you start writing.
- Stick to 20 minutes maximum for Part (a) and 25–30 minutes for Part (b).
Timed essay planning practice is as important as practicing full essays.
Train with Predictive, Syllabus-Aligned Questions
While practicing past papers is helpful, smarter preparation means training with questions that:
- Match the current IB Economics syllabus.
- Reflect likely command terms and topic focuses for May 2025.
- Challenge you to apply real-world examples in structured evaluations.
Predict Exam’s IB Economics predictive papers are built by analyzing years of IB trend data, syllabus structures, and markscheme expectations — helping students prepare with the right structure and rigor.
Strategic practice with predictive questions is the fastest way to move from a Level 5/6 to a Level 7 response.
Conclusion: Prepare Smarter, Not Harder
IB Economics Paper 1 rewards students who combine theory mastery with real-world application and structured argumentation.
By focusing on:
- Understanding the paper format
- Building a strong real-world example bank
- Mastering command terms
- Practicing essay structure under timed conditions
- Using syllabus-aligned predictive practice
You can maximize your score potential and approach the May 2025 exam with confidence.
Explore Predict Exam’s IB Economics Predictive Papers for May 2025 and start practicing the smart way today.