How to Prepare Smarter for IB Economics Paper 1 in 2025
Facing the IB Economics Paper 1 in May 2025? Whether you're aiming for a 6 or a 7, smart preparation — not just hard work — will make all the difference.
In this guide, we'll show you how to approach IB Economics Paper 1 strategically, focusing your revision where it matters most.
Understand the Paper 1 Structure
Before you dive into practicing questions, make sure you clearly understand the structure:
- Paper 1 = Extended Response (Essay Format)
- You'll be given two prompts (one microeconomics, one macroeconomics) — you answer one
- Each question includes two parts:
- (a) 10-mark explain question
- (b) 15-mark evaluate question
Time management tip: spend roughly 20 minutes on part (a) and 25 minutes on part (b).
Focus on Core Topics First
Not all topics are equally likely to appear every year. Historically, IB Paper 1 often emphasizes:
Microeconomics:
- Market failure
- Externalities
- Government intervention
Macroeconomics:
- Inflation
- Unemployment
- Fiscal and monetary policy
Instead of spreading yourself too thin, prioritize mastering the top 6–8 core syllabus areas first.
Tip: Create quick summary sheets with definitions, diagrams, and key evaluation points for each core topic.
Master the Command Terms
Many students lose marks because they don't follow the exact command term requirements. Key terms you must master:
| Command Term | What It Really Means |
|---|---|
| Explain | Clear, step-by-step description showing understanding |
| Evaluate | Give strengths and weaknesses, real-world examples, and your final judgment |
Evaluate questions are where 7-level students differentiate themselves. Always use a structure like: Point → Real-World Example → Diagram → Evaluation
Practice with Syllabus-Aligned Questions — Not Just Past Papers
Practicing past papers is useful — but not enough anymore. Here's why:
- IB occasionally changes emphasis year to year
- Past papers sometimes repeat topic structures but change question framing
To truly prepare, you need questions that:
- Match the current syllabus expectations
- Reflect likely topics and structures for May 2025
- Require full essay-style development, not just short answers
This is exactly why predictive practice, based on syllabus trend analysis, is critical. Predict Exam papers are crafted by studying historical patterns, recent syllabus refinements, and command term shifts — helping you practice the way you'll be assessed.
Build a Smarter Revision Strategy for the Final Two Months
Here's a suggested smarter revision timeline:
| Time Left | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Finalize topic notes + start practice essays |
| 6 weeks | Full timed practice with feedback loop |
| 4 weeks | Focus on weak areas + redo critical essays |
| 2 weeks | Pure exam simulation mode |
- Always time your practice sessions
- Always review markschemes critically — look for not just what's right, but why full marks are awarded
Ready to Practice Smarter for IB Economics 2025?
Smarter preparation means focusing on the right questions, the right structure, and the right strategies — not guessing what might come up.
Download Predict Exam's IB Economics Predictive Paper Set today, and step into your May 2025 exams with confidence and momentum.