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As a seasoned IB writer who has guided students through their IAs for years, I know the pressure and enthusiasm that accompany this work. Today, I’ll provide some insider advice and ideas for choosing and evaluating IB Economics IA articles for 2024/2025 that will meet and exceed the IB’s standards.
What Exactly Is the IB Economics IA?
From my many years of experience as an IB teacher, I can say that the IA is an excellent way for students to show how well they understand economic ideas in real-life situations. For this test, you’ll need to carefully read and analyze a recent piece from a reliable source using critical economic concepts and theories.
Don’t forget that the IA makes up a big part of your final grade in IB Economics; it counts for 20% of the total score. Because of this, it’s imperative to treat this task with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. It tests your ability to use what you’ve learned in the classroom in real life. It also improves your logical, critical thinking, and speaking skills when discussing complicated ideas.
When working on your Economics IA, here are the most important things you should pay attention to:
- Article Choice. Pick a recent economics article with many facts and talk that you can use for analysis. The story should ideally be from the past year to ensure it is still relevant.
- Concept Application. Find and use economic theories and ideas that are directly related to what the piece is about.
- Critical Analysis. Discuss the economic points and facts in the story, what they mean, and how they connect to what you’ve learned in class.
- Personal Insight. Share your thoughts and ideas about the problem. This is your chance to show you can think critically and actively about the topic.
- Structured Communication. Ensure that your analysis and case make sense from the beginning to the end.
By the way, our site also offers great ideas for your IA Economics topics, both for the SL and HL courses.
How to Choose the Perfect Article for IB Economics IA?
Finding the right article for your IB Economics IA can be challenging. As someone who has helped many students through the IB Economics course, I can say that starting with a good piece is very important. You should try to find recent economic events or problems covered in well-known publications such as The Economist, The Guardian, The Financial Times, or university papers. These sites have a lot of information and expert opinions that can help you build a strong case for your comments.
Essential tips for picking your IA article:
- How It Relates to the Syllabus. The story should discuss things directly connected to what you are learning in IB Economics. This ensures you can use the ideas and theories you’ve learned.
- Data Richness. Look for stories that give you both numeric and personal data. You can use various economic tools to complete research.
- Actual Information. It should be up-to-date; ideally, the piece should have been released within the last 12 months. This shows you can use economic ideas to understand current problems and trends.
- The Level of Analysis. Pick stories that go into a lot of detail and do not just give you basic facts. It can be beneficial to read articles that discuss the effects and predict future trends.
- Credibility of the Author. Consider how knowledgeable the author is or how well-known the publication is. Sources with a good reputation tend to provide more accurate and complete reports.
It’s not enough to pick any business story as a piece and make a reference. The story should have much business information and different viewpoints about your work. It should include enough numeric and qualitative data for a robust analysis and let you use the ideas you’ve learned in class.
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Our Suggestions for IB Economics IA Articles 2024/2025
Here are some new articles relevant to current economic problems and could be great for an IB Economics IA.
Macroeconomics
- US consumer prices unexpectedly fell in June, drawing the Fed closer to cutting interest rates. This article provides a practical example of how inflation targets and monetary policy adjustments impact an economy.
- Surprise growth boost for Labour as GDP rises by 0.4% in May. An analysis of unexpected GDP growth could lead to discussions on economic forecasting and the factors influencing economic recovery and growth.
- The missing million: The cracks in America’s ultra-strong labor market. This article shows discrepancies in U.S. jobs data and critically examines labor market indicators.
- Why global GDP might be $7trn bigger than everyone thought. This piece provides a unique opportunity to research the complexities of economic measurement and the role of GDP in monetary policy.
- Why are house prices surging once again? This article discusses the resurgence of property markets in America, Australia, and parts of Europe despite higher interest rates.
- Fed sends clearest signals yet that it will soon cut interest rates. This article could be analyzed to discuss monetary policy’s economic impact.
- The messy truth about achieving economic growth. This article addresses the complexities and theories surrounding economic growth.
- Nearly 3mn fell into financial difficulty last year in the UK. Students can analyze factors leading to financial difficulties and the broader economic implications for the UK economy.
- The US economy adds 206,000 June jobs as the labor market cools slightly. This article provides a real-world application of labor market dynamics.
- UK service sector growth ‘seizes up’ as firms put plans on hold before election. Offers insight into how political uncertainty can affect economic sectors.
- Soaring government debt could roil global financial markets, warns BIS head. Relevant for discussions on fiscal policy and economic sustainability.
- As Argentine inflation cools to single digits, residents are still skeptical. Analyze the discrepancy between official inflation data and public sentiment.
- US producer price data point to subsiding inflation pressures. Decreasing producer prices has implications for the broader economy and consumer prices.
- What the 1970s stagflation can tell us about today’s US economy. A historical comparison of stagflation in the 1970s with current economic conditions.
Microeconomics
- How Starbucks caffeinates local economies. It touches on economic development, consumer behavior, and the multiplier effect in local markets.
- McDonald’s vs. Burger King: what a price war means for inflation. This article can be analyzed to discuss the effects of price wars on consumer prices and inflation.
- Is coal the new gold? The world’s dirtiest fuel is a disturbingly safe investment. This article can be used to discuss the economic concept of “bad goods” and the paradox in investment safety vs. environmental impact.
- Betting markets are useful when politics is chaotic. This article examines why betting markets are largely outlawed in America despite their potential utility in chaotic political times.
- How the “single tax” can break financial resilience. It can be used to discuss the pros and cons of different tax structures and their impact on economic inequality and personal finance.
- Amazon launches anti-union charm offensive ahead of UK workers’ vote. This piece would be excellent for examining labor economics, specifically the dynamics between large corporations and unionization.
- China’s leading EV battery maker is raising $1.5 billion. This article is about the economics of the electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on investment, innovation, and market growth.
- Housebuilders rally as investors bet on Starmer’s new homes pledge. This article discusses how government policies can influence market behavior and investor sentiment.
- Greece introduces a “growth-oriented” six-day working week. This is the basis for discussing labor laws, productivity, and economic growth within labor market adjustments.
- A small group of mortgage lenders survived rate hikes – a double-edged AI sword. Analyze the impact of interest rate changes on the mortgage industry and the influence of AI.
- US equity funds see outflows on caution ahead of earnings reports. Investigate investor behavior and market dynamics in response to anticipated corporate earnings reports.
- Patriotic capitalism: a blueprint for economic opportunity and prosperity in America. Examines the concept of “patriotic capitalism” and its influence on economic behaviors and market dynamics.
Global Economy
- China posts record trade surplus as foreign importers rush to beat tariffs. Analyze China’s record trade surplus, examining the reasons behind the rapid growth in exports and the decline in imports.
- Rachel Reeves will announce an economic advisory council to boost UK growth. It’s a great example to discuss the intersection of policy-making and economic theory.
- Europe prepares for a mighty trade war. This article would be an excellent case study on the effects of trade wars on economic policies.
- How Chinese goods dodge American tariffs. It is an excellent choice for understanding the impact of tariffs and trade policies.
- Will services make the world rich? American fried chicken can now be served from the Philippines. Suitable for a discussion on the globalization of services and its economic impact.
- Europe faces an unusual problem: ultra-cheap energy. This situation calls for discussing the transition to renewable resources and its unexpected economic consequences.
- China’s currency is not as influential as once imagined. This paper analyzes the international role of China’s currency and its stalled share of global reserves.
- Rumors of the trade deal’s death are greatly exaggerated. This article discusses the state of international trade deals and could be used to research the economic theories related to trade agreements.
- Reliance on private sector investment could stifle Labour’s economic mission. This article discusses the potential consequences of the Labour government’s reliance on private-sector investments to stimulate growth.
- Xi Jinping is unshakeably committed to the private sector. This article could be analyzed to discuss China’s dual approach to economic policy.
- The dangerous rise of pension nationalism. This piece addresses the implications of focusing pension investments domestically at the expense of potentially higher returns internationally.
- Pakistan reaches a $ 7 billion loan deal with the IMF. This piece offers a real-world case study on the role of international financial institutions like the IMF in stabilizing national economies.
- China exports rise at fastest pace in more than a year. This article could be used to study trade balances, the effects of export-led growth strategies, and the impact of international trade on domestic economies.
- EU plan to impose import duty on cheap goods could dent Shein and Temu. This article can be used to research international trade policies.
- Turkey is back for emerging market investors. It provides a practical example of how macroeconomic stability and policy reforms affect global investment flows and economic perceptions.
- Indian equity issuance hits record high. Analyzing this topic would provide insights into financial markets and capital-raising activities.
- Labour landslide may boost investment and confidence in the UK. This article discusses the potential economic impact of political stability and strong government mandates.
- China’s exports top forecasts, but falling imports point to more stimulus. Discuss how strong export performance amid weak imports influences government economic stimulus measures.
- India’s retail inflation reignites in June as food prices surge. Examine the impact of rising food prices on overall inflation and economic stability in an emerging market context.
- Global bond funds see hefty inflows on expectations of a rate cut. Analyze the effect of anticipated interest rate cuts on global bond markets, focusing on investor strategies.
- Why do warm climates tend to create poor economies? This article can be used to show the correlation between climate and economic development.
- The Japanese economy is turning around: top forces that could shape its future. This article would be perfect for researching the factors driving changes in the Japanese economy.
- Ray Dalio sees a problem in China but still invests there. Discuss the complexities of investing in an economically challenging environment with Ray Dalio’s strategies.
- How will China’s slowing economy affect U.S. businesses? The interconnections between China’s economic performance and its impact on U.S. businesses.
Each of these pieces discusses important economic ideas and provides examples from real life. This makes them perfect for an in-depth study in an IB Economics IA.
Wrapping Up
Creating a great Economics IA means applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems. If you find the right article and follow a structured method for your research and writing, you can produce a work that shows off your economic knowledge and analytical skills. If you need help or more resources for writing your Internal Assessment, I suggest you contact our experts at IBStudentHelp.com.
Nick Radlinsky
Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.
Nick's article, featured in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.
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