Choosing the Right Article

Choosing the right article for your Economics IA is the foundation of a successful commentary. A strong article allows for meaningful analysis and helps you demonstrate your mastery of economic theories. Here’s how to make sure your article sets you up for success:

Why Does It Matter?

Think of your article as the starting block in a race. No matter how skilled you are, choosing the wrong article is like running with the wrong equipment. To set yourself up for success, you must begin with a strong foundation. Selecting an article that perfectly aligns with economic concepts and theories will make analysis much smoother and more impactful.

Key Guidelines for Selecting Your Article

• Decide on a Concept First: Identify the economic concept you want to explore (e.g., supply and demand, market failure, taxes). A clear focus will help you find an article that aligns with your goals.
• Stick to Reputable Sources: Use trusted publications like BBC News, The Guardian, or Financial Times. Avoid sources that include pre-analyzed economic data, such as The Economist, as they limit your ability to showcase your own understanding.
• Relevance to the Syllabus: Choose an article related to theories you’ve covered in class. For example, if you haven’t studied development economics yet, save those articles for later.
• Use Multiple Economic Theories: Articles that can be analyzed using two or more interconnected theories (e.g., supply and demand with elasticity) give you more scope for evaluation and higher marks.
• Be Mindful of IB Requirements:
  • Articles must be from unique sources (don’t use the same website twice).
  • They should be published within the last 12 months.
  • Each commentary must address a different syllabus area (e.g., microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics).
• Choose an Obvious Example: Focus on articles that clearly align with your chosen concept. For example, an article about taxes on sugary drinks fits perfectly with market failure. Avoid vague or overly complex topics that require too much justification.

Examples of Strong Article Topics

• Microeconomics: Taxes and subsidies, price controls, externalities.
• Macroeconomics: Fiscal policy, unemployment, interest rates.
• International Economics: Tariffs, exchange rates, quotas.
• Development Economics: Trade strategies, market-based strategies, interventionist policies.

Top Tips for Success

- Keep your article short and focused. This helps you stay within the 800-word IA limit.
- Choose topics you’re genuinely curious about. Passion makes your analysis more engaging.
- Double-check the article’s publication date to ensure it meets IB guidelines.

With the right article, your IA journey becomes much smoother and more impactful. Take the time to make a thoughtful choice—it’s worth it!