IB Economics Past Papers and Revision Resources

How to identify the paper, session and variant

IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

IB examinations take place in the May and November sessions, and some papers are set in more than one time zone (TZ1, TZ2) in the same session.

Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Attempt a paper under timed conditions

Choose a paper that matches your course, set the time allowed on the front page, and work without notes. Stopping early to look something up hides the gaps you are trying to find.

Show formulas and workings in calculation questions, and state the unit or currency.

In written answers, apply your points to the situation in the question instead of giving a general definition.

Read the case before the questions and note the figures; then divide your time by marks, leaving evaluation questions enough space.

Checking your answers

No mark schemes have been added for Economics yet. Until they are, ask your teacher to check your work or look for the matching mark scheme on IB's website.

Look at how marks are split between knowledge, application and evaluation, and check each part of your answer against that split.

Typical slips are a definition without application to the case, unlabelled calculations, and a conclusion that is not supported by the earlier points.

Keep an error log and plan your revision

After each paper, write down every lost mark in a log. Record whether marks were lost for calculation errors, missing application to the context, weak evaluation or unfamiliar terms.

Then turn the log into a short weekly plan: choose two or three topics, revise them from your notes, and test them with fresh questions. Spread the papers you have across several weeks instead of attempting them all at once.

A good week pairs one paper with a drill on the calculation types you missed and a rewrite of one evaluation answer using the case.

Practise by syllabus topic, and for each topic include both calculation and written-response questions.

Check that the syllabus version matches

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

How do I find the correct IB Economics paper?

Check three things on the paper: the session and year, the paper number, and the variant or level when there is one. IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

Which Economics syllabus version should I choose?

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

Where can I find the matching mark scheme?

No mark schemes have been added for this subject yet. Check IB's website or ask your teacher, and see the list above as new files are added.

Are all IB Economics past papers on this page?

No. This page lists only the files that have been added so far, and some sessions may be missing. For the full official list, use IB's own website.

Should I use Standard Level or Higher Level papers?

Use the papers that match the level you take. Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Are these files endorsed by IB?

No. The papers are published by International Baccalaureate. Trinity Tutors is an independent tutoring service and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the board, and it cannot promise any particular grade or result.

How do I improve evaluation marks in Economics?

Make a judgement, support it with a reason that uses the case, and say what would change your view. Compare your answers with the levels in a mark scheme.

Can a tutor help me with Economics?

You can browse a Economics tutor or contact us with the board, level and topics that cost you marks, and we will say honestly whether we have a suitable tutor.