IA Playbook
Use diagrams, terminology, and evaluation to build a strong economics commentary.
Keep the commentary focused on the article, the economic theory, and the quality of your reasoning from start to finish.
Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student is able to construct and explain diagrams.
Top-Band Move
Relevant, accurate and correctly labelled diagram(s) are included, with a full explanation.
Common Penalty
Relevant diagram(s) are included but not explained, or the explanations are incorrect.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student uses appropriate economic terminology.
Top-Band Move
Economic terminology relevant to the article is used appropriately throughout the commentary.
Common Penalty
Economic terminology relevant to the article is included in the commentary.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student recognizes, understands, applies and analyses economic theory in the context of the article.
Top-Band Move
Relevant economic theory is applied to the article throughout the commentary with effective economic analysis.
Common Penalty
Relevant economic theory is applied to the article with limited analysis.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student recognizes, understands and links a key concept to the article.
Top-Band Move
A key concept is identified and the link to the article is fully explained.
Common Penalty
A key concept is identified and there has been an attempt to link it to the article.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student’s judgments are supported by reasoned argument.
Top-Band Move
Judgments are made that are supported by effective and balanced reasoning.
Common Penalty
Judgments are made that are supported by limited reasoning.
Examiner Focus
The extent to which the student meets the three rubric requirements for the complete portfolio.
Top-Band Move
Three rubric requirements are met.
Common Penalty
One rubric requirement is met.
Criteria point markbands to benchmark where your current draft sits and what a stronger band demands.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Relevant diagram(s) are included but not explained, or the explanations are incorrect.
Points 2
Relevant, accurate and correctly labelled diagram(s) are included, with a limited explanation.
Points 3
Relevant, accurate and correctly labelled diagram(s) are included, with a full explanation.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Economic terminology relevant to the article is included in the commentary.
Points 2
Economic terminology relevant to the article is used appropriately throughout the commentary.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Relevant economic theory is applied to the article with limited analysis.
Points 2
Relevant economic theory is applied to the article throughout the commentary with appropriate economic analysis.
Points 3
Relevant economic theory is applied to the article throughout the commentary with effective economic analysis.
Points 0
Either the work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below **or** the key concept identified has already been used in another commentary.
Points 1
A key concept is identified and there has been an attempt to link it to the article.
Points 2
A key concept is identified and the link to the article is partially explained.
Points 3
A key concept is identified and the link to the article is fully explained.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Judgments are made that are supported by limited reasoning.
Points 2
Judgments are made that are supported by appropriate reasoning.
Points 3
Judgments are made that are supported by effective and balanced reasoning.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
One rubric requirement is met.
Points 2
Two rubric requirements are met.
Points 3
Three rubric requirements are met.
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Choose the most relevant diagram early so your explanation stays precise and accurate.
Step 2
Keep the economic terms relevant to the article and use them throughout the commentary.
Step 3
Apply the theory to the real-world context instead of leaving it as abstract explanation.
Step 4
Show that your conclusion is reasoned, balanced, and supported by the evidence you selected.
Did You Know?
Marksy grades your economics commentary against IB criteria and shows you exactly where the rubric is strong or weak. Marksy is built to grade faster with criterion-level precision, so you can improve before final submission.
Instant Grading Results
See where your score is now, not just where it could be.
Criterion-Level Feedback
Marksy explains feedback by rubric criterion, so revision is targeted.
Action List To Improve
Get concrete next edits instead of vague "improve analysis" advice.
Confidence And Integrity Signals
Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.