IB DP Economics: Command Terms and Keywords
IB DP Economics: Command terms and keywords
IB Diploma Programme Economics (SL and HL) uses the standard IB command terms. Economics emphasises Explain, Evaluate, Discuss and To what extent. Diagrams (e.g. supply/demand, AD/AS) must be correctly drawn and used.
Key command terms for Economics
| Command term | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Define | Precise meaning | Vague definition |
| Describe | Account of pattern/trend | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Reasons; causes; mechanisms | Only describing |
| Analyse | Break down; show relationships | Surface-level |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Listing separately |
| Contrast | Differences only | Similarities |
| Evaluate | Strengths and limitations; judgement | Description only |
| Discuss | Range of arguments; balanced conclusion | One-sided |
| To what extent | Judge degree of validity | Yes/no only |
| Suggest | Apply to context; propose policy | Textbook recall |
| Calculate | Numerical answer; show working | No working |
| Outline | Brief account | Too much detail |
Economics keywords (use correctly)
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Demand | Quantity demanded at each price | ”Want” |
| Supply | Quantity supplied at each price | ”Make” |
| Elasticity | Responsiveness; PED, YED, PES | ”Sensitivity” |
| GDP | Gross Domestic Product; value of output | ”Wealth” |
| Inflation | Sustained rise in general price level | ”Prices going up” |
| Unemployment | Willing and able, seeking work | ”Jobless” |
| Comparative advantage | Lower opportunity cost | ”Better at” |
| Opportunity cost | Next best alternative forgone | ”Cost” |
| Market failure | Misallocation of resources | ”Market doesn’t work” |
| Externalities | External costs/benefits | ”Side effects” |
| Fiscal policy | Government spending and taxation | ”Government policy” |
| Monetary policy | Interest rates; money supply | ”Central bank” |
| Equilibrium | Quantity demanded = supplied | ”Balance” |
| Ceteris paribus | Other things equal | Omitting |
Tips for Economics exams
- Draw diagrams—label axes; show shifts; explain in text
- Explain—link to theory; use “because”
- Evaluate—strengths and limitations; real-world context
- To what extent—conclude with degree; “To a great/limited extent…”
- Discuss—multiple perspectives; evidence-based conclusion
- Past papers—check mark schemes for diagram requirements
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports IB DP Economics (SL and HL). Explore IB resources or book a free trial.
Based on IB Diploma Programme Economics subject guide. Check the guide for syllabus-specific command terms.
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