Outline Strategy for Answering Evaluation type Questions
Part (b) of Paper 1 (both SL and HL) and part (g) of Paper 2 (both Sl and HL) call for the student to analyze and evaluate the relevant economic theory, policy approaches, economic conditions etc... using economics knowledge, real-world examples and - for data response - evidence from the extract to support their answer. Students may structure their response as shown below.
PART I - Introduction (Paragraph 1)
- Intro statement - provide key definitions forming topic sentence (Trade, Aid, Development)
- Main argument - 'Aid is needed to overcome poverty because it supplements the few resources LDCs possess.'
- Directional Statement (how will you prove your thesis? - statement can indicate key points to be examined in response i.e. This will be shown through an examination of the role of aid in filling the savings gap, etc...)
PART II - Supporting Paragraphs* (Paragraphs 2, 3 & ?)
- use relevant economic theory/concepts
- include relevant diagrams to support answer
- organize your paragraphs according to the key points you raised in your intro (try to address at least 3 to 4 main points, with an awareness of the opposing economic arguments)
- use real world examples and cite text & data to support your position - this point is critical as upper marks bands will not be achieved if student only refers to theory but no real world examples (esp. in Paper 1 extended response) to add context to response
* identify the stakeholders, prioritize key arguments, data/theory validity & possible short/long run issues in your arguments
PART III - Conclusion (Last Paragraph)
- Restate your main arguments (not all)
- while tempting to skip this part, if pressed for time, it is something students should try to integrate in their answers
Additional Advice
Download the following information handout with some useful tips for answering the evaluation components of the extended and data response questions.
