IBDP ECONOMICS

Internal Assessment

Internal Assessment IA is an integral part of Economics Course. Enables to demonstrate the application of

the knowledge of Economic theory to real world situations without the time constraints of written examinations.

Purpose of Internal AssessmentTo fill the gap as the final exams are written at the end of two years.Motivates the learning process.To follow up aspects of economics in which students are interested.To focus on international issues or issues related to own country. It serves as a natural part of syllabus activities.

Assessments Internal HL / SL

Portfolio 4 Commentaries

HL worth 20% of final markSL worth 25% of final mark.

Good portfolio improves the overall grade level.

Portfolio 4 CommentariesThree commentaries with main focus on different sections of the syllabusFourth Commentary can focus either on a single section or on two or more sections of the syllabusIf less than four commentaries are written students will lose all marks under criterion B & will be disadvantaged in other criteria.

Extracts for commentaryA suitable current article concerned with real economic matters will be the best.Extracts must be drawn from four different sources.Can be from newspaper, magazines, journals, world wide web [internet] .Cannot be from television or radio broadcastsFrom internet , news media websites are the only appropriate sources.

Extracts for commentaryMaterials published up to six months before the start of the course can be taken along with current events.If different sources are not used for each commentary then three marks will be lost under criterion B.

ExtractsExtracts may be of any length but if they are excessively long then specific areas of the extract which is selected for the discussion must be highlighted or underlined.It is better to select such an extract which is neither too short nor too long and which gives you scope to demonstrate your understanding of economic theory.

Focus Apply relevant theory i.e. link the extract with the economic theory studied .Do not summarize the article .Make good use of diagrams and try to reach a balanced conclusion.

A good commentaryExplains the linkages between the extract and an economic theory taken from the section of the syllabus on which the commentary is based.Demonstrates economic insights into the implications of the extract i.e. provides evidence to evaluate current events from economist point of view.

Guide linesCommentaries must be typed and the style of presentation must be common to all.Common font , common style of heading , common size of print .Portfolio must be written by keeping the internal assessment criteria in mind.

Guide linesEach commentary must be within 650-750 words.If any commentary is outside the word limit then marks are lost in criterion A.Everything accept the coversheet is included in the word count.Footnotes ,references, captions to diagrams , symbols and quotations everything counts .20 hrs of class time devoted for portfolio in HL/ SL

Guidance

Definitions used should show thorough understanding of the termsDiagrams must be drawn neatly and labeled properly with proper explanation.Keep margins and enough space for diagramsEach diagrams must be numbered and given a title and a reference must be made in the commentary.

GuidanceIndent first lines and separate paragraphs with double spacing.Commentary must be given a title.Foot numbers must be written at the end of the sentence.Every criterion should be demonstrated in every commentaryConclusions are important.Number of words must be indicated at the end of the commentary.

Steps

Select an article from any source .Make a list of economic concepts covered in the article .Make a list of diagrams that can be covered to explain the economic concepts in the article.List all the facts and statistics mentioned in the articleExplain the article in your own words by making use of economic terms .Remember to write your evaluation.Commentary writing must be such that it enables a layman to understand about the article.

Information to be recorded in each commentary

Title of Extract Source of ExtractDate of extractWord count of the commentaryDate the commentary was writtenSections of the syllabus to which the commentary relates.

TermsAnalysis implies application of the theory Evaluation implies a judgment of a theory

and an application of the theory to a given situation, with an awareness that the theory may not provide an accurate description.

How to reference sourcesReferences for articles used in the commentaryReferences for information from the internetReferences to materials ( books articles websites) used in the body text of the commentary.

Author title (Edition,Publisher,Place,Year),page.E.g. John Sloman,Economics ( 4th edition , Prentice

Hall, London 2000) p.323.

Checklist before submitting the commentary1. On each commentary have you noted the

following on the coversheet title of the extract source of the extract date of the extract word count of the commentary date the commentary was written section of the syllabus to which the commentary relates

Checklist before submitting the commentary2 Have you included the extract.3 Is the commentary within the word limit . (650- 750) words.4 Have you labeled your diagrams accurately.5 Have you highlighted the relevant parts of

the extract if it is lengthy.6 Have you cited correctly the sources or

references used other than the extract.

Checklist before submitting the commentary7 Have you checked that each extract is from

a different source 8 Have you kept a second copy of your

extracts and commentaries for your file.9 Have you checked the overall style of

presentation.10 Have you put your portfolio in a suitable

folder .

IA Portfolio coversheetDate Title of Article Source of

ArticleDate of Article

Section of syllabus linked to commentary

Word count

 

1         

 

2         

 

3         

 

4         

Internal Assessment CriterionCRITERIA

Rubric RequirementsOrganization and presentationUse of economic terminologyApplication and analysis of economic conceptsEvaluation

MARKS

0204050504

Commentary Coversheet

Economics Commentary numberTitle and extractSource of extractDate of extractWord countDate the commentary was writtenSections of syllabus to which the commentary relatesCandidate nameCandidate number