IBDP ECONOMICS Internal Assessment

1. IBDP ECONOMICS Internal Assessment

2. 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.

3. Purpose of Internal Assessment • To 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.

4. Assessments Internal HL / SL Portfolio 4 Commentaries • HL worth 20% of final mark • SL worth 25% of final mark. Good portfolio improves the overall grade level.

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

6. Extracts for commentary • A 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 broadcasts • From internet , news media websites are the only appropriate sources.

7. Extracts for commentary • Materials 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.

8. Extracts • Extracts 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.

9. 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.

10. A good commentary • Explains 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.

11. Guide lines • Commentaries 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.

12. Guide lines • Each 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

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

14. Guidance • Indent 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 commentary • Conclusions are important. • Number of words must be indicated at the end of the commentary.

15. 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 article • Explain 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.

16. Information to be recorded in each commentary • Title of Extract • Source of Extract • Date of extract • Word count of the commentary • Date the commentary was written • Sections of the syllabus to which the commentary relates.

17. Terms • Analysis 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.

18. How to reference sources • References for articles used in the commentary • References for information from the internet • References 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.

19. Checklist before submitting the commentary • 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

20. Checklist before submitting the commentary 2 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.

21. Checklist before submitting the commentary 7 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 .

22. Date Title of Article Source of Article Date of Article Section of syllabus linked to commentary Word count 1 2 3 4 IA Portfolio coversheet

23. CRITERIA Rubric Requirements Organization and presentation Use of economic terminology Application and analysis of economic concepts Evaluation MARKS 02 04 05 05 04 Internal Assessment Criterion

24. Commentary Coversheet • Economics Commentary number • Title and extract • Source of extract • Date of extract • Word count • Date the commentary was written • Sections of syllabus to which the commentary relates • Candidate name • Candidate number