10-mark questions are common in IB Economics exams. These questions require clear explanations, economic terminology, and often diagrams.
Students often lose marks because they describe the concept but fail to fully explain it.
What a 10-mark answer requires
Examiners typically expect:
- Clear definitions of key terms
- Logical economic explanation
- Correctly labelled diagrams
- Real-world examples when relevant
Each element helps demonstrate understanding.
Recommended structure
- Definition: Explain the concept clearly
- Economic explanation: Describe the cause-and-effect relationship
- Diagram: Use a correctly labelled diagram if relevant
- Example: Provide a real-world or hypothetical example
Example
Question topic: Indirect taxes
Want to practise 10-mark answers and see exactly where marks are awarded? Try our IB Past Paper Feedback tool for instant, structured marking.
Definition: An indirect tax is a tax imposed on goods or services, paid by the consumer through the producer.
Explanation: When the government introduces an indirect tax, the supply curve shifts upward (to the left) by the amount of the tax, because producers face higher costs per unit.
Result: The market price increases and the quantity demanded decreases. The tax burden is shared between consumers and producers depending on the price elasticity of demand and supply.
Common mistakes
- Not defining key terms: Definitions help examiners award marks quickly
- Missing diagrams: Many questions expect diagrams — learn the key IB Economics diagrams
- Weak explanations: Examiners reward clear economic reasoning with cause-and-effect chains
Practice writing IB Economics answers and receive feedback.
Practice Economics questions →For more exam strategies, see our guides on How to Structure a 15-Mark Economics Essay and IB Economics Command Terms Explained.
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