This site uses cookie tracking technologies. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.

2.3 Criterion C

Economics

Note

If the work does not reach a standard outlined by the performance level descriptors, 0 marks are awarded for this criterion.

Summary for Criterion C.

Analysis in an economics EE involves the integration of economic theory and data with the topic or research question under evaluation to build a coherent and well-supported argument.
It is not enough to mention economic concepts or present tables and graphs; students must consistently use these tools to analyze their topic and answer the research question.
A strong essay embeds theoretical models within real-world contexts and evaluates how effectively they explain observed outcomes.

Common Mistake

The biggest risk students face in achieving high scores on Criterion C is to write an essay that is descriptive.

A descriptive essay is one that simply recounts information without engaging in deeper analysis or evaluation.
It often includes summaries of economic theories, outlines of government policies, or presentation of data trends, but fails to use these elements to construct a reasoned argument.
Instead of exploring the causes and consequences of an economic phenomenon or applying theoretical tools to interpret real-world events, the essay remains on the surface, offering general explanations or background without critically linking them to the research question.
This type of writing may demonstrate basic knowledge of economics, but it does not reflect the kind of analytical thinking expected in academic research.

Example

A student writing about the impact of rent control might describe what rent control is, how it is implemented in different cities, and how average rents have changed over time.
However, if they do not analyze these outcomes using supply and demand theory, or discuss the short-term versus long-term effects on landlords and tenants, or evaluate unintended consequences such as housing shortages, the essay remains descriptive.
It tells the reader what is happening but not why it is happening or what it means in economic terms.

This criterion assesses how well the student uses economic tools to support their argument, the relevance and integration of data, and the depth of evaluation.
1. A descriptive essay lacks the analytical structure needed to show these skills.
2. It might mention relevant concepts and present data, but without interpretation, questioning, or judgment, these components are not used critically.
To move beyond description, students need to approach their topic with a critical lens.
1. They should ask questions about causality, challenge assumptions, and connect theoretical predictions with real-world outcomes.
2. They should also interpret their data, not just present it, and relate every part of their analysis back to the research question.
3. By doing so, they ensure their essay is not merely informative, but argumentative, structured, and intellectually rigorous, all of which are hallmarks of strong critical thinking.

Common Mistake

Another common pitfall is structuring the essay around separate sections for theory, data, and evaluation.

This approach can lead to a disjointed analysis and superficial connections that are unlikely to reach the highest mark levels for this criterion.
Instead, students should structure their essay thematically, with each section focusing on a sub-topic or dimension of the research question.
1. Within each section, relevant theory, data analysis, and evaluation should be interwoven to provide a layered and insightful exploration.

Example

In an essay investigating the impact of a cigarette tax on consumption in a specific country, a strong structure might include sections like:
- Short-run consumer response
- Impact on government revenue
- Unintended consequences and externalities
In the first of these, the student could apply price elasticity of demand, use consumption data before and after the tax, and evaluate anomalies or external influences that could distort the expected results.
This method ensures that each section advances the argument in a meaningful way.

Theoretical application must be purposeful. Rather than just describing a model, students should introduce only the relevant aspects and immediately link them to their data or case study.

Example

For instance, if using a demand and supply diagram to show the effect of a subsidy, it should be accompanied by a discussion of whether the assumptions of the model apply to the specific market being studied.

Evaluation should not be saved for a single section at the end. Instead, it should be ongoing, appearing within each analytical section.
This includes recognizing data limitations, questioning the reliability of sources, and considering alternative explanations.

Example

For instance, if an observed decrease in demand coincides with both a price increase and a health awareness campaign, the student should evaluate how each factor may have contributed and consider the difficulty of isolating one cause.

Using mini conclusions at the end of each major section helps to reinforce focus on the research question and contributes to a good structure.
1. These brief summaries should state what the section has shown in relation to the research question and prepare the reader for the next stage of the argument.
2. They serve as checkpoints in the logic of the essay and help maintain a clear and focused structure.
Ultimately, essays that score highly in Criterion C are those that construct a sustained, logical, and evidence-based argument.
1. This is achieved not by separating theory and data, but by fusing them in a way that reflects how economists analyze the world.
2. Every section should build on the last, creating a coherent line of reasoning that leads to a convincing and well-supported conclusion, which will be essentially a summary of the mini conclusions used throughout the essay.

Key points

Analysis in an economics EE requires the integration of theory and data to answer the research question.
Descriptive essays, which summarize information without analysis, are a major risk to Criterion C achievement.
Avoid structuring the essay into separate sections for theory, data, and evaluation; use a thematic structure instead. Each section should integrate relevant theory, data, and evaluation to support a sub-point of the research question.
Acknowledging data limitations can strengthen analysis and show critical thinking.
Use mini conclusions at the end of each section to reinforce focus and logical structure and then combine these into your final conclusion.

Do's and Don'ts of Criterion C in your Econ EE

Extended Essay

View Exemplars

And thousands of other examples from high-scoring students.

Browse Exemplars

Economics

EE