IB Economics HL Extended Essay Example

The student communicates a focused and economics-appropriate investigation into the effect of India’s Zero MDR policy on small retailers in Bangalore.

The student's research question is specific, evaluative, and clearly linked to the discussion throughout the essay.

The student uses a mixed-method approach that combines local primary evidence with secondary sources in a way that is suitable for the topic.

The causal design is limited because the essay does not include a strong pre-policy baseline or control group.

The sample and recruitment process need to be explained more clearly so the reader can judge how representative the merchants are.

Some parts of the method rely on indirect indicators that do not fully match the policy effect being investigated.

The student shows clear understanding of the policy context and explains the relevant economics in a coherent way.

The student applies several economic concepts accurately, including transaction costs, derived demand, opportunity cost, and allocative efficiency.

The student's use of local Bangalore evidence helps keep the knowledge grounded in the topic rather than remaining purely general.

Some claims are supported more by general context than by direct evidence from the sources used.

A few concepts are applied in a slightly imprecise way, especially when modelling the market effects of the policy.

At times the student presents plausible economic consequences as if they were already proven outcomes.