Distinguish in IB Economics

What your response needs

Whereas A…, B…; repeat using matched criteria if needed.

• Both concepts
• A matched point of difference
• Precise terminology showing the contrast

A worked economics example

Question: Distinguish between economic growth and economic development.

An incomplete response: Growth and development are different.

A more complete response:

Economic growth is an increase in real output or real GDP, whereas economic development is a broader improvement in well-being that includes structural, health and education outcomes.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Defining only one term
• Writing two unrelated descriptions without a direct contrast

Try it yourself

Read the question and its mark allocation before deciding how much detail to include. A response structure helps you organise your answer; it is not a script to memorise.

Browse the available IB-style questions

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About this guidance

These explanations and examples are original Econograms study guidance. They are not official IB questions or markschemes, and Econograms is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate. Follow the wording and requirements of the question set by your teacher or examination.