Paper 3 [HL only]
HL extension paper (50 marks). Assessment objectives 1, 2 and 4. Syllabus content, including HL extension material: sections 1 to 4—microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, development economics. Students answer two questions from a choice of three. (25 marks per question). Many question parts require the use of a calculator. Graphic display calculators (GDCs) are allowed during the examination, and students should be familiar with their use. Full details are given in the section “Use of calculators”.
Paper 3 (HL only) While all questions requiring a calculator can be answered fully using a four function (plus, minus, multiply, divide) calculator, graphic display calculators (GDCs) are allowed during the examination. The graphing functions on these calculators may assist students and it is therefore recommended that all students are familiar with the use of GDCs.
Command terms to expect on paper 3:
Paper 3 (HL only) While all questions requiring a calculator can be answered fully using a four function (plus, minus, multiply, divide) calculator, graphic display calculators (GDCs) are allowed during the examination. The graphing functions on these calculators may assist students and it is therefore recommended that all students are familiar with the use of GDCs.
Command terms to expect on paper 3:
- Calculate: “Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.”
- Construct: “Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.”
- Derive: “Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.”
- Determine: “Obtain the only possible answer.”
- Draw: “Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve.
- Identify: “Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.”
- Label: “Add labels to a diagram.”
- Plot: “Mark the position of points on a diagram.”
- Show: “Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.”
- Show that: “Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a calculator.”
- Sketch: “Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.”
- Solve: “Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.”
Paper 3 practice exam