What the investigation does
The paper considers how effectively public information, taxation and regulation reduced overconsumption of spirits in Singapore.
What the examiner response highlights
The market, jurisdiction and policy instruments are limited clearly enough to make a broad market-failure problem manageable.
The strongest passages move from economic theory to evidence and then to a qualified judgment.
The conclusion distinguishes mixed policy effects and audits weaknesses in the survey and secondary evidence.
What to examine critically
The evidence is historical. A new Economics EE should use a current issue and data that meet the subject guidance on recency.
A modern design would need a more defensible sampling method and clearer treatment of research method, evaluation and reflection.
How to use this example
Study the decisions behind the work: how the question is narrowed, what counts as evidence in this subject, how the line of argument develops, and where the evaluation becomes specific. Do not copy its wording, structure or method as a template.
Assessment changes for first examination in May 2027 redesign the criteria around the essay framework, knowledge and understanding, analysis and argument, discussion and evaluation, and reflection. Always check the requirements for your own session.
Essay & examiner commentary
Read online or save both PDFs to study alongside this breakdown.
Source & assessment context
These files come from the IB’s 50 More Excellent Extended Essays (2011). The essay and commentary retain their original attribution. Consult the current guide for your assessment session.
IB Extended Essay resources ↗Current Extended Essay updates ↗
