Welcome to the unit
This hub helps you learn the Grade 10 Development unit and build the kind of thinking used later in DP Economics and DP Global Politics.
Development is more than money
Development includes income, health, education, equality, freedom, and sustainability.
How economists think
Economics focuses on indicators, incentives, trade-offs, policy, and evaluation.
How global politics thinks
Global Politics focuses on power, inequality, legitimacy, institutions, and competing views.
Quick Start
New to the site? Start here.
Search the Development Hub
Type a concept, indicator, theory, or case study term such as HDI (Human Development Index), poverty cycle, corruption, or dependency theory.
Key questions
Is it rising income, improving quality of life, greater freedom, or all of these together?
What can GDP (gross domestic product), GNI (gross national income), HDI (Human Development Index), life expectancy, education, and inequality data tell us? What can they hide?
How much is explained by history, geography, institutions, trade, corruption, conflict, or global power structures?
Should they use markets, state intervention, aid, trade policy, institutional reform, or some mix of these?
How this unit connects to DP
- Use development indicators with precision
- Explain barriers to growth and development
- Compare interventionist and market-oriented strategies
- Evaluate policies using strengths and limitations
- Use concepts like power, inequality, legitimacy, and sustainability
- Apply theories of development to real-world examples
- Analyse how global systems shape local outcomes
- Judge competing explanations instead of just describing them
AERO inquiry tools
These tools help you think like a social scientist. They come from the AERO Social Studies framework and will help you analyse development evidence more effectively.
How to analyse development evidence
Strong analysis does not stop at describing data. You must explain why the pattern exists and evaluate how convincing the explanation is.
Development data questions
- What indicator is being used?
- What trend or comparison does the data show?
- What might explain the pattern?
- What might the data hide?
Evaluating sources (OPCVL)
Use OPCVL to judge whether a source is useful for your investigation.
- Origin – Who produced the information?
- Purpose – Why was this source created?
- Content – Is this the information you need for your research?
Case study starters
These examples help you connect concepts and theories to real places. Use them as starting points, not as full answers.
South Korea
Why it matters: rapid development through export-led industrialization, education investment, and strong state coordination.
Bangladesh
Why it matters: growth driven by garment exports and female labour participation but still facing inequality and labour issues.
Rwanda
Why it matters: post-conflict reconstruction with strong state planning and development goals.
Nigeria
Why it matters: oil wealth combined with corruption, inequality, and governance challenges.
China
Why it matters: state-led development strategy combining market reforms with strong government direction.
India
Why it matters: rapid growth with continuing regional inequality and development challenges.
DP readiness self-check
By the end of this unit you should be able to do these things confidently. These skills appear again in DP Economics and DP Global Politics.
Knowledge
- Define development, growth, inequality, and sustainability.
- Explain key development indicators.
- Recognize major development theories.
Analysis
- Interpret development data.
- Explain barriers to development.
- Evaluate development strategies.
Economics readiness
- Explain cause-and-effect using economic reasoning.
- Use real-world examples and data.
- Evaluate policies using strengths and limitations.
Global Politics readiness
- Apply concepts like power and inequality.
- Use case studies as evidence.
- Compare competing explanations.
Help improve this website
This site is still evolving. If you find something confusing or have an idea that would help future Grade 10 students, please share your suggestion.
Some improvements to this site come directly from student suggestions.
Core concepts
Layer 1 gives you the simple meaning. Click each concept for deeper explanation, a real-world example, evaluation, and an exam sentence.
An increase in real output over time.
Expand explanation and example
Economic growth usually means a country is producing more goods and services than before. It is often measured by real GDP (gross domestic product).
China experienced rapid economic growth for decades as industry, exports, and investment expanded.
Growth can raise incomes, but it does not automatically reduce inequality or improve quality of life for everyone.
Economic growth can increase national income, but development depends on how far that growth improves people’s lives.
An improvement in people’s lives and opportunities.
Expand explanation and example
Economic development includes income, health, education, safety, and opportunity. It is broader than growth.
Rwanda has improved health and education indicators even though it is still not a high-income country.
A country may improve in some development areas while still struggling with inequality, corruption, or limited freedoms.
Economic development is broader than growth because it focuses on improvements in quality of life as well as income.
Development that protects future generations.
Expand explanation and example
Sustainable development tries to balance economic growth, social needs, and environmental protection.
Kenya has invested in renewable energy to support growth while lowering long-term environmental damage.
Some policies help the environment in the long run but may increase costs or slow growth in the short run.
Sustainable development aims to improve living standards without damaging the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Material conditions such as income, housing, and access to goods.
Expand explanation and example
Standard of living usually focuses on measurable material conditions like income, consumption, and access to services.
Oil-rich countries may have high incomes and strong consumer access, which raises average material living standards.
A high standard of living does not always mean a high quality of life if there is weak freedom, low safety, or poor health outcomes.
Standard of living focuses on material wellbeing, while development also includes broader human outcomes.
Human wellbeing, including health, safety, and dignity.
Expand explanation and example
Quality of life includes health, education, security, freedom, and overall wellbeing, not just income.
Countries with strong public healthcare and education systems often score well on human development even when income is not the highest.
Quality of life is harder to measure than GDP (gross domestic product) because some parts of wellbeing are less visible in statistics.
Quality of life is a broader idea than income because it includes health, education, safety, and dignity.
An uneven distribution of income, wealth, or opportunity.
Expand explanation and example
Inequality means the gains from growth are shared unevenly across groups, classes, or regions.
India has experienced rapid growth, but regional and social inequalities remain significant.
Some inequality may appear during growth, but very high inequality can weaken social cohesion and limit development outcomes.
High inequality can reduce the impact of economic growth because many people may still lack access to opportunity and services.
Indicators of development
Start with the short meaning. Click any indicator for explanation, real-world examples, evaluation, and an exam sentence.
Output per person.
Expand explanation and example
GDP (gross domestic product) per capita divides a country’s total output by its population. It gives a rough idea of average economic output per person.
The United States has a much higher GDP (gross domestic product) per capita than India, showing a big difference in average output levels.
GDP (gross domestic product) per capita does not show inequality, unpaid work, or whether income is actually improving quality of life.
GDP (gross domestic product) per capita is useful for comparing output, but it is too narrow to measure development on its own.
Average income per person.
Expand explanation and example
GNI (gross national income) per capita measures the income earned by a country’s residents, including income from abroad.
Countries with many citizens or firms earning income overseas may have a noticeable difference between GDP (gross domestic product) and GNI (gross national income).
Like GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, GNI (gross national income) per capita still says little about distribution, wellbeing, or sustainability.
GNI (gross national income) per capita gives a better picture of residents’ income than GDP (gross domestic product) alone, but it is still only one measure of development.
Adjusts income for cost of living differences.
Expand explanation and example
Purchasing Power Parity adjusts income to show what money can actually buy in different countries.
India’s PPP (purchasing power parity) income is much higher than its nominal income because prices are lower than in richer countries.
PPP (purchasing power parity) gives a more realistic comparison of living standards, but it is still based on estimates and broad price comparisons.
PPP (purchasing power parity) is often better than nominal income for comparing living standards because it adjusts for differences in local prices.
Combines income, education, and life expectancy.
Expand explanation and example
HDI (Human Development Index) is a composite indicator that combines income, education, and life expectancy to give a broader picture of development.
Norway scores very highly on HDI (Human Development Index), while lower-income countries such as Niger score much lower.
HDI (Human Development Index) is broader than GDP (gross domestic product), but it still does not directly show inequality, freedom, or environmental sustainability.
HDI (Human Development Index) is a stronger measure of development than GDP (gross domestic product) per capita because it includes health and education as well as income.
Measures income inequality.
Expand explanation and example
The Gini coefficient shows how evenly or unevenly income is distributed in a country.
Brazil and South Africa are often used as examples of countries with high inequality.
A country can have high average income but still have very unequal outcomes across society.
The Gini coefficient is useful because it reveals whether economic gains are shared evenly across the population.
Nominal uses exchange rates. PPP (purchasing power parity) adjusts for prices.
Expand explanation and example
Nominal values convert income using exchange rates, while PPP (purchasing power parity) adjusts for what money can buy locally.
India and Nigeria show much higher PPP (purchasing power parity) values than nominal values because the cost of living is lower.
Using only nominal values can make lower-cost countries look poorer than they feel in daily life.
PPP (purchasing power parity) is often more useful than nominal income when comparing living standards between countries with very different prices.
Country comparisons: nominal vs PPP (purchasing power parity) GDP (gross domestic product) per capita
| Country | Nominal GDP (gross domestic product) per capita (USD) | PPP (purchasing power parity) GDP (gross domestic product) per capita (USD) | Key insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | ~2,500 | ~9,000 | Lower prices make PPP (purchasing power parity) much higher. |
| China | ~12,500 | ~23,000 | Purchasing power is stronger domestically. |
| United States | ~75,000 | ~75,000 | Little difference because prices are already high. |
| Nigeria | ~2,400 | ~6,000 | PPP (purchasing power parity) shows income goes further locally. |
| Switzerland | ~90,000 | ~85,000 | Very high prices reduce the PPP (purchasing power parity) value slightly. |
Theory Hub
This page is now organized into three parts: Core Theories, Alternative Theories, and Policy Approaches. Start with Layer 1 for the simple meaning. Then open Layers 2, 3, and 4 to build deeper explanation, real-world application, and evaluation.
Section 1: Core theories
These are the two main theories for the Grade 10 unit. They should be your first comparison point in essays, paragraphs, and case study work.
Countries develop by moving from traditional to modern societies through economic growth, industrialization, technological change, and stronger institutions.
Layer 2: Explanation
Modernization theory emerged in the mid-1900s to explain how societies transition from traditional to modern states.
Development occurs through economic growth, industrialization, technological advancement, urbanization, education, and changes in social values.
Modernization theory argues that rational thinking, individualism, effective governance, legal systems, and political stability support development.
- Traditional society: subsistence agriculture and limited technology
- Preconditions for take-off: infrastructure and rising productivity
- Take-off: rapid industrialization and urban growth
- Drive to maturity: diversified economy and rising living standards
- High mass consumption: service economy and widespread consumption
Layer 3: Real-world example
South Korea is often used as a modernization example because it invested heavily in education, industry, exports, infrastructure, and technology.
Layer 4: Evaluation
- Provides a clear model for development
- Highlights education, technology, and institutions
- Useful for long-term policy planning
- Eurocentric and based heavily on Western experience
- Too linear and simplified
- Neglects colonial history and global inequality
- Overemphasizes economic growth
- Can promote cultural imperialism
Modernization theory is useful for explaining how internal reforms can support development, but it is weaker at explaining why development remains uneven globally.
Countries remain underdeveloped because they are economically dependent on and exploited by richer countries in an unequal global system.
Layer 2: Explanation
Dependency theory emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to persistent poverty and inequality, especially in Latin America.
Core countries are wealthy and industrialized. Periphery countries export raw materials and import expensive finished goods and technology.
Dependency theorists argue that colonialism created long-term patterns of exploitation that still shape the world economy.
- unequal trade relations
- multinational corporations extracting profits
- financial systems that favor core countries
- structural inequality in global institutions
Some countries sit between core and periphery and show both development and dependence.
Layer 3: Real-world example
Nigeria is often used as a dependency example because it exports oil but still has uneven development, limited diversification, and continued external dependence.
Layer 4: Evaluation
- Explains global inequality and uneven development
- Highlights colonialism and structural barriers
- Draws attention to power in trade and finance
- Can underestimate internal factors like governance and corruption
- Not all countries experience dependency in the same way
- Some countries have industrialized successfully
- Can be too deterministic
Dependency theory is strong at explaining structural inequality, but it can underestimate the role of domestic policy and state capacity.
Compare the core theories
The strongest essays do not treat theories separately. They compare them directly and then make a judgment.
Modernization
- Main focus: internal change
- Key drivers: growth, education, technology, institutions
- Main weakness: too linear and too Western
Dependency
- Main focus: external constraints
- Key drivers: unequal trade, colonial legacy, global power
- Main weakness: can underplay internal policy choices
While modernization theory explains how internal reforms can support development, dependency theory often gives a stronger explanation for why development is uneven across the global system. In many cases, however, the most convincing answer combines both perspectives.
Apply the theories to real countries
Use real-world cases to test how well each theory works.
South Korea
Layer 1: South Korea developed rapidly through industrialization, exports, education, and strong state direction.
Open comparison
South Korea fits modernization theory because internal policy choices, human capital investment, and industrial growth were central.
Dependency theory still matters because South Korea also benefited from access to global markets, foreign investment, and Cold War support.
Modernization theory is more convincing here, but dependency adds useful context about the international environment.
Nigeria
Layer 1: Nigeria has major oil wealth, but development outcomes remain uneven and fragile.
Open comparison
Modernization theory points to weak institutions, low diversification, and governance problems.
Dependency theory argues that oil dependence and global trade structures have reinforced underdevelopment.
Dependency theory is persuasive here, but the strongest answer also includes governance and institutional analysis.
Section 2: Alternative theories
These theories challenge narrow ideas of development by asking whether growth alone is enough, whose values matter, and how people actually experience wellbeing.
Development is about expanding people’s real freedoms and opportunities, not just increasing income.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Associated with Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, this approach distinguishes between functionings (what people actually achieve) and capabilities (the freedoms they have to achieve those things).
The Human Development Index reflects this approach by combining health, education, and income rather than relying only on GDP.
It gives a more complete picture of human wellbeing, but capabilities can be difficult to define, measure, and compare.
The capabilities approach is valuable because it treats development as an expansion of real life chances rather than only economic output.
The idea of “development” itself may be too Western and may ignore local ways of living well.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Post-development thinkers argue that mainstream development models often impose Western assumptions about progress and undervalue local cultures, knowledge, and priorities.
Local and Indigenous movements often criticize top-down projects that disrupt communities or measure success only through growth and consumption.
It is powerful at questioning assumptions and defending local agency, but it can be weaker at offering large-scale practical alternatives.
Post-development theory is useful because it challenges the assumption that all societies should follow the same Western model of progress.
Development should meet present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Sustainable development balances the economic, social, and environmental pillars of development.
Renewable energy investment is often presented as a strategy that supports both growth and long-term environmental protection.
It is a strong long-term framework, but short-term trade-offs can make it difficult to implement consistently.
Sustainable development matters because short-term growth that damages the environment may weaken future development.
Section 3: Policy approaches
These approaches focus less on explaining why development happens and more on what governments, organizations, and communities should actually do.
Development is best achieved through free markets, trade, privatization, and limited government intervention.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Neoliberalism argues that markets allocate resources efficiently and that growth comes from competition, entrepreneurship, deregulation, and trade liberalization.
Structural adjustment policies promoted by the IMF and World Bank often required governments to cut spending, privatize, and open markets.
It can increase efficiency and growth, but it may also worsen inequality, weaken public services, and increase corporate power.
Neoliberalism can support growth through market efficiency, but the benefits may be uneven if the state does not protect vulnerable groups.
Non-governmental organizations try to improve development through services, advocacy, innovation, and community support.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
NGOs may provide healthcare, education, disaster relief, advocacy, and policy pressure. They can also pilot new solutions to development problems.
Organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, BRAC, and Doctors Without Borders work on different development challenges at local and global scales.
NGOs can fill important gaps and innovate, but they may also face scale limits, funding dependence, accountability questions, and accusations of outside influence.
NGOs can support development by providing services and advocacy, but their long-term impact often depends on funding, accountability, and local partnerships.
Help should go where evidence shows it can do the most good at the lowest cost.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Effective altruism emphasizes evidence, cost-effectiveness, measurable impact, and transparency when deciding how to help others.
Organizations such as GiveWell often recommend interventions like malaria prevention because they show strong evidence and high impact per dollar spent.
It is rigorous and practical, but critics argue that it can overvalue measurable outcomes and undervalue rights, culture, and structural change.
Effective altruism is useful because it emphasizes evidence and impact, but it may overlook wider political and social causes of poverty.
Extreme poverty can be reduced by combining assets, training, support, savings, and healthcare in one long-term package.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Popularized by BRAC, the graduation approach combines productive assets, livelihood training, savings support, mentoring, and basic services to help households move out of extreme poverty.
BRAC’s graduation programs in Bangladesh are widely cited for improving income, resilience, and livelihood security.
It can be highly effective for the poorest households, but it is resource-intensive and harder to scale without strong funding and institutions.
The graduation approach is persuasive because it addresses multiple poverty barriers at once, although it can be expensive to expand widely.
Every person should receive a regular cash payment to guarantee a basic level of financial security.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
UBI gives all citizens a guaranteed income regardless of employment status. Supporters argue that it reduces poverty, insecurity, and the effects of job loss or automation.
Experiments in places such as Dauphin in Canada and pilot programs in Finland and Kenya are often used in debates about UBI.
UBI could reduce poverty and give people more freedom, but critics question the cost, inflation risk, and whether universal payments are the most efficient use of public money.
UBI may reduce poverty by giving people direct financial security, but its success depends on affordability, design, and wider economic context.
Development and justice should be judged not only by resources, but by relationships, responsibilities, and care.
Layers 2, 3, and 4
Associated with Fiona Robinson, this approach argues that people are relational and interdependent. It emphasizes care work, social responsibilities, and the moral importance of meeting human needs.
Policies that recognize unpaid care work, support caregivers, or build social protection systems reflect this perspective.
It offers a humane critique of purely economic models, but it can be harder to convert into simple measurable indicators or broad policy frameworks.
An ethic of care is valuable because it highlights that development is also about relationships, vulnerability, and human responsibility, not only income or output.
Quick theory finder
Use this to decide which theory best fits the type of argument you are making.
If your argument is about…
industrialization, education, technology, and internal reform
If your argument is about…
colonialism, unfair trade, global power, and structural inequality
If your argument is about…
freedom, wellbeing, education, health, and real opportunity
If your argument is about…
markets, privatization, competition, and trade liberalization
If your argument is about…
local knowledge, community priorities, and criticizing Western models
If your argument is about…
practical anti-poverty solutions, targeted help, and policy design
Common mistakes in theory writing
Weak
“Modernization theory is about development. Dependency theory is also about development.”
Strong
“Modernization theory explains development through internal change, while dependency theory explains underdevelopment through external structural inequality.”
Weak
“Dependency theory is correct.”
Strong
“Dependency theory is persuasive in cases where countries rely heavily on unequal export relationships, but it is less convincing when internal governance is the main barrier.”
🎥 Theory in action (quick watch)
Need a quick reset? Watch one short video and connect it back to a theory on this page. These videos are here to lighten the reading load without lowering the thinking level.
Global poverty explained
👉 Which theory best explains the problem in this video?
The dirty secret of capitalism
👉 Is this video mainly challenging neoliberalism, or is it making a wider criticism of capitalism?
Development and inequality
👉 How does this video show a core–periphery relationship?
Universal Basic Income
👉 Does UBI mainly increase income, or does it expand people’s real capabilities and choices?
Practice question
A stronger answer will define both theories, apply them to a real-world example, compare their strengths, and then make a clear judgment.
Barriers to growth and development
Students should first see the concept and a short explanation. Click a concept to open more detailed information, examples, and writing support.
Weak health and education reduce productivity and human capital.
Click for more detail
Countries with poor healthcare systems and low school attendance often struggle to build a skilled and healthy workforce. This reduces labour productivity, limits income growth, and slows development over time.
Limited technology slows efficiency and innovation.
Click for more detail
When firms and workers do not have access to modern technology, production stays less efficient, communication is slower, and innovation is weaker. This makes it harder to compete in higher-value industries.
Without finance, households and firms cannot invest.
Click for more detail
If people cannot borrow money, they may not be able to start businesses, buy equipment, or pay for education. Small firms also struggle to expand when credit is limited.
Fewer opportunities for women reduce development gains.
Click for more detail
When girls and women have less access to education, work, property, or political participation, countries lose a large share of their potential labour force and leadership capacity.
Corruption can waste resources and discourage investment.
Click for more detail
Weak governance can lead to public money being misused, poor policy implementation, and low public trust. This discourages investment and reduces the impact of development spending.
When power is concentrated, benefits may not reach most people.
Click for more detail
If a small elite controls political decision-making, policies may benefit narrow interests rather than the wider population. This can weaken inclusive development.
Conflict damages infrastructure and weakens institutions.
Click for more detail
War and conflict destroy roads, schools, hospitals, and productive capacity. They also weaken the state, increase insecurity, and make long-term planning more difficult.
Natural conditions create both opportunities and risks.
Click for more detail
Some countries face drought, disease environments, poor soils, or difficult transport geography. These conditions can lower productivity and make development more expensive.
Growth without fair distribution can limit development.
Click for more detail
A country may grow richer overall, but if wealth is distributed very unevenly, many people may still lack access to good housing, health, education, and opportunity.
How to use barriers in writing
Weak
“Corruption is bad for development.”
Strong
“In Nigeria, corruption has reduced the impact of oil revenues, limiting development outcomes.”
Strategies for development
Start with the short meaning. Click each strategy to see explanation, a real-world example, evaluation, and an exam sentence.
Protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Expand explanation and example
Governments use tariffs or quotas to help local industries grow before competing globally.
Some Latin American countries used import substitution to build local manufacturing sectors.
It can create jobs and local industry, but it may also reduce competition and keep prices high.
Import substitution may protect infant industries, but overprotection can reduce efficiency and consumer choice.
Encourage firms to sell to global markets.
Expand explanation and example
Export promotion supports industries that can compete internationally and earn foreign exchange.
South Korea used export-led industrialization to achieve rapid long-term growth.
It can work well with strong infrastructure and institutions, but it may increase exposure to global shocks.
Export promotion can drive growth, but its success depends on competitiveness, infrastructure, and access to markets.
Use freer markets and less state intervention.
Expand explanation and example
These approaches emphasize privatization, deregulation, competition, and freer trade.
Neoliberal reforms in parts of Latin America aimed to improve efficiency and attract investment.
Markets can improve efficiency, but weaker groups may suffer if safety nets and institutions are weak.
Market-oriented strategies may increase efficiency, but they can also widen inequality if regulation is weak.
Use the state to guide development.
Expand explanation and example
Governments may invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, or industry to support long-term development.
China used strong state direction alongside market reforms to accelerate development.
State action can fill major gaps, but poor governance can reduce effectiveness.
Interventionist policies can support development where markets fail, but they depend on capable institutions and effective governance.
Outside funding to support development goals.
Expand explanation and example
Aid can help fund infrastructure, health, education, and emergency support when domestic resources are limited.
Rwanda has used aid alongside state planning to support development goals.
Aid may help build capacity, but poor coordination or dependency can reduce long-term impact.
Foreign aid can support development, but its effectiveness depends on governance, local ownership, and long-term planning.
Strong rules and institutions support investment.
Expand explanation and example
Clear rules, secure property rights, and effective courts can encourage investment and long-term planning.
Countries with stronger institutions often attract more stable business investment.
Institutions matter, but they usually work alongside broader political and economic conditions.
Strong institutions can support development by improving trust, stability, and investment incentives.
Writing Skills
Layer 1 shows the structure. Click each part for explanation, an example, evaluation advice, and an exam sentence.
Global Politics Paragraph (5 sentences)
Answer the question directly.
Expand explanation and example
Your first sentence should make a clear argument, not just describe the topic.
Corruption can slow development by weakening investment and public trust.
A strong point is focused, arguable, and connected to the question.
One major barrier to development is corruption, because it weakens governance and reduces effective investment.
Use a real-world example.
Expand explanation and example
Name a country, policy, institution, or event to support your point.
In Nigeria, oil revenue has often been mismanaged.
Specific evidence is stronger than vague phrases like “some countries.”
For example, in Nigeria, corruption has reduced the developmental impact of oil revenue.
Show how or why it happens.
Expand explanation and example
Explain the cause-and-effect chain clearly.
This reduces funding for infrastructure, health, and education.
Without explanation, your paragraph stays descriptive.
This matters because diverted public funds reduce the state’s ability to invest in long-term development.
Link to a course idea.
Expand explanation and example
Use a concept such as governance, inequality, legitimacy, or dependency.
This links to governance because weak institutions reduce accountability.
Adding a concept makes your paragraph more analytical and more DP-ready.
This supports the concept of weak governance, where institutions fail to use resources effectively.
Connect back to the question.
Expand explanation and example
Finish by showing how your evidence answers the question.
Therefore, corruption can significantly limit development outcomes.
A strong final sentence feels like a judgment, not a repetition.
Therefore, corruption remains a serious barrier to development because it weakens both state capacity and public trust.
Economics Paragraph (6 sentences)
Define the key term clearly.
Expand explanation and example
Start by showing that you understand the concept or model.
The poverty cycle shows how low income leads to low investment.
Good definitions are short, accurate, and useful for the paragraph.
The poverty cycle describes a situation in which low income leads to low investment and continued poverty.
State the economic problem.
Expand explanation and example
Name the issue you are analyzing, such as low education, poor infrastructure, or lack of credit.
In rural Kenya, limited access to education reduces human capital.
The issue should be specific enough to explain, not too broad.
In rural Kenya, limited education is a major development problem because it lowers human capital.
Use a model or indicator.
Expand explanation and example
Show how the model explains the issue.
Lower human capital reduces productivity and keeps income low.
Models are useful because they show mechanism, not just description.
This can be explained by the poverty cycle, in which low investment in human capital keeps productivity and income low.
Connect the model to a real place.
Expand explanation and example
Apply the model to the article or country you are using.
This is visible in rural Kenya, where school access remains uneven.
Application is what turns theory into analysis.
This is visible in rural Kenya, where low school access keeps labour productivity below its potential.
Explain the immediate effect.
Expand explanation and example
Short-term effects are the immediate consequences for households, firms, or the state.
In the short term, this limits job opportunities and income.
Short-term impacts are often easier to see than long-term ones.
In the short term, low human capital reduces employability and limits household income.
Explain the longer effect on development.
Expand explanation and example
Long-term impacts often affect growth, productivity, inequality, or human development.
In the long term, households may remain trapped in poverty.
Long-term analysis helps you move beyond simple observation.
In the long term, weak education can trap households in poverty and slow wider development.
Assessment: Choose Your Investigation
For this unit you will complete a research investigation. You will choose one of two pathways: an Economics commentary or a Global Politics case study. Both options build MYP skills while preparing you for DP Group 3.
Economics Commentary (DP Economics-style IA adapted for Grade 10)
This task mirrors the structure of a DP Economics Internal Assessment, but at a Grade 10 level. You will analyse a real-world development issue using a recent news article, economic concepts, models, indicators, and evaluation.
Overview
You will write a commentary exploring a global economic issue such as poverty, sustainability, inequality, infrastructure, human capital, or development strategy.
Word Count
600–800 words. Labeled diagrams or data are recommended and are not included in the word count.
Step 1: Choose Your Article
Choose a news article published within the last 12 months that connects to one or more class topics.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): poverty, sustainability, education, gender inequality, healthcare
- Measuring Development: HDI (Human Development Index), GNI (gross national income) per capita, inequality, energy access
- Barriers to Development: infrastructure, human capital, capital flight, informal economy
- Development Strategies: FDI, microfinance, aid, diversification, trade
Use the News tab on this website to help find suitable articles.
Step 2: Complete the Planning Frame
Before writing, make notes on the following:
- What is the issue?
- Which development topic does it relate to?
- Which indicators or models help explain it?
- Which real-world examples or diagrams from class can help?
Step 3: Write Your Commentary
Headings are recommended. Structure your commentary in the following way:
- Introduction (100–150 words): summarize the article, identify the economic issue, state your focus question, identify one key concept (equity, sustainability, interdependence, or change), and link to the unit.
- Economic Explanation (150–200 words): define key terms, explain one model or indicator, and show how it explains the article.
- Analysis (150–200 words): explain short-term and long-term effects on stakeholders and development indicators.
- Evaluation and Personal Reflection (150–200 words): assess possible solutions, discuss benefits and limitations, consider different groups, and end with a personal reflection.
Economics Focus Question Builder
Use this formula to create a strong focus question:
Examples:
- What is the economic significance of limited access to microfinance on gender inequality in Bangladesh?
- What is the economic significance of poor infrastructure on economic growth in Sierra Leone?
- What is the economic significance of renewable energy investment on sustainable development in Kenya?
Analytical Writing Expectations
- Claim – State the economic argument.
- Concept – Use a key economic concept or indicator.
- Mechanism – Explain the cause-and-effect chain.
- Example or Diagram – Use evidence from the article and class.
- Evaluation – Judge strengths, limitations, and stakeholder effects.
Assessment Criteria
- Criterion A: use relevant terminology, concepts, indicators, and models.
- Criterion B: formulate a focused question and select relevant information.
- Criterion C: communicate clearly with headings, diagrams, and correct vocabulary.
- Criterion D: analyse impacts, evaluate solutions, and reflect critically.
Global Politics Case Study (ICSP)
The Global Politics case study is an analytical report examining a global political issue through a specific country or regional case.
Word Count
600–1200 words (approximately 3–6 pages). The word count includes the introduction, theory, analysis, comparison, counterargument, and conclusion. It does not include the cover page, table of contents, or works cited list.
Required Structure
- Cover Page – title, research question, political issue, theory, name, class
- Table of Contents
- Introduction (100–150 words) – issue, case, theory, research question
- Development Theory (100–150 words) – explain the theory and why it fits the case
- Case Study Analysis (250–400 words) – evidence, theory, cause and effect
- Supporting Examples (100–150 words) – two other real-world examples
- Counterargument (100–150 words) – different perspective or different theory
- Conclusion (80–120 words) – answer the research question
- Referencing – in-text citations and APA works cited list
Research Question Builder
Example: To what extent does corruption limit economic development in Nigeria when analysed through dependency theory?
How to Write Strong Case Study Analysis
- Claim – State the argument you are making.
- Evidence – Provide real-world evidence from your case study.
- Mechanism – Explain how the political issue produces the outcome.
- Theory – Apply your development theory.
- Impact – Explain what this means for development.
Concept Language Requirement
Your case study should include at least three Tier 3 development concepts, such as governance, inequality, dependency, sustainable development, human capital, or foreign direct investment.
Research process (required for both options)
Regardless of which pathway you choose, you must complete the following research process.
Research question
Start with a clear and focused question about a development issue. A strong question guides the investigation.
Action plan
Plan how you will answer the question, what sources you need, and how you will organize the work.
Process journal
Record how your thinking develops and how you solve research problems along the way.
Research notes
Collect and organize key information. As you learn more, you may refine your question or adjust your action plan.
Final analysis
Your completed Economics commentary or Global Politics case study.
Reflection
Explain what you learned about development and about the research process itself.
Assessment criteria
This unit still sits inside MYP I&S, so your work needs to show strong understanding, investigation, communication, and critical thinking.
Define development concepts accurately and apply them to your case study or economic analysis.
Use the research process effectively, gather relevant sources, and develop a focused investigation.
Organize ideas clearly and use subject-specific vocabulary, headings, evidence, and diagrams effectively.
Analyse causes, compare explanations, evaluate evidence, and judge strengths and limitations.
Exit question
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💡 Suggest an improvement to this websiteDevelopment Vocabulary
Each tier is in alphabetical order. Choose a flag once, and every Translation button on this page will switch to that language.
Tier 1: Everyday words
community
A group of people living or working together.
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country
A nation with its own government.
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education
Learning in school or training.
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environment
The natural world around us.
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food
What people eat to survive and stay healthy.
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government
People who make decisions for a country.
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health
Physical and mental wellbeing.
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housing
Places where people live.
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income
Money people earn.
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jobs
Work people do to earn income.
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money
Something used to buy goods and services.
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poverty
Not having enough to meet basic needs.
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resources
Useful materials, money, or services.
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water
A basic need for life, health, and farming.
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Tier 2: Subject language
access
The ability to reach or use something.
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analyze
Break something into parts to understand it.
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development strategy
A plan to improve growth and development.
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distribution
How income, wealth, or resources are shared.
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economic development
Improvement in people’s lives.
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economic growth
Increase in output over time.
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evaluate
Judge strengths and weaknesses.
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evidence
Information that supports an argument.
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factor
Something that influences an outcome.
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human capital
Skills and education of the workforce.
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impact
The effect something has.
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indicator
A measure used to show development.
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inequality
Uneven distribution of income or opportunity.
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infrastructure
Basic systems like roads, power, and water.
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investment
Spending money to improve future outcomes.
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policy
A plan or action chosen by government.
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process
A series of steps or changes over time.
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strategy
A planned way to achieve a goal.
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sustainability
Meeting needs without harming the future.
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Tier 3: Academic vocabulary
Total demand for goods and services in an economy.
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Aggregate demand is the total spending on goods and services in an economy.
Governments may use fiscal policy to raise aggregate demand during slow growth.
Higher demand can support growth, but it may also increase inflation if supply is limited.
Rising aggregate demand can increase output in the short run, but the long-term effect depends on supply conditions.
Money leaving a country quickly.
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Capital flight happens when investors or wealthy individuals move money out of a country because of risk or lack of confidence.
Some developing countries have struggled to keep investment at home when corruption or instability is high.
Capital flight reduces investment, but its causes are often political as well as economic.
Capital flight can weaken development because domestic resources are moved abroad instead of being invested locally.
A measure made from several indicators together.
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Composite indicators bring together more than one measure to provide a broader picture of development.
HDI combines income, education, and life expectancy.
Composite indicators are broader, but they may still hide important differences within a country.
A composite indicator is often more useful than a single indicator because it captures more than one dimension of development.
Global systems keep poorer countries dependent.
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Dependency theory argues that poorer states are structurally disadvantaged by unequal trade and power relations.
It is often used to explain commodity dependence in parts of Latin America and Africa.
It highlights global inequality well, but it may underplay successful domestic reforms.
Dependency theory explains underdevelopment as part of a wider unequal global system rather than just domestic weakness.
Expanding into different industries or exports.
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Diversification means reducing dependence on a narrow set of products, sectors, or income sources.
Countries dependent on oil often try to diversify into manufacturing or services.
Diversification can improve resilience, but it may require time, capital, and strong institutions.
Diversification can support long-term development by making an economy less vulnerable to external shocks.
Investment from foreign companies.
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FDI can bring capital, technology, and jobs into a country.
Vietnam has attracted foreign investment into manufacturing and exports.
FDI can support growth, but benefits depend on labour conditions, local linkages, and regulation.
FDI can stimulate growth, but its development impact depends on whether benefits spread beyond foreign firms.
The total value of goods and services produced in a country.
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GDP measures production within a country over a period of time.
The United States has a far larger GDP than many developing economies.
GDP is useful for output, but it does not measure quality of life directly.
GDP is useful for measuring output, but it is too narrow to measure development by itself.
A measure of income inequality.
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The Gini coefficient shows how evenly or unevenly income is distributed.
Brazil and South Africa are often used as examples of high inequality.
It reveals inequality well, but it does not explain why inequality exists.
The Gini coefficient is useful because it shows whether economic gains are distributed evenly.
Income earned by a country’s residents.
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GNI measures the income earned by residents, including income from abroad.
Countries with firms earning profits overseas may have GNI figures that differ from GDP.
GNI is useful for income, but it still says little about inequality or wellbeing.
GNI can be more useful than GDP when the focus is on the income received by a country’s residents.
Index combining income, education, and life expectancy.
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HDI is a composite indicator used to compare development more broadly than GDP alone.
Norway tends to score highly on HDI, while poorer countries score much lower.
HDI is useful, but it does not fully capture inequality or environmental sustainability.
HDI is a broader measure of development because it includes health and education as well as income.
The skills, knowledge, and health of workers.
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Human capital refers to the skills, education, training, and health that make workers more productive.
South Korea invested heavily in education to strengthen human capital.
Human capital is crucial, but it works best when jobs and institutions also support growth.
Improving human capital can support long-term development by raising productivity and income potential.
Economic activity outside official rules and records.
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The informal economy includes work and trade that are not fully taxed, regulated, or recorded by the state.
In many developing countries, street vending and casual labour form part of the informal economy.
It provides livelihoods, but it can also weaken tax collection and labour protection.
A large informal economy can make development harder because the state collects less tax and workers often lack protection.
Small loans for low-income individuals.
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Microfinance provides small loans or financial services to people who may not have access to normal banking.
Bangladesh is often used as an example in discussions of microfinance.
Microfinance can help some households, but it does not solve every structural barrier to development.
Microfinance can support development by improving access to credit, but its long-term impact depends on wider economic conditions.
Development follows stages of growth.
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Modernization theory argues that countries develop by industrializing, investing, and adopting modern institutions.
South Korea is often used as an example of successful modernization.
It offers a clear pathway, but it can ignore colonial history and global inequality.
Modernization theory suggests development can be achieved through internal reforms, industrialization, and investment.
One increase in spending leads to more spending in the economy.
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The multiplier effect happens when one round of spending leads to extra income and further spending.
Public works projects may create jobs and then increase demand in local businesses.
The effect depends on leakages such as saving, taxes, and imports.
Government spending can support development if the multiplier effect leads to wider increases in income and demand.
Income measured without adjusting for prices.
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Nominal income uses exchange rates but does not adjust for differences in local prices.
India’s nominal income looks much lower than its PPP-adjusted income.
Nominal figures are useful for market exchange comparisons, but less useful for living standards.
Nominal income can underestimate living standards in lower-price countries because it does not adjust for purchasing power.
Low income → low investment → low income again.
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Low income limits spending on health, education, and business investment, which keeps productivity low.
Many rural households in low-income regions remain trapped by limited access to education and credit.
The poverty cycle is useful, but government policy and outside support can sometimes help break it.
The poverty cycle shows how low income can trap households in long-term underdevelopment.
Adjusts income for cost of living differences.
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PPP compares what money can actually buy in different countries.
India’s PPP income is much higher than its nominal income because prices are lower.
PPP is more realistic for living standards, but it still depends on estimates.
PPP is often better than nominal income when comparing real living standards across countries.
Output produced per worker or per hour.
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Productivity measures how efficiently labour and resources are used to produce output.
Investment in training and technology often increases productivity in manufacturing sectors.
Higher productivity supports growth, but its benefits depend on wages, distribution, and job quality.
Higher productivity can support development by raising output and income over time.
A measure showing one part of development.
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A single indicator focuses on one aspect of development, such as income or life expectancy.
GDP per capita measures output, while life expectancy measures health.
Single indicators are clear, but they can give an incomplete picture of development.
A single indicator is easy to use, but it may overlook other important dimensions of development.
Development that protects future generations.
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Sustainable development balances economic, social, and environmental goals over the long term.
Kenya’s renewable energy investment is often discussed as a sustainable development example.
It is a strong long-term goal, but trade-offs often appear in the short term.
Sustainable development is important because it improves living standards without damaging future opportunities.
Reducing trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas.
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Trade liberalization removes or reduces barriers so goods and services can move more freely between countries.
Export-led economies such as South Korea benefited from international trade access.
It can support growth, but weaker sectors may struggle if they face strong foreign competition too quickly.
Trade liberalization can support development, but its success depends on competitiveness and the ability to adjust to change.
Development Concept Map
This page shows how the biggest ideas in the unit connect to each other. Use it when you are planning an essay, choosing evidence, or trying to connect Economics and Global Politics in the same line of thinking.
Development
Development is the broad improvement of people’s quality of life and standard of living. It is shaped by economic growth, political power, institutions, inequality, and the choices governments and societies make.
GDP (gross domestic product), GNI (gross national income) and growth
Economic growth can increase income, investment, and government revenue. However, growth alone does not guarantee broad development if inequality stays high or public services remain weak.
Governance and corruption
Good governance can improve development by strengthening institutions, trust, and policy implementation. Corruption can divert resources away from health, education, and infrastructure.
Inequality
Even when a country grows, wealth and opportunity may not be shared fairly. Inequality can weaken social cohesion, limit mobility, and reduce the impact of development gains.
Human capital and infrastructure
Education, health, transport, and energy systems raise productivity and support long-term development. These are central in economic development strategies.
Power and development theory
Modernization theory, dependency theory, and neoliberal ideas explain development differently. These theories help students analyse why development is uneven across countries.
Strategies and trade-offs
Governments choose between different development strategies such as export-led growth, state intervention, aid, or institutional reform. Each creates benefits, costs, and trade-offs.
How the concepts connect
How to use this map in your writing
For Economics paragraphs
- Start with a growth or development concept.
- Link it to human capital, infrastructure, productivity, or inequality.
- Evaluate whether the policy or strategy works in context.
For Global Politics paragraphs
- Start with a concept such as power, governance, legitimacy, or inequality.
- Use a case study to show how institutions or actors shape development outcomes.
- Compare explanations using theory or competing perspectives.
Which concept is at the center of your paragraph, and what other development concepts does it connect to?
News and IA Practice
These sources are useful for finding current development and economics articles for Grade 10 practice. They are all public-service broadcasters. This page avoids for-profit news sites and avoids state outlets with questionable credibility or political motivations.
How to choose a good Economics IA practice article
Look for articles that include
- a clear current event or policy change
- a development or economics issue you can explain using concepts
- stakeholders who are affected
- enough detail to support analysis and evaluation
Avoid articles that are
- too short or too vague
- purely opinion with no evidence
- about too many issues at once
- not clearly connected to a concept or policy
Article analysis checklist
Questions to ask
- What economic or development issue is the article about?
- Which concept fits best: human capital, trade liberalization, inequality, corruption, aid, or productivity?
- What is the cause-and-effect chain?
- Who benefits and who loses?
- What are the strengths and limitations of the policy or response?
Fast IA practice sentence frame
Issue: The article describes…
Concept: This can be explained using…
Mechanism: This matters because…
Stakeholders: The main groups affected are…
Evaluation: However, the impact depends on…
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If you find a better public-service news source or have ideas to improve the IA practice guidance, send a suggestion.
💡 Suggest an improvement to this websiteReal‑World Examples (REW)
These sources are excellent for finding deeper analysis, policy discussions, and case studies related to development, global politics, and international economics. They are useful when you need stronger real‑world examples for essays, case studies, or practice paragraphs.
The Diplomat
Analysis of politics, economics, and development in the Asia‑Pacific region.
Lowy Institute
Research and commentary on international policy, development, and Asia‑Pacific affairs.
CSIS
The Center for Strategic and International Studies provides policy analysis on global security, development, and economics.
CFR Education
The Council on Foreign Relations provides student‑friendly explainers on global politics, economics, and international issues.
Our World in Data
Data visualizations and research on global development, poverty, inequality, health, and sustainability.
World Bank Data
Reliable development statistics and research reports useful for essays and case studies.
How to use these sources
Use them for
- finding strong case studies
- understanding policy debates
- identifying real‑world evidence
- learning how experts explain global issues
When writing a paragraph
- identify the development issue
- connect it to a concept
- use the example as evidence
- explain the cause‑and‑effect relationship
Help improve this website
If you find a strong real‑world example source that could help future students, please send us a suggestion.
💡 Suggest an improvement to this websiteDevelopment Simulator
This interactive model shows how changes in education, infrastructure, corruption, and inequality can affect broader development outcomes. It is a teaching tool, not a real forecast, but it helps you think in systems.
Try real-world country profiles
These are approximate teaching profiles, not exact data. Use them to compare development patterns and test theories.
Adjust the factors
Explain this country
This profile shows moderate education and infrastructure, with corruption and inequality still limiting wider development.
Best theory fit
This custom profile could be explained by more than one theory, depending on the case study and evidence you choose.
Compare two countries
Simulated outcomes
📈 GDP (gross domestic product) per capita
🌍 HDI (Human Development Index)
💰 Poverty rate
❤️ Life expectancy
What this teaches
Systems thinking
Development is not controlled by one factor alone. Education, infrastructure, governance, and inequality all interact.
Trade-offs and priorities
Different policy choices can improve some outcomes faster than others. Good evaluation explains these trade-offs clearly.
Increase education and infrastructure together. Then lower corruption. Which outcome improves most quickly: GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, HDI (Human Development Index), poverty rate, or life expectancy?
Command Terms
Command terms tell you how to think and structure your answer. Start with the simple meaning. Click to see the IB definition, how to answer, a model example, and a strong exam sentence.
Give the meaning.
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Give the precise meaning of a word, term, concept or physical quantity.
Give a clear, accurate definition using subject vocabulary.
HDI is a composite indicator of income, education, and life expectancy.
Keep it precise. You do not need a long explanation.
HDI is a composite indicator that combines income, education, and life expectancy.
State what something is like.
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Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.
Give the main features without explaining causes.
Describe high inequality as a large gap between rich and poor across society.
Stay focused on features and pattern, not reasons.
The country shows high inequality, with wealth concentrated among a relatively small elite.
Show how or why.
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Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Use cause-and-effect chains clearly.
Low education reduces human capital, which lowers productivity and income.
Description is not enough. The “why” matters.
This reduces productivity because workers lack the skills needed for higher-value jobs.
Break down and show relationships.
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Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.
Show how different factors connect and influence each other.
Inequality reduces access to education, which weakens human capital and slows development.
Go beyond one cause. Show a chain of linked effects.
This shows how inequality can limit development through reduced access to education, opportunity, and long-term mobility.
Weigh strengths and weaknesses.
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Assess the implications and limitations; make judgments about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.
Consider both sides and then make a reasoned judgment.
FDI can create jobs and transfer technology, but it may also increase exploitation or dependence.
A good evaluation ends with a clear judgment, not just two separate points.
Although FDI can support growth, its development impact depends on regulation, working conditions, and whether benefits spread through the local economy.
Show similarities and differences.
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Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Discuss both similarities and differences in a balanced way.
Compare GDP per capita with HDI as measures of development.
Do not write about one and then the other separately. Keep both in view throughout.
While GDP per capita focuses on output, HDI offers a broader view by including health and education as well as income.
Give a balanced argument.
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Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Present more than one perspective and support them with evidence.
Discuss whether foreign aid promotes development.
End with a reasoned overall view, not a neutral summary.
While aid can support development, its effectiveness depends on governance, local ownership, and how well the funding matches long-term needs.
Practice Mode / Exam Builder
Practice Mode trains the command term as well as the topic. Build a question, check what the command term requires, then write a short answer.
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One important factor affecting development is…