April 20, 2026

How to Get Full Marks in Data-Based Questions (Science & Economics)

Time is your most limited resource in IB — and the one students waste most. Here's how to manage it like a pro.

How to Get Full Marks in Data-Based Questions

DBQs are where IB students leave the most marks on the table. Use the READ framework to fix that.

The READ Framework

  • R — Read carefully: Title, axes, units, scale, range (60-90 seconds)
  • E — Extract values: Quote exact numbers with units
  • A — Analyze trends: Direction + quantification + changes + anomalies
  • D — Deduce and explain: Connect data to theory with correct terminology

7 Common Mistakes

  1. Vague descriptions ("it goes up")
  2. Missing units
  3. Not quoting data when asked to
  4. Confusing correlation with causation
  5. Ignoring outliers
  6. Over-interpreting beyond the data
  7. Forgetting to evaluate/discuss limitations

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