The content tested in SEL can be classified according to 5 broad topics, namely:
The setting of the questions is guided by the syllabus established by the International Economics Olympiad (IEO). Do note that the exact breadth and depth of content in SEL can vary. For instance, while many easy questions are within the A level / IB syllabus, some harder questions can sometimes delve into topics covered at the university level.
Some of the economics questions set in SEL will be highly rigorous and analytical in their approach. Therefore, we encourage teams to familiarise themselves with a quantitative treatment of economics concepts, such as equations for supply and demand, constructing and solving models, etc.
Most of the mathematical skills required to solve SEL questions are within the A level / IB math syllabi. Particularly important mathematical topics for SEL include:
While SEL questions range in difficulty, a majority of our problems are solvable via the application of concepts taught at the JC level. The SEL Academics Team thus recommends the following learning resources for preparation:
Good luck!