What happens when you take abstract economic jargon and dress it in everyday language, imagination, and metaphor? You get a quiz that’s not just about recall, but real understanding. That’s exactly what we explored in a recent IBDP Economics class activity that turned economics into an engaging puzzle.
The quiz was designed around a simple yet powerful idea: explaining economic terms metaphorically. Students were presented with descriptions that compared economic concepts to everyday scenarios, characters, or objects — and their task was to decipher the concept being described.
Each clue was crafted to challenge not just memory, but interpretation and reasoning — encouraging students to think beyond textbook definitions and connect ideas to real-world thinking.
Why metaphors? Because they help students own the concept. By stripping away the jargon and rebuilding the idea in relatable terms, learners are more likely to retain and truly understand it.
It turned out to be a learning experience packed with laughter, ‘aha!’ moments, and a lot of excited debates over answers.
