Exam Technique

Question 1

What are the two types of Econ paragraphs and when should they be used?

Answer 1

Type 1 = PCC
Used when analysing pros/cons, costs/benefits, factors, reasons, causes and consequences.

Type 2 = Chains of Analysis
Used when analysing processes, when there is a start and end point to economic theory and the gaps need to be filled.

Question 2

Explain the PCC Econ paragraph

Answer 2

Point , Cause , Consequence

Point = Make a point in one sentence
Cause = Why? Explain the point and provide examples
Consequence = So what? Develop the significance of the point and why it matters. Answer the question in serious detail

Question 3

Explain the Chains of Analysis Econ paragraph

Answer 3

Used when linking a start point to an end point. Explain each step of the process in detail.

Question 4

How should you answer a 9 or 15 marker?

Answer 4

1st) Definition = Define all key terms in question
Next 3 do not have to be in order
2nd) Diagrams = At least one, needs to be analysed and explained in full detail
3rd) Examples = Apply examples to question, for a 9 marker use extract, for 15 marker use knowledge. Where possible apply on diagram.
4th) Depth of analysis, use Econ paragraph.

Question 5

How should you answer a 25 marker with ONE policy/ topic of discusion?

Answer 5

40 minutes
1st) Definitions = All key terms in question
2nd) On the one hand…. 2xEcon paragraphs, 1 for each point
+ Evaluation for each para
3rd) On the other hand…. 2x Econ paragraphs, 1 for each point
+ Evaluation for each para
4th) Judgement

Question 6

How should you answer a 25 marker with multiple policies / topics of discussion?

Answer 6

40 minutes
1st) Definitions = All key terms in question
2nd) Policy 1, on the one hand, Econ para
+Eval
3rd) Policy 1, on the OTHER hand, Econ para
+Eval
4th) Policy 2 (maybe can overcome issues with 1st policy), on the one hand, Econ para
+Eval
5th) Policy 2, on the OTHER hand, Econ para
+Eval
repeat for all policies
6th) Judegemnt, give good answer to the question

Question 7

How do you evaluate?

Answer 7

Evaluation is telling the examinor where to focus attention, it is assesing the strengths of economic theory.

There are 4 strong methods to use to evaluate a point:
-Question assumptions made
-Consider SR / LR differences
-Consider tradeoffs made, for example to key stakeholders
-Prioritise which points are strong and why (use real life evidence)

Question 8

How do you write a final judgement paragraph?

Answer 8

You answer the question with evidence and balance.

Start with the phrase ‘Based on the evidence…’
1st) Answer question explicitly, do not sit on fence
2nd) Justify answer by weighing up the most significant arguments with real world evidence
3rd) Provide balance showing consideration of alternate view