Exam Technique

Question 1

What is the general structure for 9 and 15 markers?

Answer 1

1. Definition
2. Diagram
3. Examples
4. Depth of analysis / chains of reasoning

Question 2

What to remember for the 2 marker?

Answer 2

• show working
• add units
• read the question (so you calculate from the part of the data they are actually asking about)
• give the right number of decimal places

Question 3

What to remember for the 4 marker?

Answer 3

• definitions can help
• stronger responses manipulate data - calculations
• don’t forget about units
• explain WHY with economics knowledge; stating correlation may not be enough.
• try and include more than one piece of data to secure higher marks

Question 4

Structure for the 4 marker?

Answer 4

Define/briefly explain — quoting accurate evidence
How evidence explains what the question is asking

Question 5

Timings for the context?

Answer 5

Whole thing 60 minutes:
2 + 4 marker } 8 minutes
9 marker } 12 minutes maximum
25 marker } 40 minutes (including reading time)

Question 6

What to remember for the 9 marker?

Answer 6

• integrate diagram into answer so you can get AO3 and AO2
• explain fully.
• make sure response is WELL FOCUSED and there are logical chains of reasoning
• there are hooks in the extract that are meant to help you - use them
• don’t just describe the diagram but explain the process.

Question 7

What to remember for 25 marker?

Answer 7

• focus on swinger words like ‘necessary’ or ‘best’ or ‘always’. It’s likely that focusing on these words will give you enough depth to evaluate on in order to set yourself apart and come to a well justified conclusion
• don’t stray - answer the question you have been given
• make sure you are evaluating throughout
• don’t miss areas within paragraphs that you can evaluate (AO4)
• Make judgements on the significance and importance of arguments you pose as you progress, before coming to the final judgement
• trifecta of evidence: theoretical analysis, use of extract, own examples

Question 8

What are the skills needed to reach the top level in 15 markers?

Answer 8

The skills required for a 15 marker are KNOWLEDGE, ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION and all should be in EVIDENCE to reach the top level.

Question 9

Peter cramp nice additions throughout response

Answer 9

1. Signpost conclusion in the intro - thesis
2. In interim judgement at the end of each evaluative paragraph
3. Use question wording to make final judgement - conclusion test
4. In final judgement at the end in the conclusion

Question 10

What’s wrong about this that you always do: lower costs

Answer 10

Lower AVERAGE costs

Question 11

Note: oligopolists colluding does not necessarily mean they join forces; that is a … it just means that …

Answer 11

That is a merger. It just means that they gain market power that is why they can act as a firm with market power (as shown by monopoly diagram)

Question 12

If you say that governments should refrain from intervening, what should you add?

Answer 12

MENTION GOVERNMENT FAILURE