TERM DEFINITIONS OCR ECONOMICS

Question 1

ANALYSE

Answer 1

1. Establish the key
2. characteristic(s),
3. cause(s),
4. or consequence(s)
   - - of an economic issue or relationship
5. using the economist’s toolkit of concepts, theories or techniques.
6. This may make use of a diagram or transmission mechanism.

Question 2

Assess

Answer 2

1. Determine the significance of an economic issue
2. by considering arguments or viewpoints
3. and reaching an informed judgement
4. on the extent to which they hold true.
5. The assessment must be supported by preceding analysis.

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

1. Use the data provided to find the value or change in the value of an economic indicator.

Question 4

Comment on

Answer 4

1. Make a judgement on,
2. or consider other relevant factors in relation to,
3. an economic issue or argument based on preceding analysis.
   - - This might involve showing
4. what the issue depends upon,
5. what the other side of the argument might be,
6. or what other factors need to be considered.

Question 5

Compare or Contrast

Answer 5

1. Show the similarities and/or differences

2. between two or more concepts, terms, situations or sets of data.

Question 6

Define

Answer 6

1. Give the meaning of an economic term or concept.

Question 7

Describe or Outline

Answer 7

2. Give the main features of an economic term or concept.

Question 8

Discuss or Evaluate

Answer 8

1. Make a judgement on an economics issue
2. by in-depth analysis
3. and/or weighing up competing arguments
4. or alternative explanations or policies,
5. showing an awareness of the strengths of both sides of the argument
6. and what other factors might need to be considered.

Question 9

Distinguish between

Answer 9

1. Show the difference between two economic concepts

2. or terms by going beyond a definition of each.

Question 10

Explain

Answer 10

Explain:

1. Give reasons for
2. or causes of an economic issue or relationship.

Question 11

IDENTIFY

Answer 11

1. Show the nature or characteristics of an economic issue or concept
2. by drawing on the case material provided.

Question 12

JUSTIFY

Answer 12

1. Give reasons for your answer
2. or reasons to support a judgement or viewpoint.
3. The assessment must be supported by the preceding analysis.

Question 13

Name or State or Give

Answer 13

1. Show knowledge of an economic issue, concept, reason or relationship.
2. No explanation is required, unless another command word, such as ‘explain’, follows.
3. It is important to draw upon your knowledge and understanding of economics
4. rather than provide a general response.

Question 14

Show or Draw or Illustrate

Answer 14

1. Use a diagram.
2. It is not always necessary to explain the diagram,
3. but it must be fully and accurately labelled,
4. perhaps with a key or relevant shading.

Question 15

What is meant by

Answer 15

1. Either explain or describe, depending on the context,
2. an economic term or concept.
3. This may be done by EXPLAINING OR ELABORATION UPON A DEFINITION

Question 16

COMMENT ON DEPTH VS DISCUSS/EVALUATE

Answer 16

1. A ‘comment on’ question will normally require the candidate to analyse and evaluate,
2. but such questions will always carry fewer marks than ‘assess’ or ‘discuss’ or ‘evaluate’ questions.
3. For a ‘comment on’ question, candidates are not expected to respond in the same depth as for an ‘assess’ or ‘discuss’ or ‘evaluate’ question.