THE OPERATION OF MARKETS AND MARKET FAILURE

EXAM TECHNIQUE

DEC 2015

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Lesson Objective
Explore the exam techniques required to do
well in AS Economics

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

AS Exam Structure
Time Allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks Available: 70
Answer all 20 Multiple Choice Questions in Section A (20 marks)
Answer EITHER Context 1 OR Context 2 in Section B (50 marks)
Note: remember to bring a calculator and drawing equipment

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Multiple Choice (20 marks)

You will be required to answer 20 multiple choice questions
Whilst you are given the answer, as one of a number of alternatives, there is only one correct answer
Its easy to drop marks if youre simply guessing the answer

Read each question carefully, at least twice

Look at the alternatives and ask yourself, can you eliminate any of them?
Take a calculator as you will be required to carry out calculations

You will not be given any formulas so make sure you know them!!!
You should have time to return to section A to double check your answers

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Definition Question Advice & Marks Scheme (3 marks)

After answering the 20 multiple

choice questions you are
presented with a choice of two
Context Questions

Only choose ONE but choose

wisely i.e. the question for which
you will be able to maximise your
marks

A succinct and clear response is all that is required

The context questions start by

asking you to define a key term
which has been mentioned in one
of the extracts

Its always good advice to include an example to support

your definition

Depending on the term you may find it useful to include a

diagram or a formula

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Calculation Question & Marks Scheme (4 marks)

The next question requires a

simple calculation related to the
extracts

Within lessons you will have

practiced the types of
calculations you can expect to
find in the AS Exam

Ensure you
show your workings
include relevant units of
measurement
signs (+ or -)

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Significant Point of Comparison & Marks Scheme (4 marks)

The next question requires you to

look at the relevant extract (a
table, chart, graph etc.) and
identify TWO significant points of
comparisons

Ensure you
use two separate paragraphs
for each point of comparison
make significant points e.g.
high points, low points,
upward/downward trends,
periods of volatility
quote the figures accurately
use the correct units of
measurement
A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

DO NOT explain the reasons behind the

data e.g. why prices have fallen for crude
oil

Comparing a high point for both data series is only one point of
comparison so will only earn a maximum of two marks you
need to make a second point of comparison

Draw a diagram/model & marks scheme (4 marks)

The next question requires you to

draw and label an accurate
diagram which illustrates the
impact of a relevant issue raised in
one of the extracts

Ensure you
Use half a side of paper for the
diagram
Labels all axis, curves and
equilibriums

Note: the example marks scheme

opposite is for a demand and
supply diagram
A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Explanation Question & marks scheme (10 marks)

The next question requires you to explain in detail possible reasons, causes or effects of a
key issue raised in the extracts

The question may explicitly ask for two points; if not then ensure you have at least two
main points

Ensure you
organise your answer in detailed paragraphs
use economic terms and language throughout
use/quote the extracts to apply your knowledge and answer to the question
use logical chains of reasoning i.e. where one sentence/point leads onto the next

Note: The example marks scheme is on the next slide

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Explanation Question & marks scheme cont. (10 marks)

Remember that the best

responses/points will be those
applied in context i.e. as
mentioned in the marks scheme
key issues that are relevant to
the question

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Essay Question & Levels Marks Scheme (25 marks)

Opposite is the top part of the

levels marks scheme for final 25
mark question

The examiner will use this to award

you a level and mark for your
response

They are looking for a well

structured essay, with detailed and
logical analysis and evaluation

The template on the next slide

gives you a clearer idea of how to
structure your essay

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS

Essay Structure Template

Opposite is a template for writing

your response for the 25 mark
question in the AS Exam

Remember that the best answers

are those which are applied in
context to the individuals, firms,
markets and economies in question

This means you utilise the extract

information and figures you are
given as well as your own
knowledge

A-LEVEL ECONOMICS