Eco Today - Mar10:ET Master Page 2007 - ASKnLearn

The essay paper
In terms of marks, this is usually a very important paper. Although at AS level, full essays do not feature, the skills, knowledge and
understanding required to answer essay-type questions of any length are directly and indirectly relevant for the other papers you
will sit too. In particular, in data response questions there will often be a longer question with more marks available, in effect, this
becomes a mini-essay question.
The main weakness on the essay paper can be divided into THREE categories. Think about how you can deal with each in turn.
1. Poor exam technique
Revealed by – Failure to answer fully the required number of questions
– Failure to answer all parts of the question
– Failure to allocate time and effort in line with the mark allocation (which is usually stated)
– Failure to identify the key skills that are being tested. These are usually revealed by the question command –
describe, compare, explain, analyse, discuss, evaluate, assess etc.)
Make sure you know your exam board’s main command words.
2. Poor subject knowledge
Revealed by – Limited or inaccurate reference to economic theory
– Poor or non-existent definitions
– Poor or non-existent diagrams
– No context, examples or factual support
3. Poor writing technique
Revealed by – Poor reference to key question commands
– Incoherent structure with no clear beginning, middle or conclusion
– Clumsy or ambiguous expression – bluffing/evasive answers are easily spotted
– Points only listed often in a fragmented or random and thoughtless manner
– Inaccurate or, at times, contradictory expression
– Assertions rather than explanations (are you clear of the difference?)
Key points
● Following a pre-set routine before the exam helps keep you calm and in control… there will be questions that you
can do.
● Read the question paper THOROUGHLY.
● Select your questions carefully.
● Make sure you take notice of questions that have subsections – usually mark allocations will have been indicated and
these of course should be reflected in your time allocation.
● Don’t write out the whole question but identify and underline key words (terms and commands). Plan your answers –
what economic theory do you need? – what diagrams do you need?
● Your plan and answer will develop as you proceed and the ideas start to flow but remember to stick to your basic outline
and try to be coherent and consistent.
● Answer the specific question set – really you will get more credit if you attempt to do this rather than simply write
wildly however many pages you cover.
● Start the essay with precise, relevant definitions.
● USE RELEVANT ECONOMIC THEORY WHENEVER YOU CAN.
● Try to support your comments with a few relevant examples or statistics.
● Try to finish with a conclusion that adds something to the essay and is not simply a summary.
● Be very strict about the time allocation. Remember extra minutes extending the answer to one question are unlikely to
gain you much extra credit; far better to get on and write fuller answers to the remaining questions.
The data response paper
This is usually the most unpredictable part of the overall exam but remember that the ability both to collect and interpret data is
a critical skill for economists. Data, of course, can be in numerical form (perhaps a set of statistics) or verbal form (perhaps an
article from a newspaper) or a combination of both. Use the Data Response in past copies of Economics Today to help you.
The main weaknesses displayed in this paper can be divided into THREE categories. How you could deal with each one?.
1. Poor subject knowledge
Revealed by – a reluctance to use economic theory to substantiate observations or bolster explanations
– a superficial grasp of terminology and theory
– poor awareness of the role that diagrams can play in aiding explanation to data response questions
2. Poor awareness of basic ‘statistical’ techniques
Revealed by – a lack of confidence in dealing with numerical data
– an inability to detect patterns, trends and trends within trends
– confusion over – relative and absolute changes
– real and nominal values
– correlation and causation
– poor numerical understanding especially when calculating % changes/ratios
3. Poor exam technique
Revealed by – a failure to allocate time and effort in line with the available marks
– weak writing style
– excessive use of clichés, journalistic or conversational language
– a lack of confidence to relate theory to the evidence provided
Economics Today Supplement – March 2010 Revision Guide 2010 7