Economics Study Skills: Essay Writing

The Essay Paper in A level economics forms a significant percentage of the final mark awarded by all

examination boards. This paper enables examiners to discriminate between candidates and also

enables candidates to display the skills and abilities which they possess.

As the essay paper has evolved it has become more demanding with much more emphasis on

posing questions which allow candidates to display the higher order skills. Professor Roy Wilkinson of

Sheffield University has identified a pyramid of skills which A level economics examinations try to

test.

The pyramid of skills: the bottom two layers are "Lower-order skills", while the top four layers are

"Higher-order skills".

As there is now less emphasis on testing the lower order skills this implies that it is not possible for

candidates to perform well in the essay paper by rote learning of notes.

COMMAND words in essay titles

Examiners report that many candidates underperform because they fail to interpret the key words of

an essay title. Below is a glossary of some of the most frequently used command words with

suggestions for interpretation:

"Account for ...."

Explain how a particular event or situation came about i.e. 'Which factors would have led a large

retailing company to.......'

"Analyse ...."

Break down an argument or information into component parts and identify ways in which these

parts are related. Always recognise the underlying assumptions.

"Analyse the extent to which ...."

Show judgement over the relevant importance of different arguments or events.

"Assess ...."

Make some kind of judgement on the relative importance of a particular aspect of economics or

business studies, discussing the influence of other factors or events that influence the topic.

"Compare ...."

Describe two or more situations and show the difference and similarities between them.

"Criticise ...."

Present a view on a particular argument, point of view or theory, based on the evidence available.

"Define ...."

A simple statement is not enough. Use appropriate examples or formulae to illustrate and elaborate

on your precise definition of a concept.

"Describe ...."

Usually more than a mere description is expected, instead a critical review of some particular set of

circumstances or events is usually expected.

"Discuss ...."

Consider the arguments for and against the issue raised in the question.

"Distinguish ...."

Candidates need to show that they understand the differences between two (probably frequently

confused) concepts. Similarities and differences need to be discussed and illustrated in

distinguishing between the two concepts.

"Do" or "Does ...."

Make a judgement on whether one set of circumstances is preferable to another.

"Evaluate ...."

Make reasoned judgements about the validity of a particular argument or statement, presenting

evidence and reasoned argument of all relevant issues involved.

"Examine ...."

Candidates need to unravel the events that led to a particular set of circumstances or the validity of

the reasoning that underlies a particular point of view. Stress the relative importance of the different

arguments and their relevance to the basic issue under consideration.

"Explain ...."

Interpret the meaning of a particular concept with an example to illustrate understanding.

"Outline ...."

Only a brief description is required. Usually there are follow up parts to this question.

"To what extent ...."

This implies there is no definite answer to the question posed. Present both sides of the argument

and exercise judgement by stressing the strength of some arguments over others.

How to improve your technique : some general principles

Essays need a structure

o jot down a simple plan

o make sure you know where the essay is going before you start writing i.e. your

conclusion

Essays must be a response to a specific title

o avoid writing everything you know on a given topic, irrelevant material gains no

marks

o respond to the command words in the question

Do not forget the essay title

o refer back to the question regularly - probably at the end of every paragraph

o every paragraph should answer the question set, aim for one theme per paragraph

Avoid one-sided essays

o usually the only questions that A level examiners will set are ones which can

provoke differing viewpoints

o always consider what your argument depends upon i.e. the factors or assumptions

inherent in your argument

Demonstrate your depth of knowledge

o analyse the question with care to show your understanding of the subject content

i.e.

o avoid paragraphs of textbook description

o use appropriate graphs which must be accurate

o use topical examples to back up your points

o make references to other writers if appropriate (see Study Skills for information on

References and Bibliographies)

Remember the higher order skills of analysis and evaluation

o break down the material in a way that helps reveal the issues involved

o use relevant business concepts to explore causes and effects

o examine arguments critically

o state which arguments you believe to be the most important and why

Try to please the examiners!

o use appropriate concepts and terminology

o avoid slang e.g. 'The firm will go bust....'

o be concise and relevant

o leave enough time to write a conclusion.

The Essay Plan - a suggested model

Economics Study Skills: Data Response

The Data Response Paper in A level economics aims to test the ability of candidates to apply their

knowledge of economics to unseen data.

Each examination board tends to have its own style of paper with questions presented in two main

ways: statistical data, displayed as graphs, tables, charts or diagrams and textual data, extracts

from newspapers or journals.

Examiners report that many candidates underperform on this paper primarily because they tend to

launch into writing answers without taking sufficient time to interpret the information provided first.

How to improve your technique : some general principles

Read the title of the data carefully and note the source

o Be on the look out for selective or biased evidence

Spend some time 'getting a feel' for the data

o units used? £millions;thousands of workers;real or nominal

o headings to columns? percentages;index numbers

o identify the highest and lowest values; rank the data

o note the time trends; cyclical; seasonal

o note relationships between variables; causal; lagged

Look at the mark allocation carefully

o the questions set by many boards require only brief answers e.g. "In which country

is.........?" ONE WORD!

o do not write 'essay style' answers completely unrelated to the data

Note the key directive words

o "describe" requires a less detailed answer than "analyse"

o "evaluate" requires you to weigh up both sides of an argument and to give a

judgement

Aim for a balanced answer

o the skill is to extract from the data not to reproduce it

o use the data to support a point made in your own words, written evidence should

be indicated by quotation marks

Don't forget the economics!

o look for the economic concepts involved or inherent in a set of data or economic

information e.g. Multiplier

o relate relevant theories like theory of the firm to the information given

o diagrams should be used if appropriate

A strategy for success

Sources of data for practice

It is important to gain confidence in handling and interpreting data by familiarising yourself with

typical examples.

Much of the statistical data used comes from official statistics issued by the Office for National

Statistics (ONS).

Literary data response questions are frequently taken from a major broad sheet daily newspaper or

a journal like The Economist. It is important to get used to their style of writing.

Data is a fundamental tool of the economist - don't be afraid of this type of question!

Next: Multiple Choice

Economics Study Skills: Multiple Choice

The multiple choice or objective question paper contains, for most boards, 40 'simple completion'

type questions. Each item will have four responses suggested - a KEY (the correct answer) and three

DISTRACTORS.

It is important to be clear about the breakdown of marks awarded for each skill area on this paper.

(The syllabus should give an outline of this). Multiple choice questions are well suited to test

knowledge, understanding and application of economic theories and deal with 'certainty' areas of

economics i.e. where economists agree there can only be one correct answer!

Of the forty questions set by the Cambridge Board, for example, no more than 10 questions test

knowledge alone; approximately 12 test application and there are about 18 questions on

comprehension and data handling.

How to improve your technique : some general principles

Practice as many past papers as possible to familiarise yourself with the style of

questions set.

Read the questions very carefully. Look out for statements with 'not' in them or worse

still responses which also have a negative

When being asked to apply theory, work out possible answer/s before looking at

the responses offered.

There are going to be diagrams on the paper - make sure that you really understand

what the various graphs you have covered mean i.e. Theory of the Firm, Aggregate

Supply and Demand etc.

Numerical questions fall into a few categories:

o Simple algebraic manipulation

o More complex algebraic manipulation

o Applying an economic principle to data

o Arithmetic computation

NB. Every response is a 'possible' answer! Check back to the Basic Skills section on 'Numeracy'

for extra guidance.

Do not spend too long on each question. You can always go back to it later - remember

each question carries the same marks whether straightforward or difficult.

Sources for practice

Try having a look at the questions in the Biz/ed question bank

Past examination papers and examiner's reports

Revision Guides:

Work Out Economics - Grant & Young (Macmillan)

Lett's Revise A Level Economics

Nutter, R 100 Multiple Choice Questions and Answers for A Level Economics Anforme ISBN:

090752950X

Glanville, A Multiple Choice Questions for Economics - with Answers Glanville Books; ISBN:

0952474638

Maunder, Peter,et al. Economics Explained (Collins)

Stanlake, G.F. Introductory Economics Workbook (Longman)

Stanlake, G.F. & Harrison, B. Macroeconomics Workbook (Longman)

Next: Economics Study Skills: Coursework

Generally coursework is an optional element of most A level Business Studies courses and is

available as an option in some A level Economics courses.

This section offers some broad advice on how to approach project work in Economics/Business

Studies which involves the gathering of primary data from business organisations.

Coursework : some tips for improvement

Contacting a firm; you will be more successful if you have a name to deal with so, initially:

o Use your Careers Department

o Use family friends

o Use past students

o Use Governors

o Use Saturday job/work experience contacts

Types of firms

o Smaller firms are usually the most useful for coursework

o Larger, dispersed firms may not have all the information you need locally

The title

o Keep it simple

o It may be helpful to pose a question - "Should..", "How.."

o Do not try to cover too much

o Check suitability with teacher

The topic

o Check suitability with teacher and firm

o You must make sure at the start that the information you want is available to you

o It should not be assumed that firms will be ready to divulge profit figures or future

marketing strategies

Marking criteria

o Make sure you have a copy of how your coursework will be marked

o Aim to satisfy the requirements of the board and you will score highly (see below)

Remember your syllabus

o You should use the appropriate theory you have covered in your course to

investigate a problem or situation

o Try to cover as many relevant syllabus areas as possible

Use of data

o Put your project in context by using background data

o Be selective in your data, do not include everything you've found, make sure it is

relevant and fits your coursework objectives

o Analyse your data; look for interrelationships and possible correlations in your data

Presentation

o Be clear and logical

o Use diagrams, graphs and numbers as well as text

o From 1999 many Boards are going to use coursework as a means of assessing IT

Skills in Business Studies at A level (see Section 1.5)

Evaluation

o Having logically argued your case, you must come to a conclusion

o Your conclusion should be based on the evidence you have presented

o Include any limitations or wider issues implied

Possible marking criteria:

Knowledge and Comprehension 8 marks

Includes relevant material, focused clearly on the project objective, fully explained and presented

appropriately (7-8 marks)

Application of Appropriate Method 8 marks

Clear evidence of relevant, valid research drawn from primary and secondary sources - showing

strong grasp of theory and the ability to comment critically on the methods used (7-8 marks)

Analysis of Evidence 12 marks

Substantial analysis of the data applied selectively and appropriately to the project, showing

judgement in the use of language and the choice of technique (11-12 marks)

Synthesis 8 marks

The project's structure is well thought through, making it easy to follow the logic, the communication

and the recommendations, with evidence and arguments summarised (7-8 marks)

Evaluation 14 marks

Original conclusions drawn from the evidence, showing awareness of proximate and underlying

themes and issues (12-14 marks)

Quality of Language 4 marks

Candidates express complex ideas extremely clearly and fluently. Sentences and paragraphs follow

on from one another smoothly and logically. Arguments are consistently relevant and well

structured. There are few, if any, errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling (4 marks)

NB. Look carefully at your specification to see what the marking criteria for that specification are. To

find the specifications look at the web sites for the individual examining boards - AQA , OCR and

Edexcel.

In summary, the key to a successful project is careful planning - and remember to meet all

deadlines!

Next: Revision

Coursework

Economics Study Skills: Revision

You are going to be faced with written examination papers at the end of your AS level course and

the A2 level course if you choose to continue with the subject. The key to success at both levels is

PLANNING.

How to revise effectively

Be disciplined

o Stick to your timetable

Be ready to adapt

o If something unforeseen happens e.g. illness, class tests etc. simply alter your

revision plan to accommodate N.B. It's a good idea to have a 'float' built into your

programme - a 'free' Saturday, perhaps.

Reward yourself!

o Treat yourself by meeting a friend, watching a favourite TV programme or even

with a chocolate biscuit! BUT you must have reached your target first.

Revision is more than reading

o Write down key points and say them aloud

o Test yourself, use word associations if they help

o Don't move on to the next topic until you are confident with the current one. Can

you:

define terms

list key points

give real world examples

draw appropriate graphs

write out relevant formulae?

o Review material covered at the end of the subject block

Use past questions

o After revising a topic, try answering a question on it

o Check your outline answer against your notes, have you missed anything out?

o Incorporate some timed answers under examination conditions as the final exam

approaches

Get enough sleep!

o If you have followed a revision programme you will not have to cram the night

before your papers so go to bed early and rest your brain!

Our guide to Command Words and Exam Technique will also help you with the skills you will be

expected to demonstrate, and the "Examination Technique Section" has more tips for the final days

before the examination. Good luck! Be prepared and you can do it!

Next: Exam Technique

Economics Study Skills: Exam Technique

Whether you are following a Modular or terminal A level course your examination needs careful

preparation if you are to do yourself justice. Everyone feels nervous on the day of the exam but with

careful revision and good examination technique you should do well. The following checklist should

increase your confidence and, hopefully, your final grade:

A detailed revision programme has been followed as suggested in Section 6

The date and time of each paper has been checked

Prior to each paper, past questions have been answered in full under examination

conditions

Recent newspapers have been read in order to be familiar with current UK economic trends

such as inflation, interest rates and the balance of payments; effects on specific companies or

business sectors have been noted

Sufficient and appropriate equipment has been purchased for each paper - pens, pencils

(HB for Multiple Choice papers), ruler, calculator (with new batteries!), rubber (no Tipp-Ex

allowed) and a watch.

The day before the examination:

o Read through your notes to refresh your memory of the key concepts

o Go over important formulae

o Quickly note down some key theories

o Check accuracy of some graphs e.g. Theory of the firm (Economics), Product Life

Cycle (Business Studies)

o Do NOT do past questions at this stage

o Do NOT labour over each syllabus section, time will pass quickly and panic can set

in if you think you haven't looked at everything.

o Remember the purpose of today is to refresh and remind, revision has been done

so feel confident about how much you know and understand.

The night before the examination:

o Check the length of the paper and calculate how long you should spend on each

question

o Read through the appropriate Study Skills section

o Get your clothes and equipment ready

o Have a bath to relax

o Set your alarm clock, giving yourself plenty of time to get to the exam

o Go to bed at a reasonable hour

The day of the examination:

o Have breakfast/lunch before leaving home

o Pick up your equipment and examination number

o Leave in plenty of time, especially if dependent on public transport

o Check the location of the examination on your arrival

o Check the start time, be there well before hand

In the examination room:

o Make sure you sit at the correct desk! - Check the number!

o Make sure your desk and chair are stable

o Lay out your equipment on the desk

o Read the instructions on the front of the paper CAREFULLY

o When told to start write down the start and finish time of each question and stick to

it!

o Read each question carefully and think about what you are going to say before

writing

o Take time to plan longer answers and essay questions and remember to analyse

and evaluate

o Don't panic if there is a single fact or Multiple Choice question you can't answer,

come back to it at the end, you will frequently recall it whilst thinking about something

else

o Write as clearly and neatly as you can - it makes your script easier to mark and

keeps the examiner on your side!

Our guide to Command Words and Exam Technique will also help you with the skills you will be

expected to demonstrate in the exam.

Finally, if you have worked steadily during the lead up to the examination you should feel confident

and pleased that you have done your best whatever your final grade.