A Level Economics is regarded as one of the challenging courses of Cambridge A Level. There are tips and tricks to write good and impress the examiners.
To begin with a a few typical comments made by CAIE examiners:
- Too Vague
- Misses point of the Question
- Does not answer the question
- Commentary not made
These comments indicates that candidates have not done what was expected from them in the examination. So, in order to improve your answering structure and to impress any examiner reading your script is:
You should produce an answer as directed by the question. The information above, in particular the simple method for dissecting various examination questions, should help you to write your answer in a clear, well-structured manner as directed by the question.
There are various other ways to impress an examiner, for instance, Diagrams; These are very important and a relevant means of economics explanation. Many of the topics you come across in Economics can be illustrated by a diagram or by means of an explanation supported by a diagram.
Moreover, The current issues and problems. One of the reasons for studying economics is to help you understand some of the things that are taking place around you. So, when you get the opportunity, do so! For instance, if you are answering a question on the negative externalities associated with environmental pollution, you might refer to a local case which is known to you or something you have been in a newspaper or magazine. Most of the topics in the syllabus can be supported by additional up to date material.
Common mistakes made by students in CAIE Economics 9708 examination
In addition to a failure to answer the question, the other main mistakes by students are:
- Failure to allocate writing time in an appropriate way.
- Confusion over similar terms
- Meaningless, wrongly drawn diagrams or diagrams which add nothing to an answer.
So, lets conclude this section by looking at each in turn.
The time available for P2 of AS Level examination is 1hr 30 minutes. You must therefore make sure you allocate your writing time in the examination in a meaningful way.
In principle allocate 45 minutes to each other two sections.
You will need to spend about 5 minutes in carrying out the five familiarization steps for the data response question and again about 5 minutes thinking about which essay question to attempt. This leaves about 40 minutes writing time for each question.
Question 1
40 minutes writing,
Approx minutes
- 8 minutes for (a) with Marks 4
- 12 minutes for (b) with Marks 6
- 8 minutes for ( c ) with Marks 4
- 12 minutes for (d) with Marks 6
Section B
1 mark=2 mins, writing
Look at the mark splits and allocate your time accordingly. Avoid the temptation to spend too much time on part (A)
Roughly speaking, allocate your writing time in a direct proportion to the marks available. Do not exceed the time you have allowed for each part.
If you cannot do a particular question, leave it and move on to the next part. (You can always return to it late on in the examination if time permits) You will only get marks for the question you answer your script, though will able be marked out the total marks which are available.
Finally, a common mistake which students often make is in the way in which they use diagrams in their answers. Some common errors are as follows:
- To label axes incorrectly or not to label them at all
- To make diagrams too small
- To draw lines and curves incorrectly, usually through being wrongly sloping
- To fail to use a diagram in an answer when asked for one to be included
- To include a diagram when one is not needed and where it does not enhance an answer at all.
Keeping in mind the grade threshold for A Level Economics which is generally low and marking is strict. Make sure you do well in your exam and get A and A* easily.
As we usually stress on going through example candidate responses, you are requested to go through the example candidate responses to be fully prepared. You can find the booklet in our website from here
If you have any questions, then feel free to leave a comment. We would clear all your queries.
Good Luck!
