How to achieve an A* in A-Level Economics:
Aspects of Answers: KAAE
Knowledge – An understanding of terms / concepts and theories / models. Things
you have learnt in the spec, e.g., mentioning/defining policies, factors of production,
business objectives. Utilising diagrams to visualise the concepts you are mentioning.
Application – An example to back up any points made. Best way to gain marks is to
refer to the extract. The priorities should follow 1: Quantitative Metrics (e.g., Inflation,
Unemployment, Interest), 2: Qualitative Metrics (e.g., Quotes from the extract), 3:
Public Metrics (News, Current examples), 4: Personal Examples (Can be made up!
Just must make sense)
Analysis – Chains of reasoning: Point, Therefore, Leads To, why, Apply. Developing
your point clearly
Evaluation – Demonstrating that you have considered everything that needs to be
considered. Just like checking a list, this list: CLASPP
 Conclusions: What is the conclusion of your points? What is the basic
relationship between others the different aspects of your idea?
 Long Run vs Short Run: Is the change good in the Short Run? Could it have
unfavourable consequences in the Long Run? Could this policy fix one
problem but cause others?
 Assumptions: Is it Ceteris Paribus being applied? Are there weaknesses in
the point? What is unrealistic? Are normative points present? Does it rely on
rational actions?
 Stakeholders: What effects would it have on government, consumers, firms?
Which stakeholders are at the heart of the policy?
 Priorities: Each policy benefits some groups more than others. Discussing
the priorities of the government and of society as a whole is key. A policy can
be successful in a way but not achieve its original intention.
 Pros and Cons: What good and bad things do you notice about the policy?
What are its advantages and disadvantages? What are the costs and
benefits? What are the arguments for and against?
Judgement – Produce a well-crafted ending. Weigh up everything you’ve mentioned
but without repeating your points verbatim. Give your own genuine ideas which you
can back up with further data and case studies. Consider the practical applications of
what you’re offering and not just the theory. Go back to the question! Mention
something you may have not mentioned
2 (1-1), 4 (2-2), 5 (Explain/Calculate) (1-1-1), 8 (Examine) (2-2-2-2), 10 (Assess) (22-2-4), 12 (Discuss) (2-2-4-4), 15 (Discuss) (3-3-3-6), 25 (Evaluate) (4-4-8-9)
Paper 1:
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The effects on Demand and Supply
The effects on elasticity
The effects on market failure
The effects on a firm’s costs, revenues and profits
Effects on market structures (monopoly, monopsony etc)
Effects on efficiencies of a firm (Productive efficiency, Allocative efficiency)
The effects on the demand of labour, supply of labour and wages.
Paper 2:
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The effects on Aggregate Demand and its components (C, I, G, X, M)
The effects on Aggregate Supply (SRAS and LRAS)
The effects on Inflation
The effects on employment/unemployment
The effects on the Balance of Payments and exchange rates
The effects on the government finances (Budget deficit and national debt)
The effects on poverty and inequality
The effects on development
Paper 3:
You will talk about both above but make sure you balance your answer by talking
about both.
Provide two evaluates points, one micro and one macro line of argument. Begin with
micro and lead it into macro. Provide a diagram for each line of reasoning
Marks are lost if you only refer to one or the other.
Point – Therefore – Leading to – Because – Diagram – Data – Eval
Feedback:
 PLTBDE (Point-Leading To-Therefore-Because-Diagram-Data-Evaluation)
 Need to analyse my points in full, Not cut the chain of analysis short
 Need to spend a proportional amount of time on questions depending on their
mark
 Apply source throughout, make all points in reference to the extract. Consider
all points in context of the extract
 Always refer to the question in evaluation
 You need evaluation in an eight marker
 Have a better grasp of the content
Things to do:
 Approach questions with structure of answer and no. of points in mind in order
to prevent over-writing
 By using structure, make sure you reach the end of each chain of analysis. Do
not cut an explanation short by assuming your examiner knows nothing
 Read through the source first and then make application throughout the
answer, including the evaluation and judgement
 Go through my flashcards to ensure over point in the spec is covered