2023 Grade boundaries:
2019 Grade boundaries:
PAPER 1/ PAPER 2
 2 HOURS
 80 MARKS, 6 questions.
 START WITH SECTION B (40 marks). Spend 50 minutes
on this section.
o Choice of 3 big questions, each containing a 15mark question and a 25- mark question
o Make a choice based on the 25- mark question
o 25 mark question is EVALUATION so must be
balanced and include a clear recommendation/
opinion in the conclusion.
o 15 mark question requires depth of analysis, but no
evaluation
 MOVE ON TO SECTION A- CONTEXT BASED (40 marks).
Spend 65 minutes on this section.
o Choice of 2 big questions, each containing a 2 mark
calculation; 4 mark use of data; 9- mark use of
diagram to analyse; and 25- mark evaluation
question
o Choose a context based on the 25- mark question
o Do the 25 mark question first, then the 9 mark
question, before doing the short questions
o You should have 5 minutes to check your answers
and numbered and diagrams fully labelled.
PAPER 3
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2 HOURS
80 MARKS, 33 questions.
ALL questions MUST be answered.
Synoptic paper (both macro and micro knowledge)
Take 5 minutes to quickly SKIM READ through the data,
noting headings and key points/ data.
START WITH SECTION B (50 marks). You should dedicate
80 minutes to this section.
Section B is context-based
It contains a 25- mark question; 15- mark question and
10- mark question. Complete them in this order.
MOVE ON TO SECTION A (30 marks)
Multiple choice question
Answer the easy ones first, there will usually be 15 to 18
that you can answer relatively quickly.
Skip any questions involving a lot of reading; calculations
or complex diagrams! But make a note of the number of
any you skip!
Go back to the skipped questions, read carefully,
highlighting as you go. For diagrams annotate if helpful!
You should dedicate 30 minutes to this section.
You should then have 5 minutes to double check your
answers are clearly numbered and diagrams are fully
labelled.
25- MARK ESSAYS (Evaluation)
Ideal answer structure:
5AO1s;4-6AO2s; 6-8AO3s; 6-8A04s
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Read the question twice, identify the relevant topic(s), then
write what exactly you need to do as an essay title.
Identify 2 points for and 2 points for evaluation that you
know you can develop well
Identify 5 key definitions/ economic concepts. These may
explicit in the question or implied by the relevant topic(s)
and/or the pints you will raise
Start writing your answer, consider using HEADINGS for your
paragraphs
Start developing your first argument using at least 3 separate
points in a logical chain of reasoning. (AO3s). Draw a diagram
and clearly refer to it in your analysis.
If it is a context- based question, include at least 2 key bits of
data that support your position.
OR
If it is not context- based, include at least 2 items of real
world knowledge or economic theory application that are
relevant. (AO2s)
Immediately consider and limitations; contextualisations;
possible breaks in your logic chain; and/or alternative data
interpretations. Explain any of these, using at least 1 key bit
of data/ real world knowledge as evidence and at least 3
steps in a logical chain of reasoning.
Repeat steps 4-6 with different points developed. Draw a new
diagram if applicable, or refer to one already sketched. Do
not repeat any points.
Make a final judgement that weighs arguments or data
against each other and answers the question. Do not repeat
any points.
At least 3 pages of writing with average handwriting including at
least one diagram (third of a page in size).
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
SAMPLE 25- MARK QUESTION (PAPER 3 Specimen)
Data in separate insert, attached.
Markscheme:
15- Mark Essays (Analysis)
Ideal answer structure:
3-4AO1s;4-6AO2s; 5-7AO3s
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Read the question twice, identify the relevant topic(s),
then write what exactly you need to do as an essay title.
Identify 2 points or 3 points that you can use to fully
explain what is required
Identify 2-4 key definitions/ economic concepts. These
may be explicit in the question or implied by the
relevant topic(s) and/or the points you will raise
Start writing your answer, consider using HEADINGS for
your paragraphs
Start developing your first argument using at least 3
separate points in a logical chain of reasoning. (AO3s).
Draw a diagram and clearly refer to it in your analysis.
If it is a context- based question, include at least 2 key
bits of data that support your position.
OR
If it is not context- based, include at least 2 items of real
world knowledge or economic theory application that
are relevant. (AO2s)
Step 7
Repeat steps 4-5 with different points developed. Draw
a new diagram if applicable or refer to one already
sketched. Do not repeat any points.
Step 8
Repeat steps 4-5 with different points developed. Draw
(optional) a new diagram if applicable or refer to one already
sketched. Do not repeat any points.
At least 2 pages of writing with average handwriting including at
least one diagram (third of a page in size).
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
SAMPLE 15- MARK QUESTION (PAPER 3 Specimen)
Data in separate insert, attached.
Markscheme:
10- Mark Question (DATA Analysis- Paper 3 only)
Ideal answer structure:
2AO1s;2-3AO2s; 3AO3s; 2-3A04s
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Read the question twice, identify the relevant topic(s),
then write what exactly you need to do as an essay title.
Identify 2 points or 3 points FROM THE DATA that you
can use to fully explain what is required
Identify 2 key definitions/ economic concepts. These
may be explicit in the question or implied by the
relevant topic(s) and/or the points you will raise
Start writing your answer, consider using HEADINGS for
your paragraphs
Start developing your first argument using at least 3
separate points in a logical chain of reasoning TO
EXPLAIN HOW AND WHY THE DATA SUPPORTS YOUR
ANSWER. (AO3s). Draw a diagram and clearly refer to it
in your analysis.
Repeat steps 4-5 with different points developed.
Consider any limitations or gaps in the data and make a
final judgement on the effectiveness of the data in
supporting your position.
At least 1 page of writing with average handwriting.
SAMPLE 10 MARK QUESTION (PAPER 3 SPECIMEN)
Use the data in extracts A, B and C to support your answer to
the question below.
Data in separate insert, attached.
Markscheme:
When comparing Brazil and the UK, candidates must make
use of data provided but may also use their own knowledge
of the UK and possibly the Brazilian economy.
9- Mark Question (Diagram Analysis- Paper 1 and 2 only)
Ideal answer structure:
2AO1s;2-3AO2s; 3-4AO3s
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Read the question twice, identify the relevant topic(s),
then write what exactly you need to do as an essay title.
Identify 2 points or 3 points FROM THE DATA that you
can use to fully explain what is required as well as the
diagram that you will use.
WRITE 2 key definitions/ economic concepts. These may
be explicit in the question or implied by the relevant
topic(s) and/or the points you will raise
Start writing your answer, consider using HEADINGS for
your paragraphs
Draw a relevant and fully labelled diagram IN CONTEXT.
Write your first argument using at least 3 separate
points in a logical chain of reasoning TO EXPLAIN HOW
AND WHY THE DATA SUPPORTS YOUR ANSWER. (AO3s).
Clearly refer to the diagram in your analysis.
Repeat steps 5-6 with a different point developed.
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Markscheme:
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Markscheme:
4- Mark Question (Data for Analysis- Paper 1 and 2 only)
Ideal answer structure:
1AO1s;2 AO2s; 2 AO3s
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Read the question carefully
Identify the data needed
Define any crucial key term
Use 1 element of the data to explain the answer
Use a second element of the data to explain the answer
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Use extract D from 2-mark question MICRO sample.
Markscheme:
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Markscheme:
2- Mark Question (Calculation- Paper 1 and 2 only)
Ideal answer structure:
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Read carefully
Always show working
Show units
Show direction
Round correctly when requested
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Markscheme:
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Markscheme:
1-Mark Question (MCQs Analysis- Paper 3 only)
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Read carefully!
Use a highlighter
Eliminate obvious wrong choices
Consider EVERY option not just first 1 or 2
Annotate diagrams
Do calculations on paper/ calculator not just in your
head
 Be fast!
Sample MICRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Answer: B
Sample MACRO QUESTION (SPECIMEN)
Answer: B