alevel economics exam/essay technique advice plss!

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genuinely don't know how to go about answering essay questions?

do I need explicit data? case studies? what type of stuff should I know in general that's not taught in class? chain of reasoning? do the same type of stuff show up?

I'm not sure wether is should read the exam exam reports as I feel like I'm wasting the questions, but can't really attempt the questions yet bcs I don't know how to?

Reply 1

52uhh60

4

(For AQA 25m) Data and case studies aren't particularly necessary, perhaps more in macro with specific macroeconomic data, such as interest rates or NMW, as well as actual government policy's. Chains of reasoning are most important - use a relevant diagram if applicable, build your argument and support it with the diagram, then evaluate the drawbacks of your point (try to not eval by mentioning a completely different point) and repeat 3x times (not including an intro and conclusion). Make sure you come to a clear judgement in conclusion, don't mention anything new just explain why one point is better than the other, and if you can give the government policy advice.

Reply 2

million.

OP

12

Original post by 52uhh60

(For AQA 25m) Data and case studies aren't particularly necessary, perhaps more in macro with specific macroeconomic data, such as interest rates or NMW, as well as actual government policy's. Chains of reasoning are most important - use a relevant diagram if applicable, build your argument and support it with the diagram, then evaluate the drawbacks of your point (try to not eval by mentioning a completely different point) and repeat 3x times (not including an intro and conclusion). Make sure you come to a clear judgement in conclusion, don't mention anything new just explain why one point is better than the other, and if you can give the government policy advice.

hi thank you! I was wondering if you know where I would find any example essays or if you had any I could read though if you don't mind?

would my diagrams need to mentioned in each paragraph or could I just mention it in one para and not use a diagram for any of the others?

Reply 3

52uhh60

4

Original post by million.

hi thank you! I was wondering if you know where I would find any example essays or if you had any I could read though if you don't mind?
would my diagrams need to mentioned in each paragraph or could I just mention it in one para and not use a diagram for any of the others?

Hi, to get a good understanding of what makes a top mark essay YouTube videos are your best bet (at least to start with), ill try and link you some resources or some of mine soon
.
For your second point it is recommended that you include a diagram for at least two of your points - e.g. Gov spending on training and education with a shift left in LRAS diagram, and increased FDI with a positive multiplier effect on AD diagram. Your third point doesn't really need a diagram but if it would be very beneficial and you have time then do it. You likely wont be able to relate one diagram to multiple points but if you can find a way then it could be useful, but using the structure I said is usually most appropriate.

Reply 4

million.

OP

12

Original post by 52uhh60

Hi, to get a good understanding of what makes a top mark essay YouTube videos are your best bet (at least to start with), ill try and link you some resources or some of mine soon
.
For your second point it is recommended that you include a diagram for at least two of your points - e.g. Gov spending on training and education with a shift left in LRAS diagram, and increased FDI with a positive multiplier effect on AD diagram. Your third point doesn't really need a diagram but if it would be very beneficial and you have time then do it. You likely wont be able to relate one diagram to multiple points but if you can find a way then it could be useful, but using the structure I said is usually most appropriate.

Hi thank you for sharing any resources!

yeah i've been looking into econ plus dals videos

so i'd have an intro, 3 paragraphs (2 having a diagram to support), and then a conclusion with evaluation

with paragraphs you have a diagram, is it fine to just explain how the diagram shifts/moves with reference to the extract or question context and then have an evaluation point? because i feel like im technically not really making a point?

Reply 5

52uhh60

4

Original post by million.

Hi thank you for sharing any resources!
yeah i've been looking into econ plus dals videos
so i'd have an intro, 3 paragraphs (2 having a diagram to support), and then a conclusion with evaluation
with paragraphs you have a diagram, is it fine to just explain how the diagram shifts/moves with reference to the extract or question context and then have an evaluation point? because i feel like im technically not really making a point?

Hi, yes as you said that wouldn't make a point. The diagram is purely there to support your point.

To help, this is an example 15 marker I did which got 14/15 for macro.

Explain how fiscal policy could be used to improve the supply side of an economy (15)

Fiscal policy is used by the government through spending, and taxation.

(shift right in LRAS diagram)

One way the government could use fiscal policy to improve the supply side of an economy is spending on training and education. This would increase the quality and quantity of the workforce as well as help to tackle structural unemployment. Skilled workers are more productive, so yield higher output. This is shown on Diagram 1 through an increase in productive capacity from LRAS1 to LRAS2, as well as an increase in Real GDP from yfe1 to yfe2 as more goods and services are produced. Furthermore the cost to firms from training employees is reduced, so firms may be more likely to hire more, and so output increases.

( crowding 'in' diagram - decrease in interest rates with decrease in demand for loanable funds)

A contrasting option of fiscal policy is to reduce government spending, and so reduce the governments demand for loanable funds. This would leave more liquidity for the private sector due to the vast scale of the governments borrowing, which would lead to a fall in interest rates as financial institutions are more liquid so are more willing to lend. Free market economists will argue the free market is more efficient due to specialisation and less bureaucratic than the government due the scale of the government. This results in quicker, more cost effective investment that in boosts the economy's productive potential greater than if the government had done the spending, so there would be private sector led growth.

alevel economics exam/essay technique advice plss!

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