GCE Economics Exam Structure

Assessment Objectives:
AO1 Knowledge AO3 Analysis
AO2 Application AO4 Evaluation

Explain one: 4 Marks (Knowledge - 2; Application 2)

• Provide an appropriate definition.

• Have only one explanation.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study. Use as much quantitative data as
possible and make reference to specific figures. You should have at least TWO references to the data.

• Then use 2 links/chains to explain your answer. You do this by using connectives.

• Suggested length: 1 paragraph

Explain one: 5 Marks (Knowledge - 1; Application 1 – Analysis – 3)

• Provide an appropriate definition.

• Have only one explanation. The emphasis on this question is on your analysis.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study. Use as much quantitative data as
possible and make reference to specific figures. You should have at least TWO references to the data.

• Then use 2 links/chains to explain your answer. You do this by using connectives.

• Suggested length: Up to ½ page

Explain one: 6 Marks (Knowledge - 2; Application 2 – Analysis – 2)

• Provide an appropriate definition.

• Have only one explanation but make sure you develop on your point.

• There is no need to evaluate.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study. Use as much quantitative data as
possible and make reference to specific figures. You should have at least TWO / THREE references to the
data

• Then use 2 links/chains to explain your answer. You do this by using connectives.

• Suggested length: Up to ½ page

Assess: 8 Marks (Knowledge – 2; Analysis – 2; Application – 2; Evaluation - 2):

• Start with a definition, where relevant

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders. The evaluation should be
short 2-3 lines

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

• Suggested length: ¾ of a page

Two methods

• TWO arguments- Need at least 2/3 connectives/links for each

• ONE argument - Need at least 5 connectives/links for 5/6

 Assess: 10 Marks (Knowledge – 2; Application – 2; Analysis – 2; Evaluation - 4)

• Start with a definition.

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders.

• You must provide a final judgment. When you have made a clear judgment you must have an it depends on
point at the end.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

Two methods

• TWO arguments- Need at least 2/3 connectives/links for each

• ONE argument - Need at least 5 connectives/links for 5/6

Knowledge, Application, Analysis:

Evaluation:

• Suggested length: 1 to 1 & ½ pages

 Discuss: 12 Marks (Knowledge – 2; Application – 2; Analysis – 4; Evaluation - 4):

• Start with a definition.

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders.

• You can provide a final judgment. When you have made a clear judgment you must have a it depends on
point at the end.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

• TWO arguments- Need at least 4/5 connectives/links for each

Knowledge, Application and Analysis:

Evaluation:

Suggested length: 1 to 1 & ½ pages

 Discuss: 15 Marks (Knowledge – 3; Application – 3; Analysis – 3; Evaluation - 6):

• Start with a definition.

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders.

• You must provide a final judgment. When you have made a clear judgment you must have an it depends on
point at the end.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

• TWO arguments- Need at least 5/6 connectives/links for each

Knowledge, Application and Analysis:

Evaluation:

• Suggested length: 1 & ½ - 2 pages

 Evaluate 20 marks (Knowledge - 4; Application - 4; Analysis - 6; Evaluation - 6):

• Start with a definition.

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders.

• You must do this for two arguments. Your counter balances should be as detailed if not more detailed as
your original point.

• You must then have a clear final judgement. On balance which is the stronger argument and why? You must
also have an it depends on point at the end of the argument. Never sit on the fence and base your
judgement on the arguments you have made rather than trying to bring in new ones.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

• TWO arguments- Need at least 4/5 connectives/links for each

Knowledge, Application and Analysis:

Evaluation:

• Suggested length: 2-3 pages

Evaluate 25 marks (Knowledge - 4; Application - 4; Analysis - 8; Evaluation - 9):

• Start with a definition.

• The format should be point, evidence, explain and counter argument.

• To gain evaluation marks you must provide a counter balance. This could be along the lines of it depends on,
magnitude, long term or short term, the market, objectives, profits, stakeholders.

• You must do this for two arguments. Your counter balances should be as detailed if not more detailed as
your original point.

• You must then have a clear final judgement. On balance which is the stronger argument and why? You must
also have an it depends on point at the end of the argument. Never sit on the fence and base your
judgement on the arguments you have made rather than trying to bring in new ones.

• Make sure all your points are answered in the context of the case study.

• TWO arguments- Need at least 5/6 connectives/links for each

• Suggested length: 3-4 pages