AQA AS-Level Economics Exam Technique

Master every question type in the AQA AS-Level Economics exam with this complete guide. Learn the exact approach examiners expect for multiple choice, definitions, calculations, data comparison, diagrams, 10 mark questions, and 25 mark essays.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Practice regularly using past papers
2. Question why your answers are wrong and learn from them
3. For tricky questions, consider which option is most likely to be correct

3 Mark Questions: Definitions

1. Use the PDF with all the definitions in the spec
2. Don't write too much

4 Mark Questions: Calculations

This can ask you to calculate a percentage change, an index number, or a calculation from the spec (e.g., elasticity, multiplier).

1. Write down the formula
2. Show all your working out
3. Double check your answers
4. Check all the units
5. Check the rounding needed in the question

4 Mark Questions: Data Comparison

The question asks you to identify two significant points of comparison using the data at the start of the extracts.

1. Compare the peaks from both sets of data
2. Compare the troughs from both sets of data
3. Compare the trend/correlation

4 Mark Questions: Diagrams

1. Fully label the diagram

10 Mark Questions

The question can ask you to explain one or two factors/reasons/effects.

• One or two paragraphs
• Include diagrams
• Detailed chains of reasoning
• No evaluation needed
• Give relevant examples, or references to the extracts

25 Mark Questions

The question asks you to argue for and against an argument. This is the ideal structure for most 25 mark questions.

Introduction

Introductions are mostly optional. You can use them to:

1. Define some relevant terms
2. Set out what your answer will depend on

Paragraph 1

1. Answer the question with a clear argument (e.g., on the one hand...)
2. Use a diagram to illustrate your point
3. Detailed chain of reasoning
4. Use examples and apply your answers to the extracts
5. Evaluation

Paragraph 2

1. Answer the question with a clear argument (e.g., on the other hand...)
2. Use a diagram to illustrate your point
3. Detailed chain of reasoning
4. Use examples and apply your answers to the extracts
5. Evaluation

Conclusion

1. State your opinion
2. Compare this with the limitations of the other argument
3. Explain what your answer might depend on

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