Edexcel A-Level Economics Exam Technique
All Edexcel A-Level Economics marks are for knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation (KAAE)
Below are the breakdowns used by examiners when marking Edexcel A-Level Economics exam questions in Section B and Section C
Edexcel A-Level Economics 25 mark question
KAA: 16 marks
Evaluation: 9 marks
Structure: KAA, evaluation, KAA, evaluation, conclusion
Edexcel A-Level Economics 15 mark question
Knowledge: 3 marks
Application: 3 marks
Analysis: 3 marks
Evaluation: 6 marks
Structure: KAA, evaluation, KAA, evaluation
Edexcel A-Level Economics 12 mark question
Knowledge: 2 marks
Application: 2 marks
Analysis: 4 marks
Evaluation: 4 marks
Structure option 1: KAA, evaluation, KAA, evaluation
Structure option 2: KAA, KAA, detailed evaluation
Edexcel A-Level Economics 10 mark question
Knowledge: 2 marks
Application: 2 marks
Analysis: 2 marks
Evaluation: 4 marks
Structure option 1: KAA, evaluation, KAA, evaluation
Structure option 2: KAA, KAA, detailed evaluation
Structure option 3: KAA + diagram, detailed evaluation
Edexcel A-Level Economics 8 mark question
Knowledge: 2 marks
Application: 2 marks
Analysis: 2 marks
Evaluation: 2 marks
Structure option 1: KAA, evaluation, KAA, evaluation
Structure option 2: KAA, KAA, detailed evaluation
How to get full marks for knowledge?
Knowledge marks are awarded when you directly answer the question. If the question asks for a factor, the knowledge marks are for identifying the correct factors. If the question asks for an effect, the knowledge mark are for identifying the correct effects.
How to get full marks for application?
Application marks are awarded when students apply and relate their answer to the context presented in the question. If a question asks about the causes of inflation in Argentina, students should try to understand which causes relatre more strongly to the extracts, rather than referring to say the Bank of England. Quotes from the extract can help. Using real-life knowledge can also help especially in questions about the UK, but is usually not needed for Section B questions.
How to get full marks for analysis?
Students will get full marks for analysis if they are able to clearly explain their point. This is often done by providing a step-by-step chain of reasoning. Diagrams can also help. A good bit of advice is to write in a way that someone who doesn't study economics would fully understand.
How to get full marks for evaluation?
This can vary depending on the question or the paragraph you are evaluating. Generally, evaluation marks are awarded when students are able to explain the limitations or the counter-arguments to their main point from their KAA paragraph. Think counter-arguments, alternatives, and assumptions.
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