A level, O level, and GCSE economics essays can be challenging to write. Where to start? How much to write? What to write? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you get FULL MARKS (or at least close to full marks) for any economics essay.
Let's dive in!
PART 1: READING THE ESSAY QUESTION
Here's a no brainer: Before writing your economics essay, READ THE QUESTION PROPERLY... and here are five steps that will help you do it right 🤯
Step 1 . Underline the content words
Content words cover the whole of the subject area of the syllabus. Their aim is to make clear what is the focus of the question and what you are required to write about.
Before diving into your essay, it is important to identify the content words given in the question. Be sure, however, that you understand what they mean.
Take this question from a Cambridge past paper for example :
The two content words are indirect taces, consumer surplus and mixed economy. Make sure you are familiar with the concepts.
Always refer back to these keywords in your essay. It would be irrelevant to write a whole page about the features of perfect competition as this is not asked in the question.
Step 2: Underline Command words
The command words not only indicate what to do but often how much detail to go into.
There is a difference between, for example, 'state the advantages of' and 'explain the advantages of'. The state requires no justification; simply a list of advantages. Explain needs meaning to be added to the advantages, often with a because to back it up.
Examination questions are carefully written to test specific knowledge and skills.
Examination questions never contain questions such as: 'Write all you know about . . . ' or 'Write as much as you can remember about . . . '
Step 3: Look for extra requirements
The word ‘and' is particularly important in a requirement. It is very easy to read the first part of a requirement, for example ‘Discuss the performance of the business...’ and miss out on a further task later on, such as ‘... and state any further information you may find useful.’
Step 4: Look at the number of marks
The command words (discuss, explain. state etc...) should give a good idea of how much work is needed, but the number of marks will also help. It is important to practice questions to time to get an idea of how long certain questions take.
Step 5: Plan time management
Time management is very important!
Before the exam calculate how much time needs to be allocated to each question.
During the exam, spend 3-5 minutes making a rough plan for each long essay. Make sure you will have the time to include all the points required in a structured way.
Part 2: Writing your essay
Now that you know how to read your economics essay question, let's go to the fun part: writing it.
Step 1: Make a plan to ensure that not to go out of subject
You'll improve your chances of writing a good answer by reading the question carefully and then planning your answer. We suggest that you start by making notes as a rough sketch for your answer. Spend around five minutes doing this. Then elaborate your notes into your answer, using headings and paragraphs, and picking out the main points from the question
Step 2: Structure your essay
Presenting your essay in a structured way will help you score higher marks.
In the first paragraph, define your keywords and give the examiner an indication about how you will apply your knowledge to the requirements of the question.
In the middle paragraphs put forward your arguments. Don't forget that most questions require an argument and a counterargument. Remember to include both sides of the argument.
In the last paragraph, conclude your essay. It is important to conclude an argumentative question with something like 'yes the assertion of ____ is true ' or 'no I do not agree that____'
Here's a link to the FREE MODEL ESSAY.
Step 3: Include headings. Split the answer up wherever possible.
Write each point as a heading first, and then put in the discussion. It is quick and easy to underline or embolden headings so that they are clear. If multiple requirements are given, it’s usually a good idea to separate answers into different headings – this makes it clear to the examiner that all parts of the requirement have been addressed.
Use space – separate out points in paragraphs. Again, this not only makes it easier to identify the points for the examiner but also makes it easy to identify what points have already been made.
Step 4: Include diagrams and examples
Diagrams and examples will add more depth to your essay and show the examiner that you have understood the topics. Students including diagrams and examples have a better chance of scoring higher marks. Don't forget to label and explain your diagrams.
Conclusion
Good knowledge of the topic combined with all these steps will guarantee you full (or close to full) marks.