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A LevelEconomicsEdexcelEconomics ARevision Notes5.Exam Technique5.3 Structuring Your ResponsesAnswering 10-Mark Questions

Answering 10-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Economics A): Revision Note

Charlotte

Written by: Charlotte

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

How Do I Answer an Edexcel A-Level Economics 10-Mark Question?

  • These questions appear in Paper 1 and Paper 2

  • There will be two of these questions

    • One in Section B for Paper 1

    • One in Section B for Paper 2

  • You are asked to assess economic concepts with reference to the context

    • You may be asked to use a diagram to assess reasons, causes, implications, benefits or drawbacks

  • These questions are levelled-marked and assessed on your ability to demonstrate

    • Knowledge, Application, Analysis (KAA) for 6 marks

    • Evaluation (E) for 4 marks

The marking criteria

Grading criteria table with three levels, highlighting descriptions for marks 1-6, emphasising understanding and analytical standards.
Evaluation criteria table with two levels: Level 1 (1-2 marks) for basic evaluation; Level 2 (3-4 marks) for balanced, critical evaluation.

Example

  • Key economic skills are highlighted

Four colourful words: "Knowledge" in yellow, "Application" in blue, "Analysis" in pink, and "Evaluation" in green, each with playful font.

Step 1

  • For ten-mark 'assess' questions, you need to provide an applied explanation and analysis of two issues and two evaluations

  • Focus on presenting both sides of the argument and/or the significance of your arguments

  • Follow the four-paragraph approach

    • In the first paragraph, provide a clear knowledge point (identify the concept), followed by application (use of extract or data), and analysis (further chains of reasoning)

Text discussing reasons landline-only customers stick with BT, highlighting habitual behaviour, status quo bias, and loyalty, with colourful highlights.

Step 2

  • In the second paragraph, provide a detailed evaluation of your argument in the first paragraph that weighs up the strengths and weaknesses or considers broader implications

Text about consumers choosing BT due to hassle of switching, trust, and service satisfaction. Highlighted in green. Ev Level 2+: Balanced view noted.

Step 3

  • In the third paragraph, provide a clear second knowledge point (identify the concept), followed by application (use of extract or data), and analysis (further chains of reasoning)

Handwritten notes on consumer behaviour and pricing complexity, with emphasis on asymmetric information and limitations of elderly customers. Highlighted text.

Step 4

  • In the fourth paragraph, provide a detailed evaluation of your argument in the third paragraph that weighs up the strengths and weaknesses or considers broader implications

Text discussing Ofcom's role in simplifying tariffs for easier consumer understanding, especially for the elderly. "Ev Level 2+" noted on the side. Highlighted areas emphasise key points.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Spend no more than ten minutes on this question:

    • One minute to plan your answer by extracting relevant evidence from the text and data

    • Seven to eight minutes to write the four paragraphs, keeping each focused and concise

    • One minute to review and ensure you have answered the question fully and without errors

  • If a question asks you to use a diagram, draw it at the beginning of your answer so you can link to it in your analysis

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Charlotte

    Author: Charlotte

    Expertise: Business Content Creator

    Charlotte joined Save My Exams in 2024 with over 30 years of teaching experience in Business and Economics. A former Head of Business and Economics, she has inspired thousands of students across diverse settings in Lancashire. Known for her engaging approach, Charlotte also organized educational trips to destinations like New York and Shanghai, expanding students' global perspectives. She is currently an Edexcel A-Level Economics examiner, with over 20 years of experience in exam boards. Charlotte holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and Public Policy from Leeds Metropolitan University and a PGCE from Manchester University. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her Labradors and watching football.

    Lisa Eades

    Author: Lisa Eades

    Expertise: Business Content Creator

    Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.