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A LevelEconomicsEdexcelEconomics ARevision Notes5.Exam Technique5.3 Structuring Your ResponsesAnswering 12-Mark Questions

Answering 12-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Economics A) : Revision Note

Charlotte

Written by: Charlotte

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

How Do I Answer an Edexcel A-Level Economics 12-Mark Question?

  • These questions appear in all three exams

    • One in Section B for Paper 1 and Paper 2

    • Two in questions 1 (a) and 2 (a) for Paper 3

  • The questions are levelled-marked and assessed on the ability to demonstrate

    • Knowledge, Application, Analysis (KAA) for 8 marks

    • Evaluation (E) for 4 marks

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

  • You may need to use a diagram to evaluate reasons, causes, implications, benefits or drawbacks

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 twelve-mark 'discuss' questions, you need to provide an applied explanation and analysis of up to two issues and two evaluations

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

  • Follow a three-paragraph approach for a one-issue question like the one below. If the question requires two points, provide a clear second knowledge, application and analysis paragraph

    • 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)

    • Draw a clearly labelled and accurate diagram when one is requested at the beginning of your answer

Cost and revenue diagram with intersecting curves labelled MC, AC1, AC2, AR, MR. Areas D, E, and F marked. Axes labelled "Costs and Revenues" and "Output".
Highlighted text describes BT's profit rise due to reduced wholesale rental costs and fixed costs, citing a £566 million increase in 2017. KAA Level 3+ noted.

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

Handwritten text about BT's profit rise due to EE takeover, highlighting significant factors in green. Ev Level 2+ offers judgement using if-then analysis.

Step 3

  • In the third paragraph, provide another evaluation of your arguments if you feel your first evaluation lacks depth

Highlighted text discusses Ofcom's measures affecting BT's profits. Ev Level 2+ note indicates a balanced view with relevant reasoning.

The marking criteria

Assessment criteria table for 8 marks, with levels from 1 to 3. Level 3 encourages clear, accurate knowledge and coherent analysis.
Evaluation table with two levels: Level 1 offers 1-2 marks for basic evaluation; Level 2 offers 3-4 marks for good evaluation with critical thinking.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Spend no more than twelve minutes on this question:

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

    • 9-10 minutes to write the three/four paragraphs, keeping each focused and concise

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

  • Do not waste time explaining another point when a question explicitly asks for one issue

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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.

    Steve Vorster

    Reviewer: Steve Vorster

    Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

    Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.