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Answering 15-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 15-Mark Question?

  • There will be two of these questions

    • One in Section B for Paper 1

    • One in Section B for Paper 2

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

    • Knowledge, Application, Analysis (KAA) for 9 marks

    • Evaluation (E) for 6 marks

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

    • You may be asked to use a diagram to assess 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 fifteen-mark 'discuss' 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). Include a diagram if appropriate and refer to it

Graph illustrating a price cap in utilities markets, showing excess demand below equilibrium; highlighted annotations explain effects on consumer prices and surpluses.

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

Highlighted text explains consequences of setting prices below market level, affecting supply and demand, with a note on reasoning level to the right.

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 (at least three chains of reasoning)

Highlighted text discusses Ofcom strategies for regulating utility providers to simplify tariffs and reduce asymmetric information. Level 3+ understanding.

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

Highlighted text discussing the complexity of the utilities market and regulatory challenges. Notes on rigorous enforcement and potential regulatory capture.

The marking criteria

Table with three performance levels for 9 marks. Level 1: 1-3 marks, limited analysis. Level 2: 4-6 marks, some coherence. Level 3: 7-9 marks, thorough analysis.
Evaluation table with 6 marks divided into 3 levels, detailing required quality from generic comments at Level 1 to well-reasoned evaluations at Level 3.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Spend no more than fifteen minutes on this question:

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

    • 12-13 minutes to write the four paragraphs, keeping each focused and concise

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

  • If appropriate, try to include a diagram, even if the question does not request one. Using an accurately annotated diagram in your discussion is an effective way of achieving Level 3 for both KAA and Evaluation

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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.