Answering 4-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Economics A)

How Do I Answer an Edexcel A-Level Economics 4-Mark Question?

• These questions appear in Papers 1 and 2 only

  • There may be up to five of these questions in Section A 

• In these questions, you are either asked to explain a key term, undertake a calculation or draw a diagram in relation to the context

  • It could be a diagram, calculation, reason, cause, implication, benefit or drawback

• These questions are awarded either

  • Knowledge 2, Application 1, Analysis 1

  • OR Knowledge 2, Application 2

Example

Steps to answer the question

• Focus on the specific context provided

  • E.g. the effects on price and quantity of oil in the US from Hurricane Harvey

• Identify what the question requires

  • In this case, a supply and demand diagram showing the leftward shift in supply and the resulting changes in price and quantity

• Correctly draw the diagram

  • Label all axes and components clearly:

    • Original supply curve (S1) and demand curve (D)

    • Initial equilibrium price (P1) and quantity (Q2)

    • Shift in the supply curve (S2) due to reduced production capacity

    • Label the new equilibrium price and quantity as P2 (higher price) and Q2 (lower quantity)

• Demonstrate knowledge (1+1 Marks) by showing:

  • The original equilibrium: Initial price and quantity where demand equals supply

  • The correct shift in the supply curve: A leftward shift to show reduced production capacity after the hurricane

• Provide application (1+1 Marks) by applying economic theory to the diagram:

  • Show that reduced supply increases price (P2) and reduces quantity (Q2)

  • Make sure the diagram reflects the market adjustment to the disruption