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A LevelEconomicsEdexcelEconomics ARevision Notes5.Exam Technique5.3 Structuring Your ResponsesAnswering 8-Mark Questions

Answering 8-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 8-Mark Question?

  • These questions appear in all three exams

  • There will be four of them

    • One in Section B for Paper 1 and Paper 2

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

  • In these questions, you are asked to examine key terms with reference to the context

    • You may be asked to consider a calculation, difference, reason, cause, implication, benefit or drawback

  • These questions are awarded

    • Knowledge 2, Application 2, Analysis 2, Evaluation 2

    • This is a points-marked question

Example

  • Key economic skills are highlighted

Handwritten words "Knowledge" in yellow, "Application" in blue, "Analysis" in pink, and "Evaluation" in green with coloured backgrounds.

Step 1

  • For eight-mark 'examine' questions, you need to provide an applied explanation and analysis of two issues with evaluation

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

  • Follow the three-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 chain of reasoning)

Handwritten text analyses BT and EE integration benefits like lower prices and increased market share. Highlights and green ticks indicate marked points.

Step 2

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

Handwritten text highlights improved product quality and customer service by BT, EE, Plusnet. Includes marking scheme; Knowledge, Application, Analysis each receive 1 mark.

Step 3

  • In the third paragraph, write a concise evaluation that weighs up the strengths and weaknesses or considers broader implications

Text discussing a merger's potential impact on prices and competition, highlighted in green. Two ticks indicate evaluation marks, each awarding 1 mark.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Each KAA paragraph should be focused and clear, ensuring you include all elements (knowledge, application, and analysis) in no more than two to three sentences per point

  • Spend no more than eight minutes on this question

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

    • Five to six minutes to write the three paragraphs, keeping each focused and concise

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

  • Many students tend to overwrite and/or forget to evaluate. This is a points-marked question that can be answered very quickly and precisely if you focus on the key details

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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.