AQA Economics AS - 25 Marker Guidance

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to approach 25-mark 'discuss' or 'evaluate' style questions in AQA AS Economics exams. The focus is on understanding the structure and strategies for crafting well-organized answers that include two-sided arguments and evaluation. The script outlines the common types of questions for both microeconomics and macroeconomics, emphasizing the importance of structure and using extract material effectively. The key takeaway is that practice, organization, and clear evaluation are crucial for achieving top marks in these challenging essay-style questions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 25-mark questions in AQA AS exams require a two-sided argument with evaluation and adjustment.
• 😀 Structure and organization are crucial for achieving top marks in 25-mark questions.
• 😀 Microeconomics typically involves four common types of questions: discussing one thing, one policy, a range of policies, and government intervention.
• 😀 Macroeconomics questions tend to focus on one thing or one policy, but can also involve discussing multiple policies.
• 😀 For microeconomics, examples include discussing monopolies, competitive markets, or the effectiveness of different policies like indirect taxation.
• 😀 Macroeconomics often includes questions about how certain actions, like increasing consumption or exports, affect economic growth or inflation.
• 😀 AQA AS questions in both micro and macro often involve forming an argument for and against a given statement or policy.
• 😀 Evaluation is key: Students need to weigh the pros and cons of each side before making a final judgment.
• 😀 Extract material provided in the exam helps structure and inform your essay, making the question easier to approach.
• 😀 Time management is important; aim for around 35-40 minutes to complete a high-quality 25-mark essay.
• 😀 Practice is essential to succeeding in these types of questions—regular practice will help you refine your approach and techniques.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video in terms of AQA AS exams?

The video focuses on how to effectively answer 25-mark essay questions in the AQA AS exams, specifically discussing the structure, content, and types of questions that might appear.

What are the key components of a 25-mark essay question?

A 25-mark essay question typically involves discussing or evaluating a topic, forming a two-sided argument, and providing evaluation and adjustment. This requires detailed analysis to answer effectively.

What are the four common types of microeconomics questions at AS level?

The four common types of microeconomics questions are: 1) Discussing a single concept or policy (e.g., whether monopolies are harmful), 2) Discussing multiple policies (e.g., indirect taxation and regulation to address market failure), 3) Discussing whether government intervention is required, and 4) Discussing whether markets should be left to allocate resources.

What are the two main types of macroeconomics questions at AS level?

The two main types of macroeconomics questions are: 1) Discussing a single concept or policy (e.g., whether increased consumption always leads to economic growth), and 2) Discussing a range of policies (e.g., policies to reduce unemployment or increase economic growth).

What makes the macroeconomics questions simpler compared to microeconomics questions?

Macroeconomics questions are generally simpler because they either focus on discussing a single concept or policy, or on discussing a range of policies. There are fewer variations in how these questions are worded.

What is the significance of structure in answering 25-mark questions?

Structure is crucial to achieving high marks in 25-mark questions. A well-organized essay demonstrates clarity in thought and helps present a balanced argument, which is key to reaching top levels in the grading criteria.

How long should students ideally spend answering a 25-mark question?

Students should aim to spend at least 35 to 40 minutes on a 25-mark question to ensure they provide a well-structured, detailed response.

How do the extract materials in the exam help students answer the questions?

The extract materials provide valuable content that aids students in answering the question. They help in structuring the essay, offering content for the discussion, and supporting evaluation, which makes the process easier.

What advice is given about practicing for these 25-mark essay questions?

The video stresses the importance of practice. Regularly practicing these questions helps students become familiar with the structure and content requirements, increasing their confidence and ability to perform well in the exams.

What should students do after watching the video for the best preparation?

After watching the video, students should watch the follow-up videos that cover the specific structure for answering 25-mark questions. This will provide them with detailed guidance on how to approach these questions effectively.