HOW TO GET AN A* - ECONOMICS A-LEVEL

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares essential tips for achieving top grades in A-level Economics, based on their personal success with an A* grade. Key advice includes the importance of practicing past papers, managing exam time efficiently, mastering essay structures, using active recall and flashcards for knowledge retention, and understanding question types. The speaker also highlights the significance of real-world examples and statistics to enrich essays. By following these strategies, students can better prepare for exams and boost their chances of success in Economics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice past papers regularly and get teachers to mark them for accurate feedback.
• 😀 Time management is crucial—allocate a set time for each question and stick to it during the exam.
• 😀 For essay questions, focus on a solid structure: introduction, detailed analysis, evaluation, and conclusion.
• 😀 Active recall and flashcards are essential tools to help retain and recall economic knowledge.
• 😀 Create flashcards throughout the two years of study, not just at the end, and review them consistently.
• 😀 Understand and master the structure of each type of question (multiple choice, short answers, essays, etc.).
• 😀 Use real-world examples and statistics to enhance your essays and show a deeper understanding of the content.
• 😀 Self-marking Economics past papers can be difficult—rely on teachers for detailed feedback instead.
• 😀 Economics exams are time-pressured, so practice in timed conditions to develop a sense of pacing.
• 😀 Don't just memorize content; focus on understanding it and applying it to different scenarios in the exam.

Q & A

Why are past papers important for A-Level Economics exams?

Past papers are crucial for A-Level Economics exams because they allow you to practice answering questions under timed conditions, helping you familiarize yourself with the exam format. They also help identify areas of weakness. However, self-marking Economics papers can be difficult due to the essay-based nature of the subject, so getting teachers to mark them is recommended.

How should past papers for Economics be approached differently compared to other subjects?

Unlike subjects like Maths and Physics where past papers are easier to self-mark, Economics exams require more nuanced marking due to the essay-based format. The mark schemes often do not clearly outline what should or should not be written, so it's best to ask a teacher to mark the papers for you.

What is the key to effective time management during an Economics exam?

Effective time management during an Economics exam involves allocating a specific time to each question and sticking to it. While some questions may require more time, it’s important to stay strict with your time allocation to ensure you answer every question in the exam.

Why is time management particularly difficult in Economics exams?

Economics exams are time-pressured because they require long essays and detailed responses. Even if you answer all questions well, running out of time and leaving some questions unanswered will limit your grade.

What advice is given for tackling the big essay questions in Economics?

For the big essay questions in Economics, it’s important to have a strong introduction, evaluate thoroughly, and make a judgment in the conclusion. Focusing on evaluation and presenting balanced arguments will help you score high marks.

How can active recall and flashcards help in preparing for Economics exams?

Active recall and flashcards are effective in building a solid knowledge base for Economics. By creating flashcards throughout the two years of study and consistently revising them, you ensure that you have sufficient knowledge to answer questions in the exam.

What is the importance of making flashcards throughout the two years of study?

Making flashcards throughout the two years of study, rather than waiting until the end, allows you to gradually build your knowledge and review it regularly. This approach reduces the stress of cramming before exams and helps retain information long-term.

What is the benefit of using flashcards consistently during the two years?

Using flashcards consistently throughout the two years helps reinforce knowledge regularly. This ongoing revision makes it easier to recall information during the exam, ensuring that you are prepared with both depth and clarity.

Why is it important to master question structure for A-Level Economics exams?

Mastering question structure is crucial because each type of question in Economics has a specific format, and knowing the correct approach for each helps you answer efficiently. Understanding the mark scheme for each question type ensures you address all the necessary components to earn full marks.

How can real-world examples enhance your responses in an Economics exam?

Real-world examples add depth and relevance to your essays by illustrating the practical application of economic theories. Incorporating statistics or specific examples, such as inflation rates or national debt, can strengthen your argument and make your analysis more convincing.