Redspot CIE A-Level Economics past papers.

[Paradoxical]

Are they any good? Are the essay answers decent? I ask this because I'm self-teaching economics so I would like to have an overall idea of how I should structure my answers.

 

[Xenon]

Are they any good? Are the essay answers decent? I ask this because I'm self-teaching economics so I would like to have an overall idea of how I should structure my answers.

the redspot, in general, isn't that good, though some of the answers are nice... and I found the A2 questions answered well than AS... so you can use it if you want to, but first of all look into the mark scheme and the examiner reports to see how you should structure your answers
and here is my advice on how to structure the essay questions, basically it is what I understood from the mark schemes and reports

first of all, you must be able to understand the requirements of questions.. for example most questions ask to 'discuss'.. this means that you should presents points for both sides
if you are uncertain on how to make a start for your answer, you can start by describing briefly any terms that appear in the question.. like if the question speaks of aggregate demand, you can define it in your answer.. and often(most of the times) it is crucial to end the answer with an evaluation. Evaluation shows that you are completely aware about the topic... remember evaluations are not simply opposite of what you wrote in the body of the answer but they represent different views.. for example an increase in investment can help to increase aggregate demand, increase employment and growth.. but it can also lead to an increase in price levels causing demand-pull inflation and thereby the problems of inflation can take place. But then again this rise in price level may not persevere if the investment is succeeds in shifting the aggregate supply curve to the right... another important part of ending is conclusion... you may be awarded one mark if you present what do you support

how you write the body depends on you.. for example if the question is about pros and cons of market system, you can either first write all the advantages of the system and then follow it with the disadvantages or you can counter one advantage with a disadvantage.. it depends on you, however whatever you do, be consistent...

now, diagrams and equations... really important staff for the body of the answer.. the best way of using diagram is by trying to blend them with the answer.. the diagram must form a part of your explanation.. like if you are writing about complementary goods, draw the diagram and refer to it in your answer.. like "..as seen in the diagram, an increase in price from P1 to P2 of good A causes a fall in demand from Q1 to Q2 of good B..".. if you know the equation you can include it.. like the equation for elasticities, multiplier, etc...

and finally I guess.. finish your answer... don't leave it incomplete

hope it helps you

 

[Paradoxical]

Thank you so much, that was really helpful!