A Level Economics Exam Advice - Multiple Choice
This page will give you information on how to answer the questions on your exam paper. If there is anything that you think we may have missed, please let us know.
How to answer data-response questions
How to answer multiple-choice questions
The format of the multiple-choice questions represents a significant departure from the past. Not only are you required to choose the correct option, but also to justify your selection . Just 1 mark is available for choosing the correct option and a further 4 marks can be gained from explaining your choice.
In Unit 1 there are 8 supported multiple-choice questions which are worth 40 marks. However, the examiners will divide this by 2 and so, in effect, the multiple choice section has the same assessment weighting as the data-response question, i.e. 20 marks.
The use of supported multiple-choice questions allows the examiners to test students on all aspects of Unit 1. This means you need to understand all the concepts and models in this unit and find answers to anything you are unsure about.
There are a number of key points to take into account when answering supported multiple-choice questions, namely:
Keep in mind the time allocation. You have 30 minutes to answer 8 questions, which is around 3 1/2 minutes per question. After completing this section, you should use any spare time to check your answers.
Read the question and options carefully, underlining key words. Be careful of questions containing the word 'not' as many students answer them incorrectly through reading too quickly rather than through lack of understanding. Do not let speed interfere with the accuracy of your answer. Three and a half minutes per question is plenty of time.
Try to work out the answer before looking at the options. This can prevent the distracters from confusing your thinking. After picking your answer, you need to justify why it is correct, so think about the key economic concept or model underlying the question. Five lines are available to explain your answer.
Another approach is to eliminate the impossible answers, then whatever is next - no matter how improbable - will be the correct answer. If you are unable to explain why your answer is correct, you should switch focus and explain why the other options are incorrect.
Be prepared to sketch a diagram as this can help improve your understanding and the quality of your explanation, especially in an unit which focuses upon demand and supply analysis. A half page space is provided on the exam paper for each multiple-choice question.
Manage your time effectively. Do not spend too much time on any one individual question in the first instance. You could leave the hard questions until the end, when you might have more time to work out the answer and explanation.
Make sure you answer all the questions and attempt some explanation. Marks are not deducted for incorrect responses. Note that the required explanation has up to 4 marks available and that even a partial answer may get you 1 or 2 marks.
Learn from your mistakes. When you get a question wrong or are unable to provide a proper explanation, you should find out what the correct response is. Multiple-choice questions are good indicators of your strengths and weaknesses in understanding particular topics.
Practice really does make perfect. You should attempt the multiple-choice exercise. It is also worth going over selected multiple-choice questions from the old syllabus as some of these are likely to be reworked in future papers. Remember, you will need to provide justifications for your answers.
All information on this page produced with the permission of the author, Mark Gavin.
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