Below is a model answer for a 9 mark questions in AQA Economics A-level.
I have also created more practice papers for AQA Economics. There is also an online course covering 9 mark questions, as well as 15 and 25 markers. Check out these links below:
Contents
What is required for a 9 mark response?
I recommend the following answer structure:
- Definition of one or two key terms, usually those in the question.
- Basic point.
- Evidence from extract.
- Draw diagram
- Explain / chain of analysis, including referring to the diagram.
Example question
This question is adapted from practice papers for the 2022 summer exams.
You can buy the 2024 practice papers by checking out the link below:
The question is:
“Using extract B, explain why pollution may represent a market failure”
I have picked a relatively simple 9 mark question to illustrate the principles.
Example response
Market failure is when the market does not allocate resources efficiently. Pollution can cause a negative externality in production. A negative externality is a harm to a third party not directly involved in the transaction.
Pollution from the production process of a car plant could spill into nearby rivers. This could harm the fish supply in the rivers, reducing the income for fishermen. Pollution from industry for example may lead to “global temperatures rising more than 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels” according to extract B. This could lead to rising sea levels which could lead to flooding and the displacement of production.
The diagram shows a negative externality in production. Consider the market for cars. A negative externality in production means the marginal social cost of car production exceeds the marginal private cost. The free market produces where marginal private cost = marginal private benefit at q. But the socially optimal quantity occurs where marginal social cost = marginal social benefit at q1. This means the free market overproduces cars by q-q1, meaning there is a misallocation of resources, in other words market failure. This leads to a welfare loss as shown by the area ABE.
Commentary
The answer starts with two definitions of key terms. Then it follows with a worded explanation, then a diagrammatic explanation.
The explanations are sound and the answer also refers to the context.
This answer would likely be worth full marks or close to it.
For more exam technique advice (including 9 markers, 15 markers and 25 markers), click the link here:
Common mistakes in 9 mark questions
- Writing too much. There is an opportunity cost to answering in more detail than necessary in the 9 mark question. You give up time you can spend on the more valuable 25 mark questions and the 15 mark question. Students often end up leaving too little time for their longer answer questions and can end up getting lower marks as a result.
- Not referring to extract. For some reason this is one of the components students typically tend to forget. One reference to the extract, which can either be a quote or the use of
- Forgetting one of the other major components, such as the chain of analysis and a diagram where required.
For how to answer 15 mark questions, check out the link below:
Related questions
How should you answer 25 mark questions?
You should know what a model answer looks like for the 25 mark questions.
Application, analysis and evaluation are the key skills to master.
I recommend looking at sample answers, writing your own answers and getting your answers reviewed by teachers.
To learn more about evaluation and other key exam skills, see the links below:
How can I get more practice at 9 mark questions?
Check out the link below for more practice questions in AQA Economics style:
Related posts
For more tips on exam technique for A-level Economics, or if you are applying to economics courses at university, check out the links below:
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