A two-column essay plan for the 25-mark Economics essay questions in AQA, Edexcel and OCR papers (and the equivalent 20-mark questions in Eduqas and WJEC). The left column shows what to write. The right column shows the things to think about while writing it.
Why one essay structure works for every board
The 25-mark essay (and 20-mark Eduqas / WJEC equivalent) rewards the same four assessment objectives across every board: knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation. The structure below covers all four in a single, repeatable framework.
The plan provides for two main arguments: a first point and a second point, each with its own contextual analysis and contextual evaluation. Some teachers suggest factoring in more than two arguments. This is only advisable if your two main arguments do not contain enough contextual analysis and evaluation. More breadth at the expense of depth almost always loses marks at the top of the band.
The plan
Introduction
Use the introduction to set out the scope of your essay (i.e. the issues to be covered and why they are important).
Thoughts on definitions
Some students include definitions here. Do so if it helps settle your nerves.
First point
Your points stem from the wording of the essay question and accompanying case study material (e.g. if asked to discuss government options to reduce pollution, one might consider as your first point use of indirect taxation to curb pollution).
Contextual analysis
Develop a chain of cause-and-effect reasoning to support your first point. Include evidence to justify your chain of analysis. If appropriate, use diagrammatic analysis to give added weight to your argument.
Contextual evaluation
State a factor or factors that qualify your contextual analysis. Good evaluation is typically analytical and based on evidence, so use your reasoning skills and the case study context to justify your view.
More thoughts on points
Your points could relate to causes, consequences, issues, types, alternatives, methods, policies, etc.
Diagrammatic analysis
Aim to include diagrammatic analysis in your essay.
- Fully label axis, curves, equilibrium prices and quantities.
- Label / shade relevant parts of the diagram that show important findings (e.g. consumer surplus, producer surplus, welfare loss area, etc.).
- Make clear links and references of what your diagram shows to your written arguments, as shown by your chains of contextual analysis and contextual evaluation.
- Remember: diagrams are simplifications of the real world, so make sure you have noted model assumptions that underpin your analysis (e.g. ceteris paribus, etc.).
Second point
Your second point could be in keeping with the first point (e.g. another cause, effect, etc.) or possibly an alternative (e.g. a different method, a counter argument, etc.). As explained above, your points stem from the wording of the essay question and any associated case study material.
Contextual analysis
Develop a chain of cause-and-effect reasoning to support your first point. Include evidence to justify your chain of analysis. If appropriate, show more diagrammatic analysis to give added weight to your argument.
Contextual evaluation
State a factor or factors that qualify your contextual analysis. Good evaluation is typically analytical and based on evidence, so use your reasoning skills and the case study context to justify your view.
Why two points usually beats three
Examiners reward depth of analysis and weighted evaluation more heavily than breadth of points. Two well-developed arguments with substantive contextual analysis and contextual evaluation will outscore three thinner arguments almost every time.
Weighing up arguments
Comparison of strengths and weaknesses of arguments. Use of criteria to make clear, substantiated judgements.
Concluding statement
Cogent final statement that answers the essay question.
For more on contents of conclusions
See the section in "Ways to evidence AO1-AO4 skills in Economics".
How to use this plan in an exam
Allocate your time roughly as follows for a 25-mark essay (assume 25 minutes):
- Plan: 3 minutes. Write down the structure above and the two points you will make.
- Introduction: 2 minutes. Define key terms if useful, set the scope.
- First point + analysis + evaluation: 8 minutes.
- Second point + analysis + evaluation: 8 minutes.
- Conclusion: 4 minutes. Weigh the arguments, give a clear final judgement.
Most students who underperform on this question type spend too long on the introduction and not enough on the conclusion. Practise to a timer. The conclusion is where the top-band marks are won.
Common mistakes
- Spending too long defining terms and not enough on analysis.
- Using a generic real-world example instead of UK-specific or case-study-specific data.
- Drawing diagrams that are not properly labelled.
- Listing pros and cons instead of weighting them.
- Failing to answer the actual question in the conclusion.
- Trying to fit three or four points in and watering down each one.
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