The 5 Steps You need to work on to score a Distinction for A Level Economics
Securing a distinction in A Level Economics is like constructing a building, where each floor relies on the one beneath. To reach the pinnacle, we must strategically work on five areas, layering them to form a sturdy tower of knowledge and skills.
Step 1: Content Mastery. Understanding all concepts tested at the A Levels forms the foundational layer. Contrary to old school practices, A Level Economics is not a subject of rote memorisation (with exceptions like the multiplier process for J2s, and the externality framework for explaining market failures). The syllabus today values comprehension and application over simple recall. Kickstart your journey on the SEAB website by downloading the syllabus.
I urge you to flip through the TYS. The questions can be unexpected and non-standard - a wake-up call that regurgitated answers won't cut it. Content mastery begins with attentive listening in lectures, diligent completion of tutorials, and the courage to ask when in doubt.
Step 2: Skills Application. Here's where we add a second layer. This includes mastering essay-writing skills and case study application. Let's break this down:
Essay writing involves:
Selecting the appropriate question
Breaking down and dissecting the question
Planning and structuring the essay
Gauging the appropriate length
Using economics terminology
Writing insightful evaluations
Case Study application involves:
Trend analysis
Data interpretation
Applying concepts to the data set
Answering mini essay questions
Developing these skills requires practice. But remember Einstein's words - "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Guided practice is what will truly transform your performance. You need:
A good set of questions
A comprehensive set of answers
Time for dedicated practice
Reliable guidance, be it a top-scoring friend, your school teacher or a tutor
If you need help with skills - we have the Essay and CSQ Boosters.
Step 3: Exposure to a Range of Questions. Building upon the first two layers, it's time to expand our horizons with a variety of questions. Even with a solid understanding of the concepts and practised skills, we can sometimes fall short due to unfamiliar phrasing or atypical contexts.
Tutorials and practice exercises often revolve around common themes or examples. For instance, in the case of market failure and externalities, we frequently encounter scenarios involving healthcare, education, cigarettes, alcohol, or pollution. But what happens when a question blindsides you with a less conventional example, like bike-sharing? Or when the question strays from the usual style you're used to, leaving you scratching your head over the exact requirements?
The solution is to diversify your question bank. Challenge yourself to grapple with a wide array of question types, settings, and styles. Your target? Completing, on average, one essay and one case study each week, aiming for 50 of each by the end of the year.
You'll know you've mastered this layer when you can flip open an examination paper and feel familiar comfort instead of icy shock. The variety and unpredictability of the questions won't faze you anymore because you've been there, done that, and conquered it all. That's the beauty of wide exposure.
Our Bootcamps & the Essence Workshop are designed exactly for this purpose - to give you range.
Step 4: Time Management. This forms the crucial fourth layer. It's not uncommon to see students run out of time during the actual A levels. Many fail to complete the final 15 mark question in the Essay Paper or the last 10m question in the CSQ Paper, potentially costing them their desired grade. What leads to this?
Few opportunities for time trials
Limited practice with timed constraints
Infrequent full paper sitting
Counter this by timing every essay and case study you do, gradually shaving off the time required.
Consider joining us for our Bootcamps to improve on your time management.
Step 5: Outshine Your Peers. This is the crowning layer. Only 20 to 30% of each cohort bags an A for Economics. To be in that elite group, your answers must be superior, showcasing a clear understanding of concepts, a structured thought process, and an ability to make your evaluations stand out.
To all of you reading this, I hope it has served as a mirror reflecting your current approach towards A Level Economics. This is a journey, not just about knowing but applying, not just memorising but understanding, and not just practising, but practising with guidance.
If you'd like the highest possible chance at mastering the 5 steps, including Step 5- join us for our weekly classes or register for a trial lesson.