Economics Answering Technique in Exams (1 Viewer)

[Marc26]

Hey,
I know Economics essays have a particular structure, but are the short answer questions answered in any specific way?
thx

 

[deswa1]

Answer it like any other short answer. Note, its important to be concise and to the point to demonstrate your knowledge, get full marks and use as little time as possible. I'll just copy and paste something that I wrote for someone else (This is assuming your already decent at short answer):

1. Make sure you answer the question and make it obvious that you did so. This also implies that you what all of the verbs mean. For example, if the question is "Evaluate the impact of ...", make sure the marker knows what you're evaluation is. I prefer to state it straight out, then present evidence and then conclude but you can do it just at the end if you want.
2. Be concise and to the point: Too many people waste time because they don't understand what the question/mark value is asking for, whilst also going around in circles and confusing the marker. If its a one mark question asking to define globalization, don't give a four line answer detailing its impact on the global economy. Likewise, for a five marker, you want to cover everything you know about that topic. Going off this, look at the marks for a hint as to what they want. I've seen 2 mark questions asking to define Gross World Product. Since this is 2 marks, it means they are looking for two pieces of info. A lot of people will write something along the lines of "Gross world product is the sum of the production of the global economy" forgetting to include the point about "over a given period of time". The fact that this was a 2 mark question instead of 1 mark should ring alarm bells.
3. Structure your response in a logical fashion. If the question says to discuss the impact of globalization on the global economy, I would start with something like "Globalisation has led to dramatic increases in cross border flows which has increased integration between nations and eroded national boundaries. Then talk about the benefits of globalisation. Then transition to the negatives through a connective such as "globalisation has however also accelerated resource use etc.". A lot of people write about both positives and negatives simultaneously which, if it isn't done well, is very hard to follow. Make your answer clear and you'll get full marks.
4. Use stats to demonstrate knowledge. For example, a past HSC question was something along the lines of "Evaluate the impact of policies in X nation to improve eco development". If you don't have stats such as changes in HDI, reduction in poverty or whatever, its hard to convincingly argue the benefits of a specific policy.

 

[enoilgam]

Answer it like any other short answer. Note, its important to be concise and to the point to demonstrate your knowledge, get full marks and use as little time as possible. I'll just copy and paste something that I wrote for someone else (This is assuming your already decent at short answer):

1. Make sure you answer the question and make it obvious that you did so. This also implies that you what all of the verbs mean. For example, if the question is "Evaluate the impact of ...", make sure the marker knows what you're evaluation is. I prefer to state it straight out, then present evidence and then conclude but you can do it just at the end if you want.
2. Be concise and to the point: Too many people waste time because they don't understand what the question/mark value is asking for, whilst also going around in circles and confusing the marker. If its a one mark question asking to define globalization, don't give a four line answer detailing its impact on the global economy. Likewise, for a five marker, you want to cover everything you know about that topic. Going off this, look at the marks for a hint as to what they want. I've seen 2 mark questions asking to define Gross World Product. Since this is 2 marks, it means they are looking for two pieces of info. A lot of people will write something along the lines of "Gross world product is the sum of the production of the global economy" forgetting to include the point about "over a given period of time". The fact that this was a 2 mark question instead of 1 mark should ring alarm bells.
3. Structure your response in a logical fashion. If the question says to discuss the impact of globalization on the global economy, I would start with something like "Globalisation has led to dramatic increases in cross border flows which has increased integration between nations and eroded national boundaries. Then talk about the benefits of globalisation. Then transition to the negatives through a connective such as "globalisation has however also accelerated resource use etc.". A lot of people write about both positives and negatives simultaneously which, if it isn't done well, is very hard to follow. Make your answer clear and you'll get full marks.
4. Use stats to demonstrate knowledge. For example, a past HSC question was something along the lines of "Evaluate the impact of policies in X nation to improve eco development". If you don't have stats such as changes in HDI, reduction in poverty or whatever, its hard to convincingly argue the benefits of a specific policy.

Exactly how it should be done. With short answer in economics (and in any other subject for that matter), you need to get to the point and make it clear to the marker what your answer is.

 

[gnrlies]

I would definitely emphasize that determining how much information is required, based on the marks, is important.

In addition, for a second, put yourself into the mind of the examiner - what kind of answer are they looking for and what is the question getting at? Usually it will refer quite specifically to an area of the syllabus. Try to work out what part of the syllabus is and give an answer that is compatible with the respective points.

More broadly though, practicing a variety of questions is the best way to refine your skills. It is not just about technique, but also your ability to quickly connect the dots and deliver an answer efficiently. This is a tacit process and something that you will not achieve by reading these forum posts (as good as they are!).

Good luck!