Exam Technique

Master the skills examiners are looking for — command words, answer structures, and mark-winning strategies.

Command Words Guide

Each command word tells you exactly what the examiner wants. Using the wrong approach means losing marks — even if your economics is correct.

Define1–2 marks

Give the meaning of a term

How to answer:Write a clear, precise definition. Use economic terminology.
Identify1 marks

Name or select something

How to answer:Give a brief, specific answer. No explanation needed.
Calculate1–2 marks

Work out a numerical answer

How to answer:Show your working clearly. Include units (%, $, etc.).
State1 marks

Express clearly

How to answer:Give a brief factual answer. One sentence is enough.
Describe2–3 marks

Set out characteristics or features

How to answer:Say WHAT happens. Use data or examples if given.
Explain2–4 marks

Set out purposes or reasons

How to answer:Say WHAT happens AND WHY it happens. Use because / this means that / as a result.
Analyse4–6 marks

Examine in detail, show causes and effects

How to answer:Build a chain of reasoning. Point → Explain → Develop → Link. Show cause and effect.
Discuss6–8 marks

Present arguments for and against

How to answer:Give BOTH sides. Use "However..." and "On the other hand...". Reach a conclusion.
Evaluate6–8 marks

Judge the significance or importance

How to answer:Like discuss, but with a STRONGER conclusion. "Overall..." "The most significant factor is..."
Draw4 marks

Produce a diagram

How to answer:Label axes, curves, shifts, equilibrium points. Use a ruler.
Answer Structures

Follow these templates to structure your answers. Examiners look for a logical flow — a well-structured average answer scores higher than a brilliant but chaotic one.

2-mark Explain2 marks
Define:[Term/Concept] means [definition].
Effect:This means that [consequence/effect].
4-mark Explain4 marks
Point:[State your point clearly]
Explain:[Why does this happen?]
Example:[Give a real-world example]
Link:[How does this answer the question?]
6-mark Analyse6 marks
Point:[Make your main argument]
Explain:[Develop with economic reasoning]
Develop:[Show further cause and effect — use chain analysis]
Example:[Support with evidence]
Link:[Connect back to the question]
8-mark Discuss / Evaluate8 marks
FOR:Point → Explain → Develop → Example
AGAINST:Use "However..." — Point → Explain → Develop → Example
Conclusion:"Overall..." or "The most significant factor is..." — consider short-run vs long-run, depends on (size, context), who benefits/loses
Paper-Specific Tips

Each paper requires a different approach. Know what to expect and how to allocate your time.

Paper 1 — Multiple Choice
45 minutes · 30 questions
Read ALL options before selecting
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
If unsure, use process of elimination (never leave blank)
Watch for distractors — "not", "except", "always"
Time: ~1.5 minutes per question
If stuck, mark it and come back
Paper 2 — Structured Questions
2h 15min · Section A + B
Section A: Answer ALL parts of ONE question (data response, 20 marks)
Section B: Choose THREE questions from FIVE (8 marks each = 24 marks)
Total: 90 marks (but exam is scaled)
Always define key terms FIRST
For calculation questions: SHOW YOUR WORKING
For diagram questions: label everything — axes, curves, shifts, equilibriums
For discuss/evaluate: BOTH sides + conclusion
Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the mistakes that cost students the most marks every year. Avoid them and you are already ahead.

1
Not defining key terms
1–2 marks lost every time
2
Only giving one side in a "discuss" question
Caps your mark at half
3
Not using the source material / data provided
Misses application marks
4
Writing too much for low-mark questions
Wasting precious time
5
Not showing working in calculation questions
Lose method marks
6
Drawing diagrams without labels
0 marks for the diagram
7
Confusing movement along a curve with a shift of the curve
Fundamental error
8
Not reading the question carefully — answering the wrong thing
0 marks
9
Using vague language ("it goes up") instead of precise terms ("price increases")
Loses precision marks
10
No conclusion in evaluate questions
Cannot reach top band
Test Your Technique

Put your exam technique knowledge to the test with 10 scenario-based questions.

Ready to test your exam technique?
10 questions about IGCSE Economics exam strategy, command words, and answer structure.
Top tip from examiners
The best answers are not the longest — they are the most relevant. Always re-read the question before you start writing, and make sure every sentence earns marks.