Evaluation of Economic Arguments

OCR

GCSE

Evaluation constitutes the highest-order cognitive skill (AO4) in Economics examinations, requiring candidates to critically assess the validity of economic theories and policies. It involves making reasoned judgments based on evidence, considering the magnitude of impacts, time lags, conflicting objectives, and the significance of assumptions such as ceteris paribus. Success requires moving beyond theoretical analysis to synthesize competing arguments and conclude on the most likely outcomes in specific contexts, distinguishing between short-run fluctuations and long-run structural changes.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Credit developed chains of reasoning (e.g., 'X leads to Y, which implies Z') rather than simple assertions
Award marks for explicit application of the case study context (AO2) to support theoretical points
Candidates must provide a balanced argument (pros and cons) to access top band marks in 'Evaluate' questions
Credit judgements that are supported by the preceding analysis and weigh the significance of arguments

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Credit developed chains of reasoning (e.g., 'X leads to Y, which implies Z') rather than simple assertions
Award marks for explicit application of the case study context (AO2) to support theoretical points
Candidates must provide a balanced argument (pros and cons) to access top band marks in 'Evaluate' questions
Credit judgements that are supported by the preceding analysis and weigh the significance of arguments

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use the 'It depends on' rule to generate evaluation marks (e.g., depends on the elasticity)
💡Structure 6-mark answers as: Point 1 (For), Point 2 (Against), Conclusion
💡Quote specific data from the insert to secure Application (AO2) marks
💡Check units carefully in calculation questions (e.g., millions vs billions) to avoid simple errors

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'production' (total output) with 'productivity' (output per unit of input)
Providing one-sided arguments in 'Evaluate' questions, limiting marks to Level 2
Stating a change without explaining the economic mechanism (e.g., 'Demand rises' without explaining the cause)

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Calculate

Explain

Analyse

Evaluate

Discuss

State

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