Barry Economics | IGCSE Structured Question Scorer

Exam Guide & Tips

L3 Table A: Levels of Response (Discuss 8-mark)

L3 (6-8) Reasoned discussion considering BOTH sides. Accurate economic concepts, clear logical analysis. May point out uncertainties of alternative outcomes.

L2 (3-5) Reasoned discussion with clear analysis. May lack depth or be one-sided. Some relevant use of economic concepts.

L1 (1-2) Relevant definitions and/or statements that are not developed.

L0 (0) No creditable content.

PT Point-Based Marking Guide

Section A - Discuss 6m: Up to 4 marks per side, max 6 total. Each point = identify (1) + develop (1). Must use extract data.

Section A - Analyse 4m: Expected relationship (1) + evidence from source (up to 2) + analysis (up to 2) + exception with evidence and analysis (up to 3). Max 4.

Section A - Diagram 4m: Axes labels (1) + original curves (1) + shifted curve (1) + equilibria (1).

Section A - Calculate/Identify/Explain 2m: 1 mark per correct element, max 2.

Section B - Analyse 6m: Identify points (up to 2 marks) + analytical chains (remaining marks). Each chain step = 1 mark.

Section B - Explain 4m: 2 points needed. Each: identify (1) + explain (1) = 2 marks per point.

Section B - Define 2m: Precise economic definition. Partial = 1 mark.

TIP Top-Band Tips

For Discuss 8m: Develop BOTH sides of the argument. One-sided = Level 2 max.
For Discuss 6m: Reference extract data directly. Generic answers lose marks.
Use economic terminology precisely: demand, supply, elasticity, opportunity cost, etc.
Chain your reasoning: Point -> How/Why -> Effect -> Consequence
For Section A: Always reference the extract/source data in your answer.
Draw diagrams where relevant: supply/demand shifts, equilibrium changes.
Avoid simple reversal: "Prices rise" then "Prices might not rise" = 0 marks for the second point.
For Explain questions: Give exactly the number of points asked for.
For Calculate: Always show your working, even if the answer is correct.

! Common Mistakes

Only arguing one side in a Discuss question
Not using extract data in Section A answers
Identifying points without developing/explaining them
Repeating the same point in different words
Simple reversal instead of a new counter-argument
Giving more points than asked for (only first n count)
Listing without chains of reasoning
Missing axis labels or curve labels in diagrams
Not showing working in Calculate questions
Writing definitions that are too vague for Define questions

DG Diagram Checklist

Label BOTH axes correctly (Price/Cost on Y, Quantity on X)
Show original AND shifted curves
Label ALL curves (D, S, D1, S1, etc.)
Label equilibrium points (E1, E2)
Show price/quantity changes with arrows
Title the diagram appropriately
Reference the diagram in your text

CW IGCSE Command Words

Calculate: Work out an answer using given data (show working)
Identify: Name or select from the source material
Define: Give the precise meaning of an economic term
Explain: Give reasons / show relationships / how or why
Analyse: Identify elements AND show relationships between them
Discuss: Structured, in-depth, TWO-SIDED consideration

IGCSE STRUCTURED QUESTION SCORER

Cambridge IGCSE Economics 0455

Source / Extract Data Section A * (案例背景资料)

Question * (paste the question / 输入或粘贴题目)

0 words

Diagram Studio

Hand-draw/upload economic diagrams, then attach to scoring. Max 3 diagrams.

0 / 3

Tip: Press Ctrl/Cmd + V to paste screenshot directly into Diagram Studio.

ANALYZING ANSWER AGAINST CAMBRIDGE IGCSE EXAMINER STANDARDS...

IGCSE Question Types

Section A - Case Study 案例题

Based on an extract/source material. Students must reference the data.

(a) Calculate (2m) - Work out from given data
(b) Identify (2m) - Name/select from source
(c) Explain (2m) - 1 identify + 1 explain
(d) Diagram (4m) - Labels, curves, shifts, equilibria
(e) Analyse (4m) - Relationship with evidence
(f) Discuss (6m) - Two-sided, must use extract

Discuss 6m (Section A)

Point-based. Up to 4 marks per side, max 6. Must use extract data.

Example: "Discuss whether the increase in tourism shown in the extract will benefit the economy."

Analyse 4m (Section A)

Relationship analysis with evidence from source and exceptions.

Example: "Analyse the relationship between GDP growth and unemployment using the data."

Section B - Structured Questions 简答题

Based on short context paragraph. Tests broader economic knowledge.

(a) Define/Identify (2m) - Precise meaning
(b) Explain (4m) - 2 points with development
(c) Analyse (6m) - Analytical chains
(d) Discuss (8m) - Levels of Response (Table A)

Discuss 8m (Section B)

Levels of response. Requires two-sided discussion with economic analysis.

Example: "Discuss whether a government should introduce a minimum wage."

Analyse 6m (Section B)

Point-based. Build analytical chains showing cause, effect, consequence.

Example: "Analyse how a decrease in interest rates might affect economic growth."

Explain 4m (Section B)

Two points needed, each with identify + explain.

Example: "Explain two reasons why a firm might want to increase in size."

Paper 2 Overview

Cambridge IGCSE Economics 0455 Paper 2: Structured Questions

Section A: One compulsory case study question based on source material. Sub-parts (a)-(f), total ~20 marks.

Section B: Choose 3 out of 4 structured questions. Each has sub-parts (a)-(d), total ~20 marks each.