To obtain the marks required to achieve a good grade, you need to know what the markers look for and show them in your answers. The following mark scheme will give you an idea of what the markers look for when marking and grading economics essays. As you will see, it all boils down to the five core thinking skills in economics tuition of knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis, and evaluation.
Although the following mark scheme is for a full-length 25-mark essay question, the scales and criteria also apply to a two-part essay question. Typically, a two-part essay question is split into Part (a) that carries 10 marks and Part (b) that carries 15 marks. Some two-part essay questions, however, are split into Part (a) that carries 12 marks and Part (b) that carries 13 marks.
Full-length 25-mark Essay Question
An answer to a full-length 25-mark essay question will be marked in the following way.
does not indicate that the meaning of the question has been properly grasped
contains basic errors of theory
has an inadequate development of analysis
Level 2 (Lower)
10-11 marks
shows an ability to identify facts
shows some ability at graphs
shows fair ability to apply known laws to new situations
has an accurate though undeveloped explanation of the facts relating to the question together with an explanation of the theory
shows evidence of some ability to discriminate and form elementary judgments
does not have a clear logical presentation
does not show much evidence of the ability to recognise unstated assumptions
does not show much evidence of the ability to examine the implications of a hypothesis
does not show much evidence of the ability to organise ideas into a new unity
Level 2 (Higher)
12-14 marks
has a more thorough relevance to the question
does not completely explain the theory
Level 3 (Lower)
15-17 marks
shows a good knowledge of the facts and theory of the question
shows clear evidence of the ability to use the facts and theory with accurate reference to the question that may have presented the candidate with a novel application
shows evidence of the ability to examine the implications of the question and an attempt to distinguish between facts and value judgments
has clear statements supported by reasoned arguments
has some attempt at a conclusion to the question
has a reasoned structure to the whole answer
does not have many extra illustrative points which are not explicitly referred to in the question
does not have much critical comment
does not have any recognition of, or comment on, unstated assumptions
Level 3 (Higher)
18-21 marks
shows a thorough knowledge of facts and theory with an excellent ability to describe and explain this in a precise, logical, reasoned manner
shows an ability to query some of the assumptions
has illustrations and examples apposite to the material discussed to show evidence of the ability to recognise the principles of the question and their application to the relevant current situations
Evaluation
Level 1
1-2 marks
Mainly unexplained judgement
Level 2
3-4 marks
Judgement based on analysis
Two-part Essay Question with a 10/15 Mark Split
An answer to a two-part essay question with a 10/15 mark split [where part (a) carries 10 marks and part (b) carries 15 marks] will be marked in the following way.
does not indicate that the meaning of the question has been properly grasped
contains basic errors of theory
has an inadequate development of analysis
Level 2 (Lower)
5 marks
6-7 marks
shows an ability to identify facts
shows some ability at graphs
shows fair ability to apply known laws to new situations
has an accurate though undeveloped explanation of the facts relating to the question together with an explanation of the theory
shows evidence of some ability to discriminate and form elementary judgments
does not have a clear logical presentation
does not show much evidence of the ability to recognise unstated assumptions
does not show much evidence of the ability to examine the implications of a hypothesis
does not show much evidence of the ability to organise ideas into a new unity
Level 2 (Higher)
6 marks
8 marks
has a more thorough relevance to the question
does not completely explain the theory
Level 3 (Lower)
7-8 marks
9-10 marks
shows a good knowledge of the facts and theory of the question
shows clear evidence of the ability to use the facts and theory with accurate reference to the question that may have presented the candidate with a novel application
shows evidence of the ability to examine the implications of the question and an attempt to distinguish between facts and value judgments
has clear statements supported by reasoned arguments
has some attempt at a conclusion to the question
has a reasoned structure to the whole answer
does not have many extra illustrative points which are not explicitly referred to in the question
does not have much critical comment
does not have any recognition of, or comment on, unstated assumptions
Level 3 (Higher)
9-10 marks
11 marks
shows a thorough knowledge of facts and theory with an excellent ability to describe and explain this in a precise, logical, reasoned manner
shows an ability to query some of the assumptions
has illustrations and examples apposite to the material discussed to show evidence of the ability to recognise the principles of the question and their application to the relevant current situations