Helpful advice to score good grades in paper 1 which requires good writing skills. By careful planning students can mange better grades in the exams.

1. Extended Response for paper 1

2. Exam paper format
 Paper 1 : 50 Marks [1 hour 30 minutes]
 Section A: Micro economics [25 Marks] [45 Min.]
 Question 1 or 2 [only one]
 A) 10 marks [Explain, Elaborate, Analyse ]
 B) 15 marks [Evaluate, discuss, Examine, compare and
contrast]
 Section B: Macro economics [25 Marks] [45 Min]
 Question 3 or 4 [Only one ]
 A) 10 Marks [Explain, Elaborate, Analyse]
 B) 15 Marks [Evaluate, discuss, Examine, compare and
contrast]

3. 1. Choose essay(s) with care
 Don’t simply look for your favourite/strong topic and
plunge in!
 Make sure you can answer this particular question on
your topic.
 It is no good writing, however well, about the CAUSES
of inflation, when the question asks about the
EFFECTS of inflation!

4. 2. Writing question
 For every essay you do for our exam, whether it’s a long
one or a mini-essay, always write out the exact
essay question
 Titles like “Economics essay” or “Inflation” will not be
of much use to you when you come to revise!
 Even under exam conditions we would recommend
that you do this, as it will help you to focus upon the
question.

5. 3. Always Plan your essays
 Write out the main points on some rough paper, and
then you can re-arrange them into a more logical order
by numbering them. [mind map]
 Your rough notes also gives you a place to jot down a
new idea that arises after you have already begun to
write the essay itself, rather than simply hoping you’ll
remember it later.
 Don’t forget to have an introduction and some kind of
conclusion in the long essay.

6. 4. Time allocation
 As the essay will be in two parts, note the allotted
marks (10 and 15)given in brackets, and divide your 45
(a and b part) minutes accordingly.
 We suggest you to practice at home by setting time
limit.
 Its very important to give due attention to time
allocation.

7. 5. Writing section “a” or “b”
 As the essay is in two parts, actually WRITE “a)”and
“b)” in your margin.
 Keep the examiner on your side; he/she doesn’t want
to waste time trying to work out where your “a)” ends
and “b)” begins! Never merge the parts into a single
answer.
 Also, the examiner is working to a marking scheme
from the I.B., which of course is also based on “a)”and
“b)”. So make life easy for the examiner

8. 6 Defining economics terminology
 Always DEFINE any economic terminology in the
question.
“Answer the question, the whole question
and nothing but the question.”
7. Only Question

9. 8. Use of Diagrams
 You must use DIAGRAMS whenever relevant or
appropriate to do so
 ALWAYS use a ruler; show the examiner you have
some pride in your work!
 ALWAYS label them fully and accurately.
 ALWAYS describe or “use” them.
 DON’T draw them too small or too big!
 DON’T place them all at the end of your essay!

10. 9. Revising the work
 If you have time at the end of the exam ALWAYS
check your work.
 Don’t just collapse on the desk. Be different and use
EVERY minute the I.B. gives you!

11. 10. Use an appropriate Essay style
 Not in note form (unless you are really running out of
time!)
 Not in a numbered list.
 No bullet points
 Not in a colloquial style (you are not giving a talk!).
 Do not use unacceptable abbreviations.

12. Wish you all the Best