Essay Writing Skills

Marking Scheme for Economics Essays

Level 1

Knowledge/Recognise (Description)

Candidates merely o Identify – the key theory without explanation o Outline – give a list of relevant factors with no explanation.

1-5

(20%)

Answer is mostly irrelevant and contains only a few valid points made incidentally in an irrelevant context.

6-9

(36%)

Some relevant knowledge demonstrated but poor grasp of questionwith basic theoretical mistakes, or inadequate development of analysis.

Level 2

Consolidate (Add some detail + some application)

Candidate can o Explain – what happens, descriptive o Clarify – give examples without explanation

10-11

(44%)

Some evidence of an ability to identify facts, some ability at diagrams. An accurate but underdeveloped explanation of the facts relating to the question together with an explanation of the theory.Evidence of some ability to discriminate, form elementary judgements and apply known laws / principles to new situations. But no clear logical presentation.

12-14

(56%)

Has a more thorough relevance to the question but where the theory is incompletely explained.

Level 3

Elaborate (Extend to include analysis)

Candidate can o Analyse – use relevant theory to aid explanation o Apply – place explanationin context of question

15-17

(68%)

Good grasp of facts and theory and ability to apply them accurately to question (i.e. relates to the context of the question) even when presented in a novel way. Able to provide a 2-sided analysis eg. for and against. Able to examine the implications of the question. Attempts to distinguish between facts and value judgements.Gives clear statements, supported by reasonedarguments. Some attempt at a conclusion to the question.Presents a reasoned structure to the whole answer.

19-21

(84%)

Thorough knowledge of the facts and theory with an excellent ability to describe and explain this in a precise, logical and reasoned manner.Shows ability to query assumptions.Provides new illustrations and examples relevant to the material discussed as additional evidence of understanding the question.

Evaluation (16%)

+ E1 1-2 Mainly unexplained judgement

+ E2 3-4 Judgement based on analysis

Note: This marking scheme is only a guide.

Can a candidate score full marks in an essay question?

Yes. Examiners do award 100%. Full marks are awarded when the candidate provides clear

analysis, rich illustration and a good attempt at considered evaluation. Given the time constraint

and the experience and age of the candidate, the answer that could not be improved much more.