Structuring 4-Mark Questions- A Level Economics

✅ Edexcel 4-Mark Question Structure (with Extracts)- Extract on downlaods- Edexcel-June 2023 AS-Paper 1 

🎯 Goal: Show Knowledge + Application (from the extract)
You’re usually explaining two terms or a concept using examples from the extract.

✍️ Structure for a 4-marker:

Knowledge-1, Application 1. Point 2: Knowledge -1 Application 1

🧩 Step 1: Define the First Key Term (1 mark) Start with a clear, textbook-style definition.

🟢 Example: A substitute good is a product that can be used in place of another.

🧩 Step 2: Apply First Term Using Extract (1 mark) Give a direct example from the extract or context.

🟢 Example: As shown in Extract A, Netflix and Disney+ are substitutes because both offer streaming content and compete for the same users.

🧩 Step 3: Define the Second Key Term (1 mark) Keep it short but accurate.

🟢 Example: A complementary good is a product that is consumed alongside another.

🧩 Step 4: Apply Second Term Using Extract (1 mark) Use data or examples from the extract to illustrate.

🟢 Example: According to the extract B, flatscreen TVs are often bought alongside streaming services, making them complementary good

Edexcel Paper 1: 2023: 6 (d) Using examples from the information provided, explain what is meant by both ‘substitutes’ and ‘complementary goods’.(4)

Model Answer:

Substitute goods are goods that can replace each other because they satisfy the same need or want. According to Extract A, when Netflix raised its subscription price, some consumers switched to alternatives like Amazon Prime or Disney+, which are substitutes because they also provide streamed television content.

Complementary goods are goods that are consumed together, where the consumption of one increases the demand for the other. Extract B mentions that flatscreen televisions are often bought to enhance the experience of streamed television services, showing a complementary relationship between the two.

🎯 Mark breakdown: Knowledge: 2/2  Application: 2/2   ✅ Full marks: 4/4

Tip: Its important to use Figure number and/or  extract number number  in each application for full marks. Examiners are trying to see if you can apply words from the extract and mention clearly.

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