💡 How to Slay a 2-Marker in A Level Economics

Yes, even two marks can make or break your grade 😤

🤔 Wait... What Even Is a 2-Marker?

These tiny-but-mighty questions appear in Section A of AQA A-Level Economics (usually in Paper 1 and 2).
They’re quickfire, definition-style, but you MUST be precise – vague answers = zero.

🔍 Where Do You Find 2 Mark Questions?

• 🧾 Section A – Short Answer Questions

• Often start with:

  • “Define…”

  • “What is meant by…”

  • “State two features of…”

  • “Using the data, calculate…”

These are not mini essays. They’re fast, focused, and fact-based. Think: exam sprint, not marathon.

🧠 What Are Examiners Actually Looking For?

There are two marks, and each has a job:

✨ Mark 1:

• A clear and accurate definition (for theory-based Qs)

• A correct method or formula (for calculation Qs)

✨ Mark 2:

• An example, accurate application, or correct calculation

• Full answer must use economic terminology – no waffling!

✍️ How to Structure a 2-Mark Question (By Type)

🔹 Type 1: Define a Key Term

🗯️ “What is meant by price elasticity of demand?”

✅ Structure:

1. Definition → Use precise economic language

2. Key element or formula

✅ Model Answer:

Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price. It is calculated by %Δ in quantity demanded / %Δ in price.

🔹 Type 2: Calculation-Based

🗯️ “Using Figure 1, calculate the unemployment rate.”

✅ Structure:

1. Write the correct formula

2. Show your working and give the final answer with units (if needed)

✅ Model Answer:

Unemployment rate = (Unemployed ÷ Labour force) × 100
= (1.2 million ÷ 32 million) × 100 = 3.75%

🔹 Type 3: Identify + Explain

🗯️ “State two functions of money.”

✅ Structure:

• Bullet point answers are fine

• Be specific, not vague

• Don’t write more than needed

✅ Model Answer:

• Medium of exchange – used to buy and sell goods and services

• Store of value – retains its value over time and can be saved

🔹 Type 4: Contextual Explain

🗯️ “What is meant by the term derived demand, as used in Extract A?”

✅ Structure:

1. Define the term

2. Use the context/extract to give an example or apply it

✅ Model Answer:

Derived demand is when the demand for one good depends on the demand for another. In the extract, demand for train drivers increases because of rising demand for rail travel.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Giving vague “in your own words” definitions
🚫 Using examples without explaining them
🚫 Skipping the calculation steps – always show working!
🚫 Writing too much and missing the mark

🧠 Top Tips to Secure 2/2 Every Time

✔️ Know your definitions cold – flashcards help 🧊
✔️ Practise writing in one sentence with precision
✔️ Use formula sheets and practise data Qs
✔️ If it says “use the extract,” USE the extract
✔️ Don’t second-guess — say it clearly, then move on

🧩 Real Examples to Practise

👉 Try answering these in full 2-mark structure:

1. Define opportunity cost

2. What is meant by a positive externality?

3. Calculate the price elasticity of demand when price rises from £10 to £12 and quantity falls from 100 to 80.

4. State two types of unemployment

5. Using Extract A, explain what is meant by government failure.