Guidance for external assessment

Paper 1: Extended response

Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Weighting

Standard level 30%; higher-level 20%

Structure

Students answer one question from a choice of three.
The questions are each subdivided into two parts: (a) and (b).

Content

Questions in this paper are drawn from the four units of the syllabus.

Note: When answering a question on a particular unit, it will often be appropriate to use examples or concepts from another unit. For example, issues concerning the global economy will often be relevant in microeconomic or macroeconomic analyses or evaluations.

Assessment objectives

(See the “Relevant AOs in more detail” section in this document for more detail.) Answers should demonstrate the following assessment objectives (AOs).

AO1—Knowledge and understanding AO2—application and analysis

AO3—synthesis, and evaluation (only for part (b) answers) AO4—use and application of appropriate skills

Examination advice

Spend a shorter time on part (a) (about 25 minutes) than on part (b) (about 50 minutes). This is partly to reflect the marks awarded (10 marks for part (a) and 15 marks for part (b)). In addition, part (b) needs more thought and planning to incorporate real-world example(s) and to provide a balanced evaluation.

Look at the command terms, which indicate the depth required, in each part.

Command terms that are likely (but not limited to) to appear in Paper 1 are shown below.

Command terms

Part (a)

Command term	Definition
Analyse	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Distinguish	Make clear the diﬀerences between two or more concepts or items.
Explain	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Part (b)

Command term	Definition
Compare and contrast	Give an account of similarities and diﬀerences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Discuss	Oﬀer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Evaluate	Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine	Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Recommend	Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue
To what extent	Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.