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Drawing Developed Diagrams for A* Grades - Economics Revision

Geoff Riley

11th December 2024

In this revision video, I explain five worked examples of how you can build developed diagrams to help achieve top grades in your Economics exams. The quality of diagrams can have a big effect on your marks for both analysis and evaluation. so this video is a must watch!

Instead of merely reproducing standard diagrams from memory, adapt them to the specific context of the exam question. This may involve shifting curves, highlighting particular areas, or indicating changes in equilibrium to reflect the scenario presented. Such dynamic use of diagrams demonstrates deeper analytical skills and can access higher-level marks.

Drawing Developed Diagrams for A* Grades - Economics Revision

Regular practice of key diagrams is crucial, especially in the days leading up to exams. Engaging with resources like Tutor2u's Diagram Practice Books can provide structured opportunities to refine your diagrammatic skills and ensure you're prepared to apply them effectively in exam conditions.

High-quality diagrams are crucial in A-Level and IB Economics exams because they are an effective tool for demonstrating understanding, supporting arguments, and earning marks. Here are the main reasons why high-quality diagrams are important:

1. Clarify Concepts

  • Diagrams visually represent economic theories, models, and relationships, making complex ideas easier to understand and interpret.
  • They allow students to succinctly explain phenomena like shifts in supply and demand, externalities, or macroeconomic equilibria.

2. Marks Allocation

  • Many exam mark schemes explicitly reward the use of accurate, well-labeled diagrams.
  • Diagrams complement written answers and show knowledge in multiple formats, improving the overall response.

3. Demonstrate Application of Knowledge

  • A diagram is often the best way to apply theoretical concepts to a specific scenario.
  • For example, showing a leftward shift in the aggregate supply curve due to rising production costs makes your explanation more concrete and precise.

4. Support Analysis and Evaluation

  • Diagrams help structure your analysis by illustrating cause-and-effect relationships.
  • For example, when analyzing the impact of subsidies, a correctly drawn diagram supports the explanation of how consumer surplus, producer surplus, and welfare change.

5. Differentiate Between Good and Excellent Answers

  • High-quality diagrams distinguish well-prepared candidates from others. In competitive grading systems like the IB or A-Level, attention to detail in diagrams can push a response into the top band.

6. Encourage Logical Structure

  • Constructing a diagram forces you to think clearly and logically about the relationship between variables.
  • This structured thinking translates into better-organized written responses.

7. Aid Evaluation

  • Diagrams help in evaluating policies or models. For example:
    • In Microeconomics: A negative externality diagram makes it easier to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taxation or regulation.
    • In Macroeconomics: An AD/AS diagram can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of monetary or fiscal policy in addressing unemployment or inflation.

Characteristics of High-Quality Diagrams

To maximize marks, diagrams should:

  • Be accurate and clearly labeled (axes, curves, equilibrium points, areas like surplus or loss).
  • Include appropriate annotations to link the diagram to the written explanation.
  • Be neat and large enough to be readable but not excessively detailed.
  • Be relevant to the question. Irrelevant or incorrect diagrams can detract from the response.

By integrating high-quality diagrams effectively, students demonstrate mastery of the subject and improve their chances of achieving top grades.

Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas.

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