Exam technique: data response, 14-mark and 20-mark answers

Section C: the data response

Section C is one question in five parts on a source booklet of extracts with data, worth 34 marks. In the June 2025 mark scheme the parts were: (a) define, 2 marks; (b) analyse with a diagram, 6 marks; (c) explain, 4 marks; (d) examine, 8 marks; (e) discuss with a diagram, 14 marks. The order of the small parts can vary between papers.

• Data: quote figures with units and years from the extract ('Extract B shows prices rose from $2.10 to $2.80'). Calculate changes where it helps (percentage change). Do not just copy text; use it as evidence for a point.
• Define (2): two precise elements of the definition.
• Analyse (6): two reasons, each with K, A and an analytical chain, plus a diagram if asked.
• Examine (8): point-based: K2, A2, An2 for two developed points, plus 2 evaluation marks (one evaluative comment developed, or two short ones). Use the extract for the application marks.

14-mark 'discuss' questions

Marked by levels: KAA 8 marks (Level 1: 1 to 3, Level 2: 4 to 6, Level 3: 7 to 8) and Evaluation 6 marks (Level 1: 1 to 2, Level 2: 3 to 4, Level 3: 5 to 6). In the 2025 scheme, an answer without the required diagram was capped at Level 2.

Plan: two or three well-developed points using the extract and a diagram, then two or three evaluation points, then a conclusion. Spend about 18 minutes.

20-mark essays (Section D)

Choose one of two essays. Command word usually evaluate. Levels: KAA 12 marks (four levels: 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12) and Evaluation 8 marks (three levels: 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 8). Top-level KAA needs accurate terms, multi-stage chains of reasoning, an accurate diagram and integrated real-world examples. In 2025 an answer with only one benefit, or without a supply and demand diagram, was capped at Level 3.

Structure (about 27 minutes):

1. Short introduction: define key terms in the question.

2. Two or three KAA paragraphs. Each: point, explanation chain (because... this leads to... so...), diagram reference, example.

3. Evaluation paragraphs: counter-arguments and conditions.

4. Conclusion: a supported judgement that answers the question.

How to evaluate well

Useful evaluation tools (use them on the specific point, not as a generic list):

• Magnitude: how large is the effect? Is the tax big enough to change behaviour?
• Elasticity: PED, PES or YED change the outcome.
• Time period: short run versus long run.
• Stakeholders: who gains and who loses (consumers, producers, workers, government, third parties)?
• Assumptions and data: ceteris paribus, reliability or age of the data in the extract.
• Alternatives: is another policy better? Government failure risks.
• Prioritise: which factor matters most, and why?

A strong judgement says 'it depends on ... ' and then decides which condition is most likely in this case.

Worked example

Plan a 20-mark answer to: 'Evaluate the use of indirect taxes to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks.'

1. Intro: define an indirect tax and the negative externality of consumption (health care costs to third parties).
2. KAA 1: negative externality diagram: tax shifts supply up, price rises, quantity falls towards the social optimum; welfare loss reduced.
3. KAA 2: revenue can fund health services; producers reformulate to avoid the tax (UK levy 2018: over half of manufacturers cut sugar, GOV.UK).
4. Evaluation: demand may be price inelastic, so consumption falls little; regressive; hard to value the external cost; substitution to untaxed sugary foods.
5. Judgement: effective mainly through reformulation by producers rather than reduced quantity, and best combined with information campaigns.

Answer: Define, two developed KAA points with a diagram and real evidence, three evaluation points, then a judgement that decides.

Check yourself

1. In a 20-mark Unit 1 essay, evaluation is worth 8 marks. How many marks are for knowledge, application and analysis?
   Show answer

   12 marks. 20 - 8 = 12 KAA marks.

2. An extract says the price of rice rose from $400 to $460 per tonne. Calculate the percentage change, to use as evidence.
   Show answer

   15.0 %. (460 - 400) / 400 x 100 = 15%.

3. In the 2025 Unit 1 mark scheme, what happened to a 14-mark 'discuss' answer that did not include the required diagram?
   • Its KAA was capped at Level 2
   • It scored zero
   • It lost exactly 1 mark
   • Nothing; diagrams are optional
   Show answer

   Its KAA was capped at Level 2. Missing diagrams cap the level, so always draw one when asked.

4. Which sentence is the best example of evaluation?
   • An indirect tax is a tax on spending
   • The tax shifts the supply curve upwards by the amount of the tax
   • Sugary drinks contain a lot of sugar
   • However, if demand for sugary drinks is price inelastic, the tax may reduce consumption only slightly
   Show answer

   However, if demand for sugary drinks is price inelastic, the tax may reduce consumption only slightly. It qualifies the argument using elasticity.

5. What does a 'chain of reasoning' mean in analysis?
   • A list of unconnected points
   • A sequence of linked steps from cause to effect, each explained
   • A definition repeated twice
   • A conclusion without reasons
   Show answer

   A sequence of linked steps from cause to effect, each explained. Top levels need multi-stage linked reasoning: because, this leads to, so.

6. What is the best way to use data from an extract in an answer?
   • Copy whole sentences from the extract
   • Ignore the data and use only theory
   • Invent more up-to-date figures
   • Quote the specific figure with its unit and year as evidence for a point
   Show answer

   Quote the specific figure with its unit and year as evidence for a point. Precise, relevant data earns application marks.

7. What should a good conclusion to a 20-mark essay contain?
   Show answer

   A clear judgement that answers the question, supported by the most important argument, stating what the outcome depends on and which condition is most likely in this case.. Decide, justify, and say what it depends on.

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Sources

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Economics specification (2018)
• Pearson WEC11/01 mark scheme, June 2025 (copy hosted by Physics and Maths Tutor)
• Pearson WEC11/01 mark scheme, October 2022
• GOV.UK news story: Soft Drinks Industry Levy comes into effect (2018)

Last updated 8 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.