Full Marks A-Level Economics Essay Guide

Introduction

• Discusses skepticism around teachers' marking consistency.
• Presents a real example of a 25 out of 25 essay for evaluation.
• Essay question: Evaluate reducing differences in pre-tax incomes vs. taxes and welfare benefits for reducing inequality.

Essay Strategy

• Introduction:

  • Define key terms: pre-tax incomes vs. post-tax incomes.
  • Argument outline: reducing pre-tax differences is more effective.
  • Standard structure: introduce main points and set the argument.

• First Paragraph:

  • Point: Government can provide education and training schemes.
  • Analysis: Increases workers' productivity and MRP, thus higher wages and reduced income gap.
  • Commentary: Basic point, no evaluation.
  • Note: Not all paragraphs need perfect evaluation to start off.

• Second Paragraph:

  • Point: Reduce labor force discrimination, e.g., implementing quotas.
  • Example: Sweden uses quotas to ensure diverse employment.
  • Analysis: Increases income for discriminated groups, reduces inequality.
  • Commentary: Again, basic point with limited evaluation.

• Third Paragraph (Evaluation):

  • Evaluation:
    • Financial and opportunity costs of education schemes.
    • Quotas may lead to inefficiency.
    • Issues with attendance and effectiveness due to behavioral economics (e.g., bounded rationality).
    • Mandatory attendance can infringe on freedom.
  • Key Insight: Evaluation is crucial for high marks; evaluate your evaluation.

• Fourth Paragraph (Alternative Options):

  • Point: Progressive taxation system.
  • Example: Increase tax-free income, adjust top tax bands.
  • Evaluation:
    • Laffer Curve implications: possible decrease in tax revenue.
    • Risks of tax avoidance and brain drain, potential worsening of inequality.
    • Regulatory burdens on the government.

• Fifth Paragraph:

  • Point: Increasing welfare payments.
  • Evaluation:
    • Financial costs.
    • Potential distortion of incentives, dependency on welfare.
    • Examiner suggests more evaluation needed.

• Mini Conclusion:

  • Training schemes have long-term benefits.
  • Political changes affect taxation and welfare policies, but not skills acquisition.
  • Pre-tax policies are more equitable and direct.

• Final Conclusion:

  • Summarizes arguments for pre-tax income reduction as superior method.
  • Highlights equity, encouragement of work, minimal market distortion.
  • Taxes and welfare benefits have potential negative effects.

Examiner's Feedback

• Comprehensive response with clear analysis and supported evaluation.
• Not perfect but demonstrates effective exam writing under timed conditions.
• Emphasis on being "good enough" for top marks rather than perfect.

Additional Resources

• Mention of other full-mark response examples for various essay types (25 markers, 15 markers, etc.).
• Encouragement to practice under timed conditions to improve.

These notes provide a structured review of a full-mark economics essay, highlighting key strategies for success in A-Level exams. Focus on evaluation and clear analysis can help achieve top marks.