How To Get Full Marks On A-Level Economics Essays

Рет қаралды 39,746

Күн бұрын

Hello, welcome back to the channel! In this video I go through my tips on how to write a full mark, 25/25, A-Level Economics essay. I personally sat the AQA Economics A-Level in the summer of 2022, and in this video I go through the things I would have found really helpful during year 12 and 13. My teachers never gave me a proper guide on how to smash these essays, so hopefully this video fills that gap. I know I sat AQA Economics A-Level, but this video should apply across other exam boards as well (OCR, Edexcel, etc). As always, if you have any questions or queries, please leave a comment down below.
Enjoy the video!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Getting the Knowledge
01:34 Essay Structure
06:58 Essay Plans
07:30 Choosing Questions
07:54 Time Management
😁 Who am I?
Hi there, I’m Sam, an 18 year-old prospective ‘youtuber’ who studies Economics at the University of Cambridge. I make videos that hopefully motivate and inform you about learning, education, revision - as well as what I get up to! If that sounds like something that appeals to you then maybe consider sticking around for weekly videos!
📚Tutoring:
Interested in me tutoring you for Mathematics? Fill out the form below.
forms.gle/gDbTeBKoNFwa9Bn5A
🎥 Suggest a KZfaq Video:
Want to see me make a particular video on a topic of your choice? Leave your ideas below!
forms.gle/CMbmF5qhD9HM8Vtm6
🧠 Brainscape:
Brainscape is an amazing, completely free revision card website and app. I have 2 Brainscape classes which contain the revision cards that I used to study A-Level Physics and the second year of A-Level Economics (for AQA). Be sure to check these out if you would like to!
AQA A-Level Physics: www.brainscape.com/p/1XY4F-LH...
AQA A-Level Economics (Second Year): www.brainscape.com/p/1XY4F-LH...
🛒 Shopify:
Check out my Shopify with this link: samhillman.myshopify.com/
You can get products such as my Cambridge Economics personal statement
📧 Email Newsletter:
For 2023 I have decided to start a weekly email newsletter. I will update you with what I have been up to in the previous week, as well as what I have learned, and my goals. See what it’s all about here: samhillman.substack.com
On My Desk:
🪴 Fake Pot Plants: amzn.to/3W3zQwd
🎥 Tripod: amzn.to/3QHzvO3
⚖️ Newton’s Cradle: amzn.to/3pDfBrA
☕️ Mugs: amzn.to/3R5cAvZ amzn.to/3Kb023S
📸 Socials:
Twitter: / samisaac04
🎵Music: Turning Pages by Le Gang / thisislegang
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/3lA6DtR
Music promoted by Audio Library • Turning Pages - Le Gan...

Пікірлер: 95

@qwertymehta8342 Жыл бұрын

It's so weird, my other subjects are fully essay based (history and politics) and I get pretty good marks for those, but I just cannot do econ 25 markers

@silasmartin5210 Жыл бұрын

I do A-Level politics aswell as Econ . I feel your pain

@Abdalian Жыл бұрын

Just saw your results video, and you excelled!

@a.r1s Жыл бұрын

So helpful bro, you made this video right on time for my mocks!

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help, good luck in your mocks!

@rowanmajeed282 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, found this really helpful. Could you do a video taking us through some of your old economics essays?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I saved all my old essays on my sixth form google account which I now don’t have access to.

@j5studies344 Жыл бұрын

Loving the consistency Sam

@kimberleygagliardi6027 Жыл бұрын

great advice thank you :)

@st4rgirl251 Жыл бұрын

you're not only leng, but smart. thank u !!

@harbzsquadings2277 Ай бұрын

🤣🤣

@morganisnotafreeman Жыл бұрын

Incredilbly helpful, appreciate it

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@nugs8506 Жыл бұрын

thank you for the video! I'm predicted an A for this year but got a D in my last mock, panicking at the moment as Paper 1 is in 6 weeks

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

I understand - but try and keep a positive mindset. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answering.

@hi-pg9bp Жыл бұрын

How’s it going

@pigeonhero3889 Жыл бұрын

I got my A level economic exam in 2 months. (May 18th), I'll do my best but man economics is really tough for me, my brain is much better with numbers/algebra hence why I am getting A* in maths at the moment but struggling to even graze a B in economics. My main issue is when I see a 25 marker or 15 marker my brain just turns to mush and I can only really think of one or two points (one for, one against). I can never seem to think of 2 for 2 against with evaluation for each one. 9 Markers are probably my forte as they are much more straight forward - a simple A -> B explanation.

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

Honestly economics is werid. It’s a mix of so many things. English, social science, Geography, History, Maths, Politics, law. It’s so weird 😅

@nugs8506 Жыл бұрын

Im in the exact situation as well lol, cant seem to hit 15 or 25 markers well

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Try and view a 15 marker as a bit of a longer 9-marker. So an A -> B explanation x2. If you can add a bit of evaluation in there then great. As for a 25 marker, a little plan can go a long way. The extract is there to help you, so read through that if you are lost for points. Otherwise, all I can recommend is practise planning and writing essays.

@manishbhojwani6479 Жыл бұрын

Thanks bro. Really helpful. Also as the paper pattern has changed for 2023. Will the same format apply?

@yimengliu3095 Жыл бұрын

thank you so much, could u please share some experiences about a2 economics essay? i'm really suffering with that

@calraade5784 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the flash cards !!!

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

No problem!

@devsaluja5489 Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman do you have year 1 economics flash cards?

@kimberleygagliardi6027 Жыл бұрын

you just got litt up mug omg legendary

@meiyonnaiise Жыл бұрын

Hey, lovely video. I was just wondering if you did 2 paragraphs that focused on different points, so 4 paragraphs of the main body including evaluation paragraphs? Or did you do 3 points?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

It really depended on what the question was like. Some questions I did more points if the points naturally had less detail. But I’d continually evaluate throughout as that’s how you get the top marks.

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

When I get to college, I’ll be doing: .English Literature & Law (mixed) .Politics .Economics. I also did a business GCSE. I’m not going into the law side of things either, and I can research either way.

@anonone500 Жыл бұрын

Bad idea, thats the 3 subjects im doing, unless you have a genuine interest in them subjects i recommend not too

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

@@anonone500 luckily I do and besides I’m not interested in any other subject.

@ggx8427 Жыл бұрын

How much time do you give to yourself to do the 25 marker

@aditi3938 3 ай бұрын

Where can I find evaluation for my points?

@clover_9260 Жыл бұрын

Sir, what if i do all the questions not only three? Do i will fail?

@elephantseal7816 Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I was just wondering about the structure you used for a 9 marker? Would it be a definition followed by one analysis point supported with a diagram?

@oscartommaso2145 Жыл бұрын

yeh literally that i get 9/9 by doing that

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Yeh pretty much, just do as detailed explanations and analysis as possible

@jemimat637 Жыл бұрын

🙌

@anaklusmus Жыл бұрын

Hi Sam, I also want to apply to Cambridge for Economics and chose the same A-Level subjects you did. I am inquisitive to know how I could prepare for UKMT senior challenge (currently doing GCSEs predicted 9 for maths and further maths). I really want to do well in the UKMT Senior challenge.

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

I just did loads of past papers. If you go onto the UKMT website there’s a massive bank of past papers from all the previous years.

@anaklusmus Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman they charge the past papers for SMC, and ii find the questions on SMC pretty hard, how did you overcome that gap between A-level and GCSE maths to UKMT maths? Thank you so much for your time

@anaklusmus Жыл бұрын

And i am quite confident in achieving 4 A stars for a live and roughly 6-7 A stars and 2 or 1 As for GCSE, other than trying UKMT what else can i do to enhance my chance of getting in Cambridge econ? btw ur are such an amazing KZfaqr and ur videos truly helped me A LOT.

@anaklusmus Жыл бұрын

And do i have to know all the content for a level maths and further maths before preparing for smc?

@banana-ob8pf Жыл бұрын

@@anaklusmus you really dont need to know any further maths, or even a lot of a level maths for the senior maths challenge. I did the SMC 2 months after joining sixth form and was fine so you have nothing to worry about.

@aqsasspace658 Жыл бұрын

do you know any youtube channels or videos that have lectures or lessons of a levels economics? or do you know any way i could study by my own

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

I didn't really use KZfaq videos to study, however I had friends who used EconPlusDal and Tutor2u, so maybe check those out

@arabella2265 Жыл бұрын

hey whats your process in going about making 'essay plans'? idrk how to do them !

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

For the intro I’ll just define the key terms and outline my argument. I’ll then just bullet point my points for the paragraphs and draw the necessary diagrams. And then I may write a mini-conclusion

@JO06 Жыл бұрын

when’s the next vid bro

@lirxzy4561 Жыл бұрын

Hi I’m deciding between a level econ and a level chemistry I didn’t do gcse econ. Can I ask if there’s a lot who studied econ at a level at university. What made you pick econ a level? Did you struggle between that choice and another?

@txzeem Жыл бұрын

economics was an alevel that wasnt as content heavy for me, so idk - it was a subject i enjoyed studying so i wanted to take it on further.

@jemimabegg3148 Жыл бұрын

Hiya, i didnt do econ gcse but ive just finished my first year of alevel. I would honestly say it depends on what kind of subjects u enjoy. Its difficult at first and sometimes feels like ur reading or hearing a foreign language😂. But i think as long as ur willing to do some time out of class going over what u learnt its a good subject for alevel. My biggest advice is to read over the textbook because it explains things in better terms than maybe ur teacher has. Also if u dont understand something instead of avoiding it because its difficult talk to friends in ur class or ask ur teacher for help in further explaining it. Econ isnt something u can just revise and write answers to, u need a decent understanding of everything so that u can apply it to different questions. Also be prepared to read news articles or to keep up to date with current economic affairs. And try to look ag economic history as well such as depressions or times of high inflation so u can use these examples in ur answers. My biggest advice is dont put off revision. Make flash cards as you go through the course because things become harder if u dont understand what youve learnt previously. It sounds likr a lot but honestly a few hours each week going over everything, writing flash cards or reading the news make the subject a lot more enjoyable. Its also extremely helpful and a lot of the stuff u learn will be able to help u understand things in the economy or in business that u didnt before.

@umarkashif1 Жыл бұрын

Hey Sam I have some essays I have written up but clueless in how to condense it into an essay plan do you have an example of 1 of your plans to see how to I can write one thanks

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I've lost most of them as they were on my college account (which I now don't have access to). However, I think I have at least one or two, how would you like me to send them to you?

@umarkashif1 Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman yes please if you don't mind would really appreciate it.

@cadence_is_a_penguin Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman hi sam! by any chance, does your offer to share the plans still stand?

@user-jn2bb2kg4n Ай бұрын

Yo someone how can I learn how to interpret question , like I know every piece of content but sometimes I can’t understand the question

@henrywinters9496 Жыл бұрын

Wait did yu use a word processor instead of handwriting in exams? I really struggle with this.

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

I actually handwrote my exams, but I know quite a few people who used a word processor - so I'd definitely recommend asking to use one if you're struggling

@saadhamid923 6 ай бұрын

Bro I am currently doing my A-2 (p4) 20 mark question’s evaluation is so difficult can you make a video on it

@SamHillman 6 ай бұрын

Can do!

@saadhamid923 6 ай бұрын

@@SamHillman thanks bro! Love you!!

@Matt-pw1sg Жыл бұрын

Which paper was it that you got 19/25 on? Paper 3? If it was any tips for Paper 3 mate?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

It was paper 2 actually. Don’t be afraid to use all and any aspects of the course for your essay questions. And then just do lots of practice for the multiple choice to make sure you can do it accurately and precisely.

@hamzaq4009 Жыл бұрын

What exam board did you do for economics?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

AQA

@MC10W Жыл бұрын

Did you not have to include Real World examples from wider reading or facts and includes figures from your own knowledge about the UK economy to achieve a Level 5 Response in the exam? Thanks.

@renee3183 Жыл бұрын

don’t worry abt wider reading or memorising facts but i think you need to know about the last twenty years of uk economic history and the goldilocks period roughly

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Being up to date with examples and stats is useful, but the extract provides a lot of useful information

@hollow9846 Жыл бұрын

This mostly applies in section B in Aqa Economics If you're given an extract use it, but you can evaluate with your own facts and figures if possible

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

Is it a hard subject and do you recommend it to someone who really wants to be a politician? 😊

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

At A-Level I wouldn't say it's particularly hard, I think the concepts and explanations are quite easy to understand. If you'd like to be a politician I'd recommend having at least a basic understanding of economics - it informs lots of policy decisions

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman got you. It was either Law or Economics and I’m going to pick economics.

@ivanexell-uz4mv Жыл бұрын

@@SamHillman thank you

@a.r1s Жыл бұрын

Could you give any advice on what contextual knowledge/case studies we need to know? Do we need to know LIC and a HIC real life examples, collusion examples, monopoly examples etc ?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

I'd recommend knowing some basic macroeconomic stats - inflation, GDP growth, unemployment, etc. I personally learnt about cases of collusion, monopoly power, specific supply-side policies, but I don't think I used many of them in the exam. They are always useful to have, but the context will provide you with better examples - so I wouldn't stress too much about learning loads.

@SaifAli-ej7rd Жыл бұрын

How many pages should the essay be?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

From memory mine were around 4 A4 pages in the exam, but obviously it depends on the size of your handwriting and things like that. Just remember that you only have around 40 minutes to write it in the exam.

@umarkashif1 Жыл бұрын

Hey Sam do you have any of your essay plans that you could share?

@SamHillman Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not. I was looking for some to link in the video description, but unfortunately I saved them all on my sixth form google account. The account has now been deactivated so I’ve lost them.

@zayyaanpatel7306 2 ай бұрын

Would this work for gcse ?

@SamHillman 2 ай бұрын

Unfortunately I didn't do GCSE economics so I can't say. I'd recommend consulting the GCSE mark scheme and specification

@Matt-pw1sg Жыл бұрын

Say it’s a policy question, could you just name 2 policies, giving a pro and a con for each policy, and evaluating both of these pros and cons? So you end up having 4 paragraphs, 1 pro and 1 con of each policy - whilst evaluating each of these points

@Matt-pw1sg Жыл бұрын

That’s how I’ve been taught, but yours seems an easier method that doesn’t require as much writing. Like the way I’ve been taught, you have to give a con, and then say what that con may not be so bad. But with yours, correct me if I’m wrong, you’re just evaluating your advantage point.