How I Mastered Economics Extended Answers (And You Can Too!) When I first started writing extended responses in Economics, I struggled to structure my arguments clearly. But by following a simple, repeatable process, I went from unsure to averaging 76% on my extended responses. Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can too. What’s the Secret to Scoring Well in Economics Extended Responses? It’s not just about knowing the content; it’s about presenting it in a way that makes your argument clear, logical, and convincing. Most students lose marks because their answers lack structure, depth, or real-world application. Let me show you the steps I used to improve. Step 1: Plan Before You Write The biggest mistake I made early on was jumping straight into writing without a plan. This wasted time and led to messy responses. Here’s what I did differently: - Understand the Question: Highlight key terms like “explain,” “analyse,” or “evaluate” to know what the examiner wants. - Create a Skeleton Structure:Introduction: State your position and briefly outline your argument.Body: Develop two or three key points with evidence.Conclusion: Summarise your argument and answer the question directly. Step 2: Back Up Your Arguments with Evidence High-scoring responses use data, examples, and theory to justify their points. Here’s how I added depth: - Use Current Data: Include recent statistics to show your understanding of real-world economics.Example: “In 2022, Australia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, its lowest in decades.” - Link to Theory: Connect your examples to economic models like supply and demand or opportunity cost. This transformed my responses from generic to specific and compelling. Step 3: Practise Real Exam Questions Writing well under pressure is a skill you can only develop through practice. Here’s what worked for me: - Start with Timed Practice: Write full responses under exam conditions. - Review and Refine: Identify where you missed marks—was your evidence weak? Did your conclusion lack clarity? - Seek Feedback: Share your responses with teachers or peers to get constructive criticism.