AQA A-level Economics 7136: Command words and keywords

AQA A-level Economics (7136) has detailed command word guidance with example questions and answers. Command words are from Ofqual’s official list. Extended questions (Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify, To what extent) use levels of response mark schemes—all four assessment objectives are considered.

Command words in Economics 7136

Command word	AQA definition	What to do
Assess	Consider relative merits of various arguments; weigh up to make informed judgement	Weigh up; conclude.
Calculate	Work out the value; show workings where required	Correct answer; required accuracy; units.
Define	Specify the precise meaning of an economic term or concept	Complete and accurate specification.
Discuss	Present both sides of argument; come to conclusion supported by analysis and evidence	For and against; analyse and evaluate; conclusion.
Draw	Produce a diagram or chart	Accurate; all axes and curves labelled.
Evaluate	Consider arguments for and against; come to conclusion with evidence	Consider validity, counterarguments; final judgement.
Explain	Give reasons or ways; supported by logical chains of reasoning	State and develop; use economic concepts.
Identify	Name or characterise key features or points of comparison	Significant features; correct dates and units.
Justify	Give reasons for stated view; supported by analysis and evidence; consider alternatives	Recommendation; consider case against; supported conclusion.
To what extent	Examine reasons for and against; use analysis and evidence to form judgement concerning degree of validity	Weigh up; final judgement; may be tentative.

Economic keywords

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Opportunity cost	Next best alternative forgone	”Cost”
Elasticity	Responsiveness	”Sensitive”
Marginal	Additional	”Extra”
Consumer surplus	Below demand, above price	”Benefit”
Producer surplus	Above supply, below price	”Profit”
Externalities	Third-party effects	”Effects”
Public good	Non-excludable; non-rival	”Government”
Monopoly	One seller	”Big company”
GDP	Gross Domestic Product	”Wealth”
Real GDP	Adjusted for inflation	Nominal
Inflation	Rising price level	”Expensive”
Fiscal policy	Government spending/taxation	Monetary
Monetary policy	Interest rates; money supply	Fiscal
Aggregate demand	Total demand	”Demand”
Comparative advantage	Lower opportunity cost	”Cheaper”

Tips for Economics 7136

1. Define—complete specification; include qualifications (e.g. “negative” in “negative externalities”)
2. Explain—logical chains of reasoning; well-developed
3. Assess/Evaluate/Discuss—conclusion with supported judgement
4. Justify—consider alternatives; explain why chosen position
5. To what extent—weigh up degree of validity
6. Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors

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Based on AQA A-level Economics 7136 specification and command word resource. OxfordAQA International A-level Economics uses similar approaches.

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