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Master the 6-Marker
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6-mark questions make up roughly 45% of the total marks in OCR GCSE Economics exams
You will have a case study on which the essay question is based on, which must be read thoroughly to be able to answer the question properly
There are three types of 6-markers: Evaluate, Analyse, and Analyse with a diagram
The notes section has numerous tables with ideas for points that you can use in every 6-marker
Quick Summary & Time Allocations
Elevate your exam performance with our definitive guide to timing, structure, and examiner requirements for high-scoring responses.
Question Type
Time Limit
Focus Area
Key Requirement
Evaluate
10 mins
Balanced Judgment & Justification
Conclusion Required
Analyse
8 mins
Deep Explanation & Definitions
Chains of Reasoning
Analyse with Diagram
6 mins
Visual Proof & Explanation
Fully Labelled Graph
💡 Context Points
CRITICAL: Failing to include sufficient context caps your answer at a maximum of 4/6 marks. Context refers to any information (relating to economics) from the case study that can be used or mentioned in your answer.
Using Context Effectively
Context is information taken directly from the case study. Without sufficient context, your answer is automatically capped at a maximum of 4/6 marks.
⚙️ Embedding Techniques
- Target Frequency: Aim for 1 or 2 context points per paragraph.
- Integration: Embed points naturally using phrases like "as seen in the case study...".
- The Backup Plan: If stuck, a direct quote from the case study counts for a paragraph, but you will need at least 2 sophisticated context points overall in your essay
💡 Sophisticated Context Examples
- Extract Facts: A specific detail given in the extract (e.g., using increased revenue to buy a planned store detailed in the case study).
- Statistics: A direct stat or figure provided in the text.
- Calculations: Using a given table to calculate a value, such as PED.
- Economic Inferences: Using business details to deduce economic behavior—the best points require inference (e.g., inferring a stadium has inelastic PES due to fixed capacity).
⚠️ Remember that insufficient context caps your mark at 4/6
How to Answer an "Evaluate" Question
⏱️ Time Allocation: 10 Minutes
An Evaluate question requires you to make a balanced judgment supported by reasoning (e.g., 'Evaluate the importance of PED to consumers').
Paragraph 1: Point 1
Make your first point supporting the question.
Requirement: Include 3 chains of reasoning + 1 context point.
Paragraph 2: Evaluate Point 1
Counter or evaluate Point 1 (explain why it might not be applicable or important).
Requirement: Include 4 chains of reasoning + 1 context point.
Paragraph 3: Point 2
Make a second distinct point supporting the question.
Requirement: Include 3 chains of reasoning + 1 context point.
Paragraph 4: Evaluate Point 2
Counter or evaluate Point 2 (explain why it might not apply or be as significant).
Requirement: Include 4 chains of reasoning + 1 context point.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Make a clear final judgment and offer a short explanation supporting your choice.
💡 Exam Hack: Managing Your Time
- The evaluation paragraphs carry more weight than simply making points - prioritize writing more in your evaluate sections.
- Running low on time? Complete 1 point + 1 evaluation + the conclusion.
⚠️You MUST include a conclusion—if you do not make a judgment, your mark is capped at 4/6.
How to Answer an "Analyse" Question
⏱️ Time Allocation: 8 Minutes
Analyse questions test your ability to explain economic concepts logically and apply deep knowledge. You are showing how and why an economic event happens—no evaluation needed.
1. Start with a Key Definition
Before diving into analysis, explicitly define a key term mentioned in the prompt. This sets the stage and secures your knowledge marks immediately.
2. First Analytical Point
State your points clearly. Build a logical chain of reasoning using context from the case study to explain the consequences of the economic event.
Requirement: 4–5 Chains of Reasoning + Embedded Context
3. Second Analytical Point
Develop a second, distinct analytical point. Ensure you maintain sequential logic to show how one change leads to the next step in the economy.
Requirement: 4–5 Chains of Reasoning + Embedded Context
⛔ DONT WRITE A CONCLUSION
Analyse questions do NOT require a conclusion or final judgment. Save your time and spend those extra minutes on Evaluate questions. Once your two analytical paragraphs are complete, stop writing!
⏱️ Time Allocation: 6 Minutes
How to Answer an "Analyse with a Diagram" Question
These 6-markers are similar to typical Analyse questions, but they require a fully labelled economic diagram to prove your points visually.
Topic 2.4: Market Forces & Price Mechanisms
🎨 Diagram Drawing Checklist
Axes labels: Price (P) and Quantity (Q)
Equilibriums: Initial (P1, Q1) and Shifted (P2, Q2)
Curve labels: Support curves (D1, S1) and Shifted curves (D2 or S2)
Directional arrows: Indicating the shift in demand/supply
Macroeconomics: Exchange Rate Diagrams
✍️ The Written Response
1 Explanatory Paragraph + Embedded Context
Write one concentrated paragraph that explicitly links the visual shift in your diagram to the economic theory. You must explain P1, P2, Q1, and Q2 to secure full marks.
Always use the case study context to justify WHY the shift occurred. For example, mention specific consumer trends or cost changes observed in the text to explain a shift from D1 to D2.
💡 Key Exam Tip
Ready to put theory into practice?
See how top-scoring students structure these strategies in real exam scenarios.