Studying Economics at JC level really does take a toll on the soul. Indeed, there are countless diagrams, content and concepts to memorize before sitting for the final examination. Here are some helpful tips to help you ace your exam.
1. Make your own notes based on your learning style
This tip is a no-brainer, but a very important one! Over the course of my tutoring experience, I observed a huge difference (in terms of clarity in content & rigor) between students who simply read from their lecture notes versus those who took the time to make their own notes. Lecture notes are helpful for you to understand the concepts, but there are way too many details in them that would make it difficult to translate them onto paper during the exams. Making your own notes to filter out the key concepts into a digestible form will allow easier retention of what exactly is crucial to answering questions.
While I was studying Economics in JC, I found doing mind-maps the most useful as it allows me to have an aerial view of how concepts relate to one another. I would also include diagrams to aid my explanation where appropriate. Some students prefer writing their notes out on paper while some prefer typing it out onto GoogleDocs or Words. Do whatever floats your boat, JUST DO IT.
2. Read & Copy Model Answers
Most schools would bombard you with model answers after every test/exam with good reason.
Having the key concepts down after making your own Economics notes is essential. What is equally essential is the WAY you express yourself in writing.
Have you missed any key concepts required to score well?
Have you explained yourself thoroughly? (with economic rigor)
Have you crafted thesis statements that directly address the question?
Have you synthesized your arguments, formed & justified your stand?
Reading & copying answer keys would answer these questions and so much more...
Disclaimer: Most model answers are not written under exam conditions/time constraints and hence are not a true reflection of what a student is expected nor capable of producing in the exam. You should aim for a 70~80% replication. More importantly, adopt the techniques to craft thesis statements, write a proper conclusion and the proper way to explain economic concepts. You know you have succeeded in adopting the "Economics" lingo when your written work resembles an Economics textbook.
3. Practice Writing Economics Essays (PLENTY OF THEM)
I have observed a positive relationship between the number of essays written by a student and his/her corresponding grades. Hardly a shocker.
Very often, exam questions require the application of Economic concepts under a given context. Contextual knowledge would depend on how exposed the candidate is to current affairs and understanding specific markets. For example, are you well acquainted with the transport industry in Singapore? What about the Singapore telecommunication industry? The list goes on and on.
On the other hand, the content scope is defined by the A 'Level syllabus. Preferably, you would want to enter autopilot mode when dishing out content applied to the given context in order to churn out a response that is economically rigorous, quick and accurate. This is only possible with practice. Save your brain space to link your answer to the context or the specific question requirements; you don't want to waste time recalling concepts.
4. Seek feedback from a good tutor/teacher/mentor
“Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it” - Professor Dumbledore
Cultivate a habit to seek out your teacher/tutor/mentor for help. Essays that you have written out in full should be vetted by experienced eyes. A good tutor will be able to pinpoint mistakes and provide feedback for you to improve on your writing. It is recommended that you send your work to your tutor in advance to allow them to look through it before engaging them in person so that it would be a more productive session.
They will be able to provide pointers such as:
Proper use of economic concepts
Concepts were explained clearly and concisely
Written work answers the question directly
Recommendations on a suitable conclusion
After the consultation, you should reflect on any mistakes made and improve thereon.
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I'll be happy to help you with your Economics journey! Feel free to contact me with my contact details below.
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