OCR A Level Economics Paper3 Questions & MS

This is a practice data response exercise in the format of the OCR Paper 3 Themes paper. It is based around the UK Supermarket / grocery market. There are six extracts provided that have been sourced from various news sources and two figures (graphs) for interpretation. There are then seven questions which follow, comprising of two x 2 marks, two x 4 marks, one x 8 mark and two x 15 mark questions. One two mark question is numerical. Whilst six questions are Micro based the last one for 15 marks is Macro to reflect the synoptic nature of this paper. However as is customary with OCR, the questions do not specifically state Micro or Macro responses required. Total marks are 50, the total for Section B data response on the OCR paper.

All questions include trigger words as used in OCR papers. There is also sufficient space to answer on the paper itself as on the real paper. A full and detailed mark scheme is provided at the end of the document with relevant diagrams (however, please excuse presentation, done with the pen on my Surface!) and where levels of response are required level descriptors have been taken direct from the OCR mark schemes for Paper 3.

The resource would ideally be used with Year 13 students after completing work on theory of the firm from the Micro content. It can be used to help students apply knowledge to Paper 3 style synoptic questions. It could also be used as preparation for Mock and actual A Levels. The questions focus on contestable markets, business objectives, calculating concentration ratios, the recent blocked merger between Sainsburys and Asda with the Macro question focussing on the possible impact of BREXIT on the grocery market.

Currently teaching OCR but have also taught AQA and the questions can be easily adapted to reflect AQA format for example 15 mark questions could be converted to 25 mark essay questions as on AQA Paper 3. I do plan to publish an AQA version in the near future dependent on the success of this resource. I am a Head of department with fifteen years experience of teaching Business, Economics and Accounting to A Level.