What is the best method of structuring an Economics Essay

Plan

Before beginning to write an essay, it is vital to write a plan. This won't have to take more than 5 minutes but helps you to write efficiently and with clarity. To do this, first read through the question carefully and pick out the key words within it. Then write a couple of brief bullet points on what ideas you'll mention within your essay. Then whilst writing your essay keeping looking back over your plan and your essay will stay on topic.

The best method of structuring an essay is to split it into 3 key parts: the introduction, body and conclusion.

Introduction

In the introduction it is best to first define all key definitions contained within the question (e.g. "Economic Growth"). You can then go on to mention any key facts about issue in question and why the question is relevant. 

Main Body

This should be divided into a paragraph per idea put forward to address the question. It is best to focus on 2-3 ideas you can explain fully instead of trying to rush more. It is also good to follow the structure of first presenting your idea, explaining it using economic terminology and then mentioning any issues or disadvantages with it. It is also vital in Economics when explaining your ideas to use diagrams if they are relevant as it is a fantastic way to show examiners you understand the economics behind it. It is also best to make them reasonably big (about 1/3 a page) and to give them a Figure number and title (e.g. Figure 2: The Effects of Increased Government Spending) in order to make it clear what you're showing in the diagram and making it easy to reference back to. Also when drawing the diagrams it is best to first do it in pencil so you're able to change any mistakes you make. 

Top Tip: it is invaluable to keep up to date with economics in the news and mentioning any relevant facts or figures you have seen in you essay. This shows you're going the extra mile with your studies.

Conclusion

In the conclusion, you can summarise your ideas argued in the body of the essay and come to a final thought on it. This is also a good place to mention any economic knowldge you know relative to this topic, although it is better to keep your conclusion relatively short but concise, in order to focus on the body of your essay where you can best demonstrate your learning.