Graphical Analysis (Drawing and Interpreting Graphs)

    OCR
    GCSE

    Graphical analysis constitutes the primary analytical framework for economic modelling, requiring the precise construction and interpretation of two-dimensional representations of economic relationships. Candidates must demonstrate competence in distinguishing between movements along curves and shifts of curves, identifying equilibrium points, and illustrating the welfare implications of market interventions or macroeconomic shocks. Mastery involves integrating diagrammatic evidence with written analysis to substantiate theoretical arguments regarding allocation of resources and macroeconomic performance.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for fully labelled axes (Price/Quantity) and correctly identified curves (S/D or PPC)
    • Credit clear indication of equilibrium points (P1/Q1) and directional arrows showing shifts
    • Responses must distinguish between movements along a curve (price factors) and shifts of the curve (non-price factors)
    • Analysis must explicitly reference the diagrammatic change to explain the impact on market outcomes

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for fully labelled axes (Price/Quantity) and correctly identified curves (S/D or PPC)
    • Credit clear indication of equilibrium points (P1/Q1) and directional arrows showing shifts
    • Responses must distinguish between movements along a curve (price factors) and shifts of the curve (non-price factors)
    • Analysis must explicitly reference the diagrammatic change to explain the impact on market outcomes

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always use a ruler for straight lines to ensure precision in reading intersection points
    • 💡When the command word is 'Using a diagram', the graph is mandatory and carries specific marks
    • 💡Label the new equilibrium clearly to demonstrate the magnitude and direction of change
    • 💡Practice drawing 'kinked' or specific elasticity curves if the context implies perfectly inelastic supply

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'movements along' a curve with 'shifts' of a curve
    • Omitting specific equilibrium labels (e.g., P1, P2, Q1, Q2) on the axes
    • Drawing supply curves as downward sloping or demand curves as upward sloping

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

    Read Study Guide

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Draw
    Calculate
    Explain
    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Discuss

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic