How to answer a data response question

For O Level exams from 2027, Paper 2 Section A is one compulsory 20-mark question. It is based on information about a real economy that you haven't seen before. It gives you text and data, and sometimes tables or diagrams. At AS Level, Paper 2 Section A is a 20-mark data response question with about six parts. At A Level, Paper 4 Section A is also worth 20 marks, with four parts. If you're sitting O Level in November 2026, Section A is a 30-mark question on source material.

A common mistake is answering from memory. You read the extract (the information in the question) once, then write an answer that could be about any country. It may show good knowledge, but you lose marks, because Cambridge expects you to use the information you're given.

Here is a routine you can practise. Read the questions before the extract, so you know what to look for. Then read the extract with a pen. Underline figures, trends and statements you could use, and write the question number next to each one. Check the units and time periods too: is a figure a percentage, a total or a change?

In most answers, use at least one piece of data and say what it shows. Quote the figure or describe the trend, then explain the economics behind it. If a question asks you to calculate, show your working. Using the data is only part of the answer. You still need to define terms, explain each step of your analysis and evaluate when the question asks for it.

Plan your time by marks. On O Level Paper 2 you have about 1.5 minutes per mark, so a 20-mark Section A question needs about 30 minutes. On AS Paper 2 and A Level Paper 4 you have about 2 minutes per mark, which means about 40 minutes for Section A. Give more time to the parts with more marks. In lessons we practise these questions with a timer, so this pace starts to feel normal.