Oral examinations: L1, L2 or History/Geography through L2 compulsory; plus two further oral subjects
Structure and purpose
The oral component consists of three examinations. One is compulsory: L1, L2, or History/Geography taught through L2. The other two are chosen from the oral options, and Economics can be one of them. The oral tests a different skill set from the written paper: rapid structuring, spoken use of economic models, and the ability to defend a judgement under questioning. You are not expected to cover the whole syllabus in one answer; you are expected to be accurate, selective, and responsive.
Core rules
- Typical format: you draw a topic or question, receive a stimulus (short text, data table, graph, or cartoon), and prepare for about 20 minutes. The examination itself lasts about 20 minutes, including a short presentation and follow-up questions.
- The preparation room is for planning, not writing a script. Produce a one-page outline: definitions, a model, two analytical points, one evaluation point, and a conclusion.
- Economic orals are assessed on knowledge, application, analysis, evaluation, and communication. A clear signposted structure ('First... However... Therefore...') helps the examiner follow your reasoning.
- If diagrams are permitted or expected, practise drawing them quickly and explaining them aloud: axes, curves, equilibrium, and the direction of change.
- Use examples and data where you can, but keep them accurate. A precise example of a price ceiling or a central bank decision is stronger than a vague reference to 'the economy'.
Worked example
Topic: 'Evaluate whether a carbon tax is the most effective policy to reduce carbon emissions.' In preparation, define the negative externality of pollution and sketch the MSC/MPC diagram. In the exam, explain the mechanism: a tax raises marginal private cost towards marginal social cost, reducing output and emissions. Then analyse conditions: the tax works best when demand is elastic and alternatives exist; it raises revenue that can be recycled; but it may be regressive and ineffective if demand is inelastic. Compare with cap-and-trade, regulation, and subsidies. Conclude conditionally: a carbon tax is effective but not always 'most effective'; the answer depends on elasticity, revenue use, and enforcement.
Traps that cost marks
- Giving a descriptive lecture with no evaluative judgement.
- Ignoring the stimulus or the second part of the question.
- Overrunning the presentation and leaving no time for questions.
- Using diagrams you cannot explain aloud.
- Answering a different question from the one drawn.