Case Study Skills for H2 Economics: How to Analyse, Apply and Evaluate Like a Top Student
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Struggling with H2 Economics case studies? Learn how to read data, interpret questions, and craft evaluation points that impress examiners — with tips from experienced economics tutors.
1. Why Case Studies Matter So Much
For Singapore’s H2 Economics paper, the case study section makes up half of your final grade. It’s designed to test not just your content knowledge, but also your ability to apply economics to real-world data.
Even strong students who excel at essays often lose marks here because they misread graphs, rush data analysis, or fail to evaluate. That’s why targeted economics tuition in Singapore places so much emphasis on sharpening case study skills.
2. Understanding the H2 Economics Case Study Paper
Each paper typically contains:
- Two case studies, each with data extracts (charts, tables, or passages)
- Total of 45 marks per case
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Question Types: short data response (2–6 marks each) and structured evaluation (8–12 marks)
The key challenge? Balancing speed, accuracy, and reasoning under time pressure.
3. The Case Study Mindset
Think of the paper as an economic investigation, not a memory test.
Each question expects you to:
- Read actively — underline key data, terms, and context.
- Link theory to the data provided.
- Evaluate using economic reasoning and real-world insight.
In short, you are proving that you can think like an economist.
4. Step-by-Step Approach to Case Studies
Step 1: Skim the Extracts (5 minutes)
- Identify the main topic (e.g., inflation, market failure, exchange rate).
- Note recurring variables (GDP, CPI, interest rates).
- Circle keywords indicating direction (rise/fall, shortage/surplus).
Step 2: Identify Question Types
- “Explain” → theory-based
- “Using data” → application and calculation
- “Discuss” / “Assess” → evaluation and reasoning
Step 3: Plan Short Answers
For questions below 6 marks, write concise, point-based answers — one concept, one explanation, one link to data.
Step 4: Tackle Longer Evaluative Questions
For 8–12 mark questions, structure paragraphs using PEEL:
- Point
- Explain
- Evidence (with data)
- Link/Evaluate
5. Data Interpretation Made Simple
Many students panic at charts. Here’s how to handle them confidently:
- Read units – Is it percentage, index, or currency?
- Spot patterns – Uptrend, downtrend, volatility.
- Quantify changes – “Unemployment rose from 3 % to 4 %, a 33 % increase.”
- Compare variables – e.g., inflation vs GDP growth correlation.
- Link to theory – “Falling interest rates likely stimulated consumption.”
Tuition classes often simulate this process with real-time data annotation exercises to train speed and accuracy.
6. Common Command Words and How to Respond
| Command Word | What It Means | Expected Answer Style |
|---|---|---|
| Explain | Describe cause and mechanism | Clear theory application |
| Using data | Cite specific numbers from extract | Quantitative evidence |
| Compare | Highlight similarities and differences | Balanced discussion |
| Assess / Evaluate | Make a judgement | Include pros, cons, and conditions |
| Discuss | Explore both sides | Reasoned conclusion |
Examiners reward specificity — quoting data correctly signals analytical precision.
7. Integrating Diagrams into Case Studies
While not every question requires a diagram, use one when:
- It clarifies a relationship (e.g., AD–AS, demand–supply).
- You refer to elasticity, externalities, or policy effects.
- The extract mentions shifts, taxes, or subsidies.
Keep diagrams simple and labelled; spend no more than 1 minute drawing.
8. Developing Evaluation in Case Studies
Evaluation distinguishes Band 1 scripts. Use the COPE method:
- Context – Apply to Singapore or global economy.
- Other perspectives – Alternative policies or stakeholder impacts.
- Priorities – Which factor is most significant?
- Evidence – Use data trends to justify.
Example:
“While subsidies may lower prices short term, they could strain Singapore’s fiscal position if maintained during persistent inflation.”
Practise embedding one evaluation point per major question.
9. Real-World Application: The Singapore Context
Markers expect students to link theory to the local economy. You might mention:
- MAS’s use of exchange-rate policy over interest rates
- Budget initiatives supporting innovation and productivity
- Impact of GST adjustments on inflation and consumption
- External dependencies in trade and supply chains
Tuition centres often maintain updated case libraries on such topics to help students stay current.
10. How Economics Tuition Strengthens Case Study Skills
An experienced economics tutor can help you:
- Break down questions quickly under timed drills
- Explain how to use data effectively in answers
- Teach marking rubrics and how points are allocated
- Provide sample answers with examiner-style annotations
- Conduct mock tests simulating the actual paper
These structured practices shorten the learning curve dramatically.
11. Practice Routine for Steady Improvement
| Frequency | Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Attempt 1–2 full case studies under timed conditions | Build exam stamina |
| Fortnightly | Review marked answers with tutor | Identify weak patterns |
| Monthly | Attempt a mixed-topic mock paper | Reinforce integration of topics |
Consistency is the secret to sustained progress.
12. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Copying data without analysis
- Writing essays instead of short focused answers
- Ignoring units or axes labels
- Forgetting to evaluate
- Not linking back to the question
Each of these mistakes can easily cost 3–5 marks per case.
13. Tips from Top Students
- Highlight command words before writing.
- Use the “one mark per minute” rule to pace yourself.
- Keep answers within box space provided — conciseness matters.
- Always support statements with data (“From Extract 2…”).
- End long questions with one evaluative judgement.
These habits create exam-ready precision.