How do I manage my time in Economics exams?

Time management is one of the biggest challenges in Economics exams. The papers contain multiple choice questions, short data response questions and long essays. It is easy to spend too long on one question and then rush the rest. The key is to understand how the exam is structured and how much time each section deserves.

You do not need to write quickly. You need to write in a clear and organised way. When your structure is consistent, you know exactly what to do in every paragraph which saves time and reduces stress. Good time management is a skill that improves with practice.

 

 

 

Key points

Know how many minutes each section gets - For example, if you have a two hour paper worth eighty marks, you get around one and a half minutes per mark. Use this as a guide.

Do not overspend on MCQs - Multiple choice questions should be answered quickly. Use process of elimination, find keywords and move on.

Keep data response answers short and precise - One and two mark questions do not need long explanations. Use trends, units and quick reasoning.

Plan your essays briefly - Spend thirty seconds planning each essay. Write down your two or three main points so you stay focused.

Follow a consistent paragraph structure - PEEAL or a similar structure saves time because you do not need to think about how to build your answer.

Leave space for diagrams - Draw diagrams quickly and explain them clearly. Do not overcomplicate them.

Move on if stuck - If a question feels confusing, move on and return later.

 

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What students get wrong

Spending too long on early questions - This increases stress as the exam progresses.

Writing unnecessary detail - Short and clear is better than long and vague.

Skipping planning - Planning saves time across the whole essay.

Not practising under time conditions - Time skills must be trained just like analysis and evaluation.

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How Econominds helps

Econominds teaches you how much to write for each question type. The platform gives you timed practice tasks that build speed and confidence. You learn how to balance clarity with efficiency so you stay calm throughout the exam.

 

 

Quick summary

• Use time per mark as a guide

• Keep MCQs and DR answers short

• Plan essays briefly

• Use a consistent structure

• Practise under timed conditions