This assessment is based upon that outlined in:Frank, R. (2006)The Economic Naturalist Writing Assignment, Journal of Economic Education, 37(1): 58-67, as well as his subsequent book: Frank, R. (2008)The Economic Naturalist: Why Economics Explains Almost Everything, Virgin Books, London.

The assignment requires you to use a principle, or principles, discussed in the course to explain some pattern of events or behaviour that you personally have observed.

Please do not include too many complex terms. Imagine youare talking to a relative or friend who has no background in economics. This is not a dissertation; you are not expected to do a substantial amount of research in support of your argument, although a relevant fact or two might help make your argument more convincing. Your topic does not necessarily have to be ‘important’, but please try to choose something interesting. A really successful assignment will be one that begins with a really interesting question and then uses an economic principle or principles to construct a plausible answer.

The assignment should be no more than 600 words.

Criteria and Marking:Your assignment will be marked against the following criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of key economic concepts (5 marks)
• Demonstrated ability to apply key economic concepts to the problem at hand (5 marks)
• Clarity of exposition (5 marks)
• X factor (5 marks).