1. Understand the requirements:
- Carefully analyze the essay questions from previous years' papers to understand the scope and expectations.
- Identify the key themes and concepts that are commonly asked in the economics optional exam.

2. Develop a strong foundation:
- Strengthen your understanding of core economic theories, concepts, and principles.
- Review important topics from the syllabus and refer to standard textbooks and study materials.
- Make concise notes summarizing key points for each topic.

3. Analyze previous year essays:
- Read and analyze essays from previous years' papers to gain insights into the structure, content, and writing style.
- Pay attention to the arguments presented, examples used, and the overall coherence of the essay.

4. Practice writing:
- Start by writing short essays on specific topics to practice expressing your thoughts and arguments concisely.
- Gradually increase the length and complexity of your essays.
- Time yourself while writing to simulate exam conditions.

5. Focus on essay structure:
- Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Use paragraphs to organize your thoughts and arguments logically.
- Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or argument, supported by evidence or examples.

6. Use evidence and examples:
- Use relevant data, statistics, and real-world examples to support your arguments.
- Refer to case studies, research papers, or reports to strengthen your position.

7. Develop critical thinking skills:
- Practice analyzing and evaluating different perspectives on economic issues.
- Develop the ability to critically assess arguments and present a balanced view.

8. Seek feedback:
- Share your essays with peers or mentors who have expertise in economics.
- Ask for feedback on your writing style, clarity of arguments, and overall coherence.
- Incorporate the feedback to improve your writing skills.

9. Time management:
- Familiarize yourself with the time constraints of the exam.
- Practice writing essays within the given time limit to improve your speed and efficiency.

10. Revision and self-evaluation:
- Review and revise your essays to identify areas for improvement.
- Focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and clarity of expression.
- Identify common mistakes and work on rectifying them.

Remember, consistent practice and a systematic approach are key to improving your essay writing skills.