A-Level Economics,
from micro to global
policy debate.
Cambridge 9708 and Edexcel International A-Level Economics. Full coverage of micro, macro, international economics and development — plus the 25-mark essay technique that unlocks A* on Paper 4.
The core social science for Economics, PPE, Business and International Relations applicants. Deep theory plus essay technique to A* standards.
Economics is won or lost on the 25-mark essay.
A-Level Economics is the most popular humanities-track subject for Vietnamese international school students heading into business, PPE, international relations or any quantitative social science. It is also the subject where the gap between "knows the theory" and "can write an A-grade essay" is widest — because the 25-mark essay on Paper 4 rewards a very specific analytical structure that classroom teaching rarely drills enough.
What the top bands actually need
A grade A/A* essay has four elements: a clear definition of every technical term, a fully-labelled diagram, a balanced analysis of at least two positions, and a reasoned judgement with explicit evaluation. Students who skip any one of these cap out at grade C.
Our coaching
Every Times Edu Economics student writes one full 25-mark essay per week from week 3 onwards, marked against the exact examiner rubric. By week 8 most students can produce a grade A response to any question in 40 minutes.
The full content we cover in 1:1 lessons.
Every Times Edu Economics mentor maps lessons directly to the official syllabus objectives — nothing on the real paper is a surprise.
Allocation of Resources
Supply, demand, price elasticity, consumer and producer surplus.
Market Failure
Externalities, public goods, information failure, government intervention.
Aggregate Demand & Supply
AD-AS model, multiplier, inflation, unemployment and growth.
Firms & Market Structure
Perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, contestable markets.
Labour Market
Wage determination, labour market failure and minimum wages.
Government Macro Policy
Fiscal, monetary and supply-side policy plus policy conflicts.
International Economics
Trade, exchange rates, balance of payments, globalisation.
25-mark Essay Technique
Definition, analysis, diagram, evaluation and conclusion structure.
The papers your child will actually sit.
Knowing what each paper tests — and how it is marked — is half the battle. Here is the full breakdown.
Multiple Choice AS
Thirty multiple-choice questions across AS micro and macro.
AS Data Response & Essay
Data-response questions plus one AS essay.
Multiple Choice A2
Thirty multiple-choice questions across A2 content.
A2 Data Response & 25-mark Essay
The decisive paper — full-length data response and one 25-mark essay.
Why even strong students lose grades here.
These are the three traps we see most often in diagnostic sessions with new A-Level Economics students — and every one of them is fixable.
No diagram
Every 25-mark essay requires at least one fully-labelled diagram. Students who write 800 words without a diagram cap at 13/25.
One-sided essays
The mark scheme specifically rewards "on the other hand" analysis. Students who argue only one side lose 8–10 marks per essay.
Vague policy discussion
"The government should cut interest rates" scores low. "The central bank could reduce the policy rate from 5% to 4% to stimulate AD via the C and I channels" scores high.
From AS to final A2.
A in Economics and A in Business — both subjects I was failing a year ago. Times Edu rebuilt my understanding from the ground up and taught me to write essays that actually scored.
What families always ask about Economics.
Have a specific question about your child's situation? Book a free 60-minute diagnostic and our specialist will answer every one.
Do I need A-Level Maths alongside A-Level Economics?
Strongly recommended — especially for university admission to Economics, Finance or PPE programmes. LSE, Warwick and Cambridge Economics effectively require A-Level Maths. We can help you plan the subject combination during the diagnostic.
How is A-Level Economics different from IGCSE Economics?
Far more demanding. A-Level introduces the full AD-AS model, elasticity algebra, market structure theory, game theory and international finance. The writing expectations also jump from 8-mark answers to 25-mark essays. It is a meaningful step up.
Can you help with real-world examples for essay answers?
Yes. We integrate current Vietnamese, US, EU and ASEAN economic data into every lesson. Examiners reward students who can cite specific countries, policies and years in essay answers.
Is Business or Economics a better choice for university?
For Economics, PPE and quantitative programmes, Economics is stronger. For Business and Management, Business can be equally competitive. Many of our students take both.
Ready to turn A-Level Economics into an A*?
Your child's free 60-minute Economics diagnostic includes a full topic-by-topic gap analysis, a realistic grade prediction and a personalised roadmap through to final A2. Worth $60 — free for the first 50 families this intake.