Skip to main content
Beta Live

How to Revise iGCSE Economics

Prepare for iGCSE Economics with practice on market systems, the economy, international trade, and economic development.

Revision Strategy

Revising Economics means understanding concepts and theories well enough to apply them to real-world examples and scenarios. Start by making sure you can define and explain the key terms and theories for each topic, then practise applying them to case studies and exam-style questions. The ability to connect theory to evidence is what earns the highest marks.

Essay structure is critical in Economics. Most extended answers require you to present arguments and counter-arguments before reaching a supported conclusion. Practise writing structured responses that clearly state a point, support it with evidence or theory, and then evaluate it before moving on. This disciplined approach prevents waffling and keeps your answers focused.

Research methods and evaluation skills are tested across many Economics papers. Make sure you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches, can identify bias, and can evaluate the reliability and validity of evidence. These analytical skills are transferable across topics and often provide straightforward marks in the exam.

Study Tips for iGCSE Economics

  • Draw supply and demand diagrams until they become second nature. iGCSE Economics questions frequently require you to illustrate market changes graphically and explain the resulting shifts.
  • Keep a note of current economic news stories and link them to the concepts you study. Being able to reference real-world examples strengthens your exam answers significantly.
  • Learn key economic definitions precisely - iGCSE examiners award marks for accurate use of terminology such as opportunity cost, inflation, market failure and comparative advantage.
  • Practice data response questions under timed conditions. The ability to extract, calculate and interpret economic data from tables and charts is tested in every exam session.

Exam Tips for iGCSE Economics

  • When answering evaluation questions, always consider both sides of the argument and reach a justified conclusion. iGCSE Economics mark schemes reward balanced analysis over one-sided responses.
  • Include diagrams wherever relevant, even when the question does not explicitly ask for one. A well-drawn diagram demonstrates understanding and can earn additional marks.
  • Structure extended answers clearly with an introduction, developed points and a conclusion. Avoid writing everything you know about a topic - focus on what the question asks.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in iGCSE Economics

The Market System
Business Economics
Government & Economy
International Trade
Economic Development
Money & Banking
Employment
Market Failure

Available Exam Boards

iGCSE Economics specification guides for each exam board

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iGCSE Economics and GCSE Economics? +
iGCSE Economics is offered by Cambridge International for students worldwide and uses international case studies and examples. Unlike some UK GCSE Economics courses, the iGCSE has no coursework and is assessed entirely through written examinations available in multiple sessions per year.
Is iGCSE Economics useful for A-Level? +
Yes, it is excellent preparation. iGCSE Economics covers the fundamental microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that form the foundation of A-Level study. Students who perform well at iGCSE typically transition smoothly to the greater depth and analysis required at A-Level.
Do I need Maths for iGCSE Economics? +
You do not need advanced maths, but you should be comfortable with percentages, ratios, basic graph interpretation and simple calculations. iGCSE Economics includes quantitative questions that require numerical confidence.

Start Revising Economics Free

Join the waitlist and be among the first to access UpGrades when we launch

Join the Waitlist