How to Revise International A-Level Economics

Build International A-Level Economics understanding with practice on micro and macroeconomics and the global economy.

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 International A-Level Economics

✓ Draw diagrams for every concept as you learn it. International A-Level Economics is heavily diagram-based, and being able to draw, label and explain supply-demand, cost curves, AD/AS and other models quickly is essential.
✓ Follow international economic news and relate current events to your studies. Being able to reference real-world examples of inflation, trade disputes, fiscal policy or market failure demonstrates applied understanding.
✓ Practice writing evaluative conclusions. At A-Level, simply presenting arguments for and against is not enough - you need to weigh them up and reach a justified judgement.
✓ Master the mathematical content (elasticity calculations, multiplier effects, terms of trade) through regular practice problems.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Economics

✓ In essay questions, use the introduction to define key terms and outline your argument. This sets a professional tone and demonstrates command of economic vocabulary.
✓ Include relevant, correctly drawn diagrams in every answer where applicable. Diagrams earn marks independently of your written explanation.
✓ When evaluating policies, consider short-run versus long-run effects, the significance of assumptions, and who benefits and who loses. This depth of analysis earns the highest marks.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level Economics

Basic Economic Ideas

Price System

Government Intervention

Macroeconomic Policy

International Trade

Economic Development

Money & Banking

Economic Integration

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Economics specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International Edexcel International

Frequently Asked Questions

Is International A-Level Economics accepted for economics degrees? +

Yes. All major universities, including the London School of Economics, accept International A-Level Economics as equivalent to the domestic A-Level. Most economics degrees also require A-Level Mathematics.

Do I need Maths for International A-Level Economics? +

Strong mathematical skills are important. You need confidence with graphs, algebra, percentages and basic calculus concepts. Taking A-Level Mathematics alongside Economics is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to study economics at university.

How is International A-Level Economics different from UK A-Level Economics? +

The content is broadly similar, but International A-Level Economics uses a modular structure with multiple exam sessions per year, draws on international examples and case studies, and offers resit opportunities for individual units.

What is the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics? +

Microeconomics studies individual markets, firms and consumers - topics like supply and demand, market structures and market failure. Macroeconomics examines the economy as a whole - topics like GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade and government policy. Both are covered equally in the International A-Level.

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