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Excel in iGCSE Economics with Targeted Practice

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

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About iGCSE Economics

iGCSE Economics introduces students to fundamental economic concepts and how they apply to real-world issues across the global economy. The Cambridge International syllabus covers microeconomics (supply and demand, market structures, market failure) and macroeconomics (inflation, unemployment, trade, government policy) with examples drawn from both developed and developing economies.

Assessment is through written examination papers requiring short-answer responses, data interpretation and structured essays. There is no coursework component. Students learn to analyse economic data, evaluate the impact of government policies and construct arguments supported by economic reasoning and real-world evidence.

The iGCSE in Economics is excellent preparation for International A-Level Economics and for any course or career involving business, finance, public policy or international development. It develops skills in logical analysis, evaluative writing and quantitative reasoning that are valued across many disciplines.

Topics Covered

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

Exam Boards

iGCSE Economics is available from these exam boards

How UpGrades Helps

Adaptive Practice

Questions adapt to your level in Economics, focusing on the topics where you need the most improvement.

Spaced Repetition

Review Economics topics at optimal intervals to maximise long-term retention for your iGCSE exam.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 8 Economics topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for 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.

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.

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