specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Economics (9708) is a two-year linear qualification covering microeconomics and macroeconomics. Papers 1 and 2 cover the AS content (topics 1.1-6.5); Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level content (topics 7.1-11.6), with AS assumed. Graded A*-E for the full A Level.
subject content
1-3. The price system and microeconomy (AS)
Papers 1, 2- Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
- The price system and the microeconomy (demand, supply, elasticity, price mechanism)
- Government microeconomic intervention
4-6. The macroeconomy (AS)
Papers 1, 2- The macroeconomy: measurement, AD/AS, unemployment, inflation
- Government macroeconomic intervention
- International economic issues
7-8. Advanced microeconomics (A Level)
Papers 3, 4- Utility, indifference curves, costs, revenues and market structures
- Government microeconomic intervention: efficient resource allocation, equity, labour markets
9-11. Advanced macroeconomics and international economics (A Level)
Papers 3, 4- The macroeconomy: circular flow, growth, employment, money and banking
- Government macroeconomic intervention (fiscal, monetary and supply-side policy)
- International economic issues (exchange rates, balance of payments, trade policy)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (AS Level Multiple Choice) | AS content topics 1-6 | 1h | 30 | 17% of A Level / 33% of AS Level | 30 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 2 (AS Level Data Response and Essays) | AS content topics 1-6 | 2h | 60 | 33% of A Level / 67% of AS Level | Section A: one compulsory data response (20 marks). Section B: one essay from a choice of two, mainly micro, two parts (20 marks). Section C: one essay from a choice of two, mainly macro, two parts (20 marks) |
| Paper 3 (A Level Multiple Choice) | A Level content topics 7-11 (AS content assumed) | 1h 15m | 30 | 17% of A Level | 30 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 4 (A Level Data Response and Essays) | A Level content topics 7-11 (AS content assumed) | 2h | 60 | 33% of A Level | Section A: one compulsory data response (20 marks). Section B: one essay from a choice of two, mainly micro, unstructured (20 marks). Section C: one essay from a choice of two, mainly macro, unstructured (20 marks) |
The full A Level route is all four papers. Students can also stage the qualification: Papers 1 and 2 in year 1 for the standalone AS Level (grades a-e), then Papers 3 and 4 in year 2 to complete the A Level.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of syllabus content, including applying knowledge and understanding to economic information in written, numerical and diagrammatic forms. | 35% |
| AO2 | Analysis: examining economic issues and relationships, interpreting and organising economic information, and explaining the impacts and consequences of changes in economic variables. | 40% |
| AO3 | Evaluation: recognising assumptions and limitations, assessing arguments and evidence, and communicating reasoned judgements and conclusions. | 25% |
key tips for success
AS content is assumed on A Level papers
Papers 3 and 4 assume you still remember topics 1-6. Revise AS content as part of your A Level preparation.
Practise timing for the MCQ papers
Papers 1 and 3 are 30 questions each, that's 2 minutes per question on Paper 1, 2.5 minutes on Paper 3. Practise the format early.
Master diagram technique
Supply/demand, cost curves, AD/AS, PPF, indifference curves. Every essay benefits from a clean labelled diagram. Practise drawing them fast.
Build a bank of real-world examples
Follow global economic news through the year (The Economist, FT, Bloomberg). Recent examples of central bank decisions, trade policy or exchange rate movements elevate essay answers.
Structure essays with clear judgement
AO3 (Evaluation) is 25% of the qualification and drives essay marks. Every essay needs a defensible conclusion backed by weighted arguments.
Know the market structure diagrams
Perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly. Practise SR/LR equilibrium diagrams and assumptions for each.
Where to next
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