A Level 2026 Exam Trends: Cambridge Economics 9708

Cambridge International A Level Economics (9708) is assessed with Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2 (data response and essay), Paper 3 (case study and essay). Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 9708 structure is unchanged for 2025–2026: Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2 (data response + essay), Paper 3 (case study + essay). Data and case material must be used in answers; generic responses score less.
• Command words (“define”, “explain”, “analyse”, “evaluate”, “discuss”) are used consistently; evaluate and discuss require balance (arguments for/against) and judgement.
• Diagrams (demand/supply, AD/AS, elasticity, etc.) must be correct, labelled, and explained in words; calculation (e.g. PED, percentage change) with working where relevant.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Micro: Demand and supply, elasticity (PED, PES, YED, XED), market failure, government intervention (tax, subsidy, regulation). Diagrams with explanation; application to data/case.
• Macro: GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade, exchange rates, fiscal and monetary policy. Application to extract and data; evaluation of policy (advantages, disadvantages, effectiveness).
• Data response: Use the extract and data (tables, graphs); calculate where asked; explain and evaluate with reference to the stimulus. Generic answers without reference to the material score low.
• Essay: Structure (intro, development, conclusion); balance for “evaluate”/“discuss”; judgement; diagrams where relevant; examples or data strengthen answers.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight diagrams without explanation, evaluation without balance, data/case not used, and vague definitions.
• No reported shift in difficulty; application to data/case and clear evaluation are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Cambridge A Level series. Past papers are a good guide to data response and essay demands.
• Topics are predictable from the syllabus; contexts (country, policy, data) vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (use of data, diagram + explanation, balance, judgement) is consistent.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Definitions – precise (e.g. from syllabus); explanation with cause–effect and diagram where appropriate.
• Data response – use extract and data; calculation with working; explanation and evaluation linked to stimulus.
• Essay – balance for “evaluate”/“discuss”; judgement; structure. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Application to data and real-world contexts; diagrams + explanation; evaluation with balance and judgement; essay structure and argument.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Diagrams – demand/supply, AD/AS, elasticity; correct and labelled; explain in words.
2. Data response – use extract and data; calculate; explain and evaluate with reference.
3. Definitions – learn exact terms from the syllabus.
4. Essay – structure; balance (for/against); judgement; examples/data.
5. Past papers – Paper 2 and Paper 3 under timed conditions.

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Based on current syllabus and examiner reports. Always use the latest Cambridge 9708 syllabus for your series.