A Level 2026 Exam Trends: Pearson Edexcel International A Level Economics

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Economics is assessed with Unit 1 (markets, market failure), Unit 2 (macro), Unit 3 (business behaviour), Unit 4 (global), and data response/ essay components. Check the current spec for exact unit titles. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026: written units with data response (stimulus: text, tables, graphs) and essay/extended response. 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 (for/against) and judgement. Diagrams (demand/supply, AD/AS, elasticity) must be correct, labelled, and explained; calculation (e.g. PED, percentage change) with working where relevant.
• Application to real-world contexts (e.g. country, policy) is common.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Micro: Demand and supply, elasticity (PED, PES, YED), market failure, government intervention. 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.
• Data response: Use the extract and data; calculate where asked; explain and evaluate with reference to the stimulus. Generic answers without reference score low.
• Essay: Structure (intro, development, conclusion); balance for “evaluate”/“discuss”; judgement; diagrams where relevant; examples or data.

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 Edexcel International series. Past papers are a good guide to data response and essay demands.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts vary. Marking focus (use of data, diagram + explanation, balance, judgement) is consistent.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Definitions – precise (e.g. from spec); 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 spec.
4. Essay – structure; balance (for/against); judgement; examples/data.
5. Past papers – data response and essay under timed conditions.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Pearson Edexcel International A Level Economics specification for your series.