Edexcel International A-Level Economics: Command Words and Keywords
Edexcel International A-level Economics: Command words and keywords
Pearson Edexcel International A-level Economics uses the command words defined in the specification. Extended questions use levels-based marking. A-level expects more depth and application to unfamiliar data.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Recall; short answer | Overwriting |
| Define | Precise economic meaning | Vague |
| Describe | What the data shows | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Why/how; use “because” | Only describing |
| Suggest | Apply to context | Textbook recall |
| Compare | Similarities and differences | Listing separately |
| Assess | Judge importance; conclude | Description only |
| Evaluate | Judge; conclude with evidence | No conclusion |
| Discuss | Explore aspects; conclude | One-sided |
| Analyse | Break down; show relationships | Only describing |
| Justify | Support with evidence | Unsupported |
| Calculate | Work out; show working | Missing working |
Economic keywords
Microeconomics
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity cost | Next best alternative forgone | ”Cost” |
| Elasticity | Responsiveness | ”Sensitive” |
| Marginal | Additional | ”Extra” |
| Consumer surplus | Below demand, above price | ”Benefit” |
| Producer surplus | Above supply, below price | ”Profit” |
| Externalities | Third-party effects | ”Effects” |
| Public good | Non-excludable; non-rival | ”Government” |
| Monopoly | One seller | ”Big company” |
| Allocative efficiency | P = MC | ”Efficiency” |
| Productive efficiency | Minimum ATC | Allocative |
Macroeconomics
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | Gross Domestic Product | ”Wealth” |
| Real GDP | Adjusted for inflation | Nominal |
| Inflation | Rising price level | ”Expensive” |
| Unemployment | Seeking work but without jobs | ”Jobless” |
| Fiscal policy | Government spending/taxation | Monetary |
| Monetary policy | Interest rates; money supply | Fiscal |
| Aggregate demand | Total demand | ”Demand” |
| Exchange rate | Price of currency | ”Value” |
| Balance of payments | Record of transactions | Trade balance |
| Multiplier | Ratio of income change to injection | ”Effect” |
Tips for Edexcel A-level Economics
- Define precisely
- Use data when provided—quote figures
- Reach a conclusion for Assess, Evaluate, Discuss
- Show working in calculations
- Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording
How Tutopiya helps
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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level Economics specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.
Written by
Tutopiya Team
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