IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Cambridge Economics 0455

Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) tests knowledge, application, and analysis/evaluation through multiple choice and structured questions, including data response. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Paper 1 – Multiple choice. Paper 2 – Structured questions including data response (e.g. extract, table, graph). Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026.
• Data response is a major component: candidates must use the data (quote, refer to figures) to support answers. General theory without reference to the stimulus scores limited credit.
• Essay-style or extended questions often ask for analysis (e.g. causes, effects) and evaluation (e.g. pros/cons, effectiveness of a policy). Balance and judgement are rewarded.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Micro: Demand and supply (shifts, equilibrium, price elasticity); production and costs; market structures; market failure and government intervention. Explaining why curves shift and analysing effects on price/quantity are common.
• Macro: National income, inflation, unemployment, economic growth; fiscal and monetary policy; international trade (comparative advantage, protectionism, exchange rates). Application to a country or scenario is frequently required.
• Development: Living standards, inequality, role of government and trade in development. Evaluation of policies (e.g. aid, trade liberalisation) is often tested.
• Data response: Extracting information from text, tables, or graphs; calculating (e.g. percentage change, index); explaining trends; analysing causes or effects using the data; evaluating (e.g. limitations of data, effectiveness of a policy).

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight recurring weaknesses: not using the data in data response, generic answers without application to the context, and unbalanced evaluation (only advantages or only disadvantages).
• No reported shift in difficulty; application and use of data are the main differentiators.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and command words match past series. Past papers are a good guide to data response style and mark allocation.
• Topics are predictable from the syllabus; contexts (e.g. a new country, policy, or dataset) vary. Question types (define, explain, analyse, evaluate) are consistent.
• Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (use of data, application, balanced evaluation) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Data response: Answers must refer to the data (quote, cite figures). Own knowledge should support analysis, not replace use of the stimulus.
• Definitions must be accurate and complete (e.g. GDP, inflation). Explanation requires cause–effect links; analysis requires development of ideas.
• Evaluation should consider more than one side (e.g. benefits and drawbacks) and may require a judgement or conclusion where asked.
• Marking follows the published scheme; no indication of marking becoming stricter.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Application – to a country, policy, or scenario; not generic textbook answers.
• Data skills – reading tables/graphs, calculating simple statistics, interpreting trends, linking data to theory.
• Evaluation – balanced discussion; judgement where appropriate; awareness of limitations or context.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Data response – always use the extract/table/graph; quote or cite figures; link to theory.
2. Demand and supply – shifts, equilibrium, elasticity; explain causes and effects clearly.
3. Macro policy – fiscal and monetary; apply to inflation, unemployment, growth.
4. Evaluation – practise balanced arguments; give pros and cons; reach a supported conclusion when asked.
5. Definitions – learn precise definitions; use them when a question asks for a definition.

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Based on current syllabus and examiner reports. Always use the latest Cambridge 0455 syllabus for your series.