Cambridge (CIE) A Level Economics specification (9708)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Economics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Economics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Economics (9708) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics
This course develops learners’ ability to use economics in both academic and real-life contexts. It builds deep understanding of economic terminology, concepts and theories, and encourages the application of this knowledge to analyse issues, evaluate arguments and communicate reasoned conclusions. Students develop skills in independent learning, critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to explain complex economic relationships. They gain insights into microeconomic and macroeconomic environments, including globalisation and economic development, preparing them for university study and a wide range of careers.
Subject content breakdown
1. Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
- Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
- Economic methodology and assumptions
- Factors of production and specialisation
- Economic systems and resource allocation
- Production possibility curves
- Classification of goods: private, public, merit, demerit
2. The price system and the microeconomy
- Demand and supply curves and determinants
- Elasticities: PED, YED, XED, PES
- Market equilibrium and interaction of markets
- Consumer and producer surplus
3. Government microeconomic intervention
- Reasons for government intervention
- Taxes, subsidies, price controls, information provision
- Addressing income and wealth inequality
4. The macroeconomy
- National income statistics and measurement
- Circular flow of income
- AD/AS analysis, growth, unemployment, inflation
5. Government macroeconomic intervention
- Macroeconomic policy objectives
- Fiscal, monetary and supply-side policy
6. International economic issues
- Theory of trade and protectionism
- Balance of payments
- Exchange rates and policies to correct imbalances
7. The price system and the microeconomy (A Level)
- Utility, indifference curves, and consumer choice
- Efficiency, externalities and market failure
- Costs, revenue and profit; market structures
- Firm behaviour, growth, pricing, and objectives
8. Government microeconomic intervention (A Level)
- Policies for efficient allocation and correcting failure
- Government failure and redistribution policies
- Labour markets and wage determination
9. The macroeconomy (A Level)
- Multiplier and circular flow
- Economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability
- Unemployment and money/banking systems
10. Government macroeconomic intervention (A Level)
- Policy objectives and conflicts
- Evaluation of policy effectiveness and government failure
11. International economic issues (A Level)
- Balance of payments and exchange rate systems
- Economic development indicators
- Development characteristics and global relationships
Assessment structure
Paper 1: AS Level Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 30 marks
- 30 multiple-choice questions
- Based on AS Level content
Paper 2: AS Level Data Response and Essays
- 2 hours, 60 marks
- Section A: 1 data response question
- Section B: 1 microeconomics essay from a choice of 2
- Section C: 1 macroeconomics essay from a choice of 2
Paper 3: A Level Multiple Choice
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks
- 30 multiple-choice questions
- Based on A Level content; assumes AS knowledge
Paper 4: A Level Data Response and Essays
- 2 hours, 60 marks
- Section A: 1 data response question
- Section B: 1 microeconomics essay from a choice of 2
Section C: 1 macroeconomics essay from a choice of 2
- All papers externally assessed
- AS Level: Papers 1 and 2 (Paper 1 = 33%, Paper 2 = 67%)
- A Level: All 4 papers (Papers 1 and 2 = 50%, Papers 3 and 4 = 50%)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Economics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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