How to Revise A Level Economics

Staring at your economics textbook and feeling completely overwhelmed? You're not alone. A Level Economics covers a huge amount of content - from market structures to monetary policy - and it can feel impossible to know where to start!

Here's the problem: many students waste hours re-reading notes without actually understanding how to apply economic theory in exam conditions. When exam day arrives, they panic.

This guide gives you a clear, strategic approach on how to revise A Level Economics. You'll learn how to tackle each question type, master evaluation skills, and use your revision time effectively.

As an A Level Economics teacher and examiner with years of experience, I know exactly what examiners are looking for. Let's get you prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on understanding core economic concepts and how to apply them, not just memorising definitions

• Practise each question type separately - they all require different skills

• Use past papers and mark schemes regularly to understand what examiners want

• Develop strong evaluation skills using "it depends" arguments and considering different perspectives

Understand the A Level Economics Exam Structure

Before you start revising, know exactly what you're revising for.

A Level Economics is assessed through three papers. 

• Paper 1 covers microeconomics

• Paper 2 focuses on macroeconomics

• Paper 3 tests both areas.

Both AQA and Edexcel use multiple-choice questions to test definitions and theory. You'll also face data response questions that require you to interpret economic information. Essays test your ability to build arguments and evaluate different perspectives.

Each question type is marked differently. 

• Multiple-choice rewards accuracy. 

• Data response questions look for clear application of theory. 

• Essays are marked on knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation - with evaluation often necessary to access the highest markbands.

Focus Your Revision on the Core Concepts

Some topics appear again and again in exam questions.

• Master supply and demand first

  • Know how to draw and shift curves, and explain what causes these movements.

  • Price elasticity is examined constantly - you need to calculate it and explain its significance.

• Market failure is essential 

  • Cover externalities, public goods, and government intervention

• For macroeconomics, fully master fiscal policy, monetary policy, and supply-side policies

  • Exchange rates, inflation, unemployment and economic growth form the core of macro questions

  • Understand causes, consequences and policy responses for each

How to Revise for Different Types of Questions

Multiple-Choice Questions

MCQs test whether you really understand definitions and diagrams. Wrong answers are designed to catch common mistakes. One of my students really struggled to understand economics. He decided to spend three weeks working through all the MCQs from past papers and by the end of it he had achieved a high level of proficiency across the topics.

• Use topic-based MCQ banks to practise regularly. When you get a question wrong, work out why the other options were incorrect

• Diagrams are crucial. Practise drawing supply and demand curves until they're automatic

• Set yourself timed mini-tests of 10-15 MCQs to build exam speed

Online resources make this easier than ever. Save My Exams is packed with tools designed to support your growth in tackling MCQs. You can easily practise AQA A Level on a topic by topic basis to improve your skills.

Data Response Questions

Data response questions give you graphs, tables, or extracts and ask you to apply theory.

• The key skill is interpretation. Extract relevant numbers and trends, then link them to economic concepts

• Always refer to specific figures in your answers - vague responses lose marks

• Use past papers under timed conditions. Data response questions have tight time limits

The AQA A Level economics 4 mark data questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 provide an excellent source for practising this skill.

Essay Questions

Essays separate good students from great ones.

• Plan your structure before you write. Use frameworks like PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) to keep paragraphs focused

• The biggest mistake? Forgetting evaluation. Don't just explain one side. Consider alternatives, discuss short-run versus long-run effects, and weigh up which factors matter most

• Practise writing timed essays regularly

Save My Exams provides detailed insights into how to build your evaluations skills in Edexcel A level economics.

Make Revision Active, Not Passive

Re-reading notes is the least effective revision method.

• Create flashcards for definitions. Test yourself regularly and focus on the ones you're getting wrong

• Draw mind maps to connect different topics. Seeing how concepts relate helps you apply theory flexibly

• Teach someone else - a friend or family member. If you can explain it clearly to someone who doesn't study economics, you truly understand it

• Most importantly, answer practice questions constantly. Nothing beats doing exam-style questions for building confidence

One of my students started Year 12 writing notes as part of her revision, laboriously copying from a textbook. She struggled to retain much of the detail from this work and decided to switch to focussing on using flashcards and teaching a friend instead. In three months, she went from achieving a low D grade to regularly scoring an A in internal assessments. Her final result? An A*!

Master Evaluation and Application

Evaluation is where top grades are won or lost.

• Get into the habit of "it depends" thinking. When considering whether a policy will work, ask: it depends on what? The size of the multiplier? Consumer confidence? These nuances show sophisticated understanding

• Consider different time frames. Supply-side policies might boost growth eventually but take years to work

• Think about stakeholders. Who wins and who loses? Workers, firms, consumers, and the government all have different interests

• Practise writing evaluative paragraphs until this thinking becomes natural

A great activity to do with friends is play the ‘on the other hand’ game. One person suggests a policy to solve a probelm such as high unemployment, then the group takes it turns to suggest other policies that could work.

Use Past Papers and Mark Schemes

Past papers are your most valuable revision tool.

• Attempt questions under timed conditions. This builds exam technique and helps you manage pressure

• Mark yourself honestly using the mark scheme. Read examiner comments to understand what separates different grade levels

• Look for patterns. Certain topics appear regularly, and particular types of evaluation are rewarded. Use these insights to focus your revision

• Keep a log of topics where you're losing marks. Return to those areas and practise more questions

Save My Exams has past papers and mark schemes available for all users

Tailor Your Revision to Your Exam Board

AQA and Edexcel have different question styles and content emphases.

• Check your specification carefully. Some topics appear on one exam board but not the other

• Look at past papers from your specific exam board. Question wording and expectations can vary

• Download the specification document and tick off topics as you revise them

  • AQA A Level Economics Specification (opens in a new tab)

  • Edexcel A Level Economics Specification (opens in a new tab)

Time Management and Planning

Random cramming doesn't work. You need a structured plan spread over several weeks.

• Create a revision timetable covering all major topics. Alternate between microeconomics and macroeconomics to keep your mind fresh

• Schedule regular testing sessions. Every few days, complete a past paper question to check your progress

• Build in flexibility. If you're struggling with a topic, spend extra time on it

• Start your revision early - aim for at least 6-8 weeks of structured revision before exams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to revise for A Level Economics?

Combine active learning with regular practice. Create flashcards, draw diagrams repeatedly, and complete past paper questions under timed conditions. Focus on understanding and application rather than memorisation. Use mark schemes to identify what examiners want.

How many hours should I revise for A Level Economics?

Most students benefit from 2-3 hours of focused economics revision per day in the weeks before exams. Quality matters more than quantity - two hours of active practice beats four hours of passive reading. Spread revision over several weeks rather than cramming.

How do you answer A Level Economics essay questions?

Plan your structure first. Make a clear argument with logical analysis linking each point. Use economic terminology accurately and support points with examples or diagrams. Include evaluation throughout - consider alternatives, discuss limitations, and weigh up which factors matter most. Finish with a balanced conclusion.

How can I improve my evaluation skills?

Practise "it depends on" thinking for every economic argument. Consider short-run versus long-run effects, think about different stakeholders, and identify assumptions. Read examiner reports to see what counts as strong evaluation. Write separate evaluative paragraphs as practice exercises.

Final Thoughts

Success in A Level Economics comes from targeted revision that matches the exam format.

Focus on active techniques - practice questions, flashcards or teaching others. Use past papers constantly to build exam technique. Develop your evaluation skills deliberately because that's where marks are won.

Start early, create a structured plan, and adjust based on your progress. With the right approach, you can turn that overwhelming pile of content into a manageable revision process.

You've got this!

The following Save My Exams resources will aid your revision for A Level Economics.

Edexcel A Level Economics A

• Revision Notes

• Exam Questions with student friendly model answers

• Flashcards

• Mock Exams

• Target Tests

AQA A Level Economics

• Revision Notes

• Exam Questions with student friendly model answers

• Flashcards

• Mock Exams

• Target Tests

References

• AQA. (2022, June 29). AS and A-level Economics specification (Version 1.3). Retrieved from (opens in a new tab)https://cdn.sanity.io/files/p28bar15/green/69c95a7fa0c7e68538e8d8f2c6a584f305a9b633.pdf (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)cdn.sanity.io (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson. (2015). A Level Economics A specification and sample assessment materials. Retrieved from (opens in a new tab)https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/A%20Level/Economics/2015/specification-and-sample-assessment-materials/A_Level_Econ_A_Spec.pdf (opens in a new tab)