What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Economics?

Always define key terms precisely in the introduction of your essay or short-answer response.

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Economics? (2)

Use diagrams to support your analysis, ensuring they are accurately labelled and referenced in your text.

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Economics? (3)

In evaluation, consider the assumptions and limitations of economic models, such as rationality and perfect information.

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Economics? (4)

Ensure diagrams are clearly labeled and used to support analysis of shifts in demand and supply

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Economics? (5)

Focus on the impact of policies like the national minimum wage on different economic agents

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Economics?

Confusing scarcity with a shortage; scarcity is a universal condition, not temporary.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Economics? (2)

Mislabeling axes on the PPF or failing to show attainable vs unattainable points.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Economics? (3)

Ignoring the concept of ceteris paribus when applying economic models.

Economics

WJEC

A-Level

Specification: WJEC-A-Level-Economics

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

30%-35%

Demonstrate knowledge of terms/concepts and theories/models to show an understanding of the behaviour of economic agents and how they are affected by and respond to economic issues

AO2

30%-35%

Apply knowledge and understanding to various economic contexts to show how economic agents are affected by and respond to economic issues

AO3

20%-25%

Analyse issues within economics, showing an understanding of their impact on economic agents

AO4

20%-25%

Evaluate economic arguments and use qualitative and quantitative evidence to support informed judgements relating to economic issues

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

WJEC

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing scarcity with a shortage; scarcity is a universal condition, not temporary.
•Mislabeling axes on the PPF or failing to show attainable vs unattainable points.
•Ignoring the concept of ceteris paribus when applying economic models.
•Attempting to use marginal revenue product theory (explicitly not required)
•Confusing shifts in demand/supply curves with movements along them
•Failing to link labour market issues to broader supply-side performance
•Inadequate use of diagrams to support analysis of wage determination and migration
•Failing to link price changes to the movement of resources between markets

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always define key terms precisely in the introduction of your essay or short-answer response.
•Use diagrams to support your analysis, ensuring they are accurately labelled and referenced in your text.
•In evaluation, consider the assumptions and limitations of economic models, such as rationality and perfect information.
•Ensure diagrams are clearly labeled and used to support analysis of shifts in demand and supply
•Focus on the impact of policies like the national minimum wage on different economic agents
•Be prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of labour market interventions
•Connect labour market flexibility to the wider macroeconomic supply-side performance
•Use clear examples to illustrate how a change in one market (e.g., a rise in demand for a product) leads to a reallocation of resources in factor markets

Specification Topics

4 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic introduces the fundamental economic problem of scarcity, where unlimited wants exceed finite resources, necessitating choices and opportunity cost. Students explore how individuals, firms, and governments allocate resources to satisfy competing needs and wants. Practical applications include budget constraints, production possibility frontiers, and the basis of economic decision-making.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Microeconomics

The study of wage determination in labour markets, including the influences on demand and supply, wage differentials, and the impact of labour market issues such as trade unions, regulation, welfare, taxation, the national minimum wage, and migration.

Demand and supply in labour markets, Resource allocation, Costs, revenues and profits +4 more

0 objectives28 tips29 pitfalls7 subtopics

Macroeconomics

Macroeconomic theory focuses on the use of economic models to understand macroeconomic issues, including the circular flow of income, aggregate demand and supply, and the theoretical debates between Keynesian and Neo-Classical schools regarding equilibrium and adjustment.

Macroeconomic theory, Policy instruments, Macroeconomic objectives

0 objectives14 tips14 pitfalls3 subtopics

Trade and development

The study of international trade focuses on the theoretical foundations of trade, the impact of globalisation, and the role of protectionism. It covers comparative and absolute advantage, the terms of trade, and the influence of international institutions like the WTO on global trade patterns.

International trade, Non-UK economies, Economic development

0 objectives11 tips11 pitfalls3 subtopics

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