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0455 · Cambridge IGCSE

Economics (0455) Exam Tips

In Paper 2, the high-weighting 8-mark 'Discuss' questions are where grades are truly decided. The chief examiner's reports consistently show that many candidates write highly descriptive, single-sided arguments that are capped at a maximum of Level 2 (3 to 5 marks). To break into

Papers

2

Total marks

120

Time limit

3h

Grade scale

A*ABCDEFGU

Additional note

Calculator policy

A silent scientific calculator may be used on papers where calculators are permitted (some papers are non-calculator). It must not be graphical or programmable and must hold no stored information.

2

Papers

5

Strategies

6

Mistakes

  • In Paper 2, the high-weighting 8-mark 'Discuss' questions are where grades are truly decided. The chief examiner's reports consistently show that many candidates write highly descriptive, single-sided arguments that are capped at a maximum of Level 2 (3 to 5 marks). To break into the elite Level 3 band (6 to 8 marks), you must establish a balanced, two-sided debate with logical, connected chains of economic reasoning.

Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.