9708 · Cambridge International AS Level
Economics (9708) Exam Tips
Many students enter the exam room believing that Economics is a test of raw memory—that if they can define terms like comparative advantage or transfer payments, they will automatically secure an A grade. However, the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) mark schem…
Papers
2
Total marks
90
Time limit
3h
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
A silent scientific calculator is required where the syllabus permits one. It must NOT be graphical, programmable, or capable of symbolic algebra (CAS), and it must contain no stored programs or notes.
Assessment objectives
2
Papers
6
Strategies
8
Mistakes
- Many students enter the exam room believing that Economics is a test of raw memory—that if they can define terms like comparative advantage or transfer payments, they will automatically secure an A grade. However, the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) mark scheme operates on a strict hierarchy of Assessment Objectives (AOs). AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding) is simply the entry point. To capture the top marks, you must navigate AO2 (Analysis) and AO3 (Evaluation). In Paper 2, high-mark questions (such as the 6-mark data response items and the 12-mark essays) allocate specific marks for your ability to critique, compare, and form a justified conclusion. Top scorers know that definitions only lay the foundation; the real marks are won by explaining how variables interact and why a policy might fail in practice.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.