Edexcel A-Level Economics Past Paper 25-marker Questions (Updated 2026)

This page contains a complete list of Edexcel A-Level Economics 25-marker past paper questions, compiled from published Edexcel exam papers. These questions are the longest and most demanding on the Edexcel Economics exam, requiring sustained analysis, evaluation, and a clear final judgement.

To help you revise more efficiently, the questions are organised below in one place. If you want to focus specifically on microeconomics or macroeconomics, you may find the dedicated pages more useful:

• Edexcel A-Level Economics 25-marker questions on microeconomics
• Edexcel A-Level Economics 25-marker questions on macroeconomics

This page forms part of our wider Edexcel question bank: Edexcel A-Level Economics past paper questions by topic.

What is Edexcel A-Level Economics?

Edexcel A-Level Economics is a UK pre-university qualification taken by students in their final two years of secondary school. It assesses understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and the ability to apply economic reasoning to real-world contexts.

For full coverage of the course, see the main hub: Edexcel A-Level Economics past paper questions.

How did we compile these Edexcel Economics 25-marker questions?

We reviewed Edexcel A-Level Economics past papers and extracted every 25-marker question. The aim is to give you a single place to practise extended-response questions without having to search through multiple exam papers.

The answer key for each question can be found at the end of this page.

How to answer Edexcel Economics 25-markers?

Answer Edexcel Economics 25-markers by writing four body paragraphs (two analyses and two evaluations) that answer directly the question you’ve been asked and which meet the criteria to score 4 knowledge points, 4 application points, 8 analysis points, and 9 evaluation points.

The main difference between writing an Edexcel Economics 25-marker and a 12 or 8-marker is that you are expected to do more in each of the four marking criteria and should separate out your evaluation points from your analysis points so that you can develop them fully.

You should also try to use diagrams whenever suitable in order to secure more analysis points and, where possible, introduce your own real-world examples to strengthen your arguments.

You should treat your separate evaluation points as if they were analysis arguments and introduce evidence from the extracts and linked development (A → B → C) whenever possible.

Edexcel 25-markers should include an introductory paragraph that offers core definitions as well as a conclusion or “final judgement” paragraph at the end that brings together your two evaluation paragraphs into an overall answer to the question you were asked.

How are Edexcel Economics 25-markers graded?

All Edexcel Economics 25-markers are marked based on whether you secure 4 knowledge points, 8 analysis points, 4 application points, and 9 evaluation points.

You can secure 4 knowledge points by offering 2 relevant definitions and 2 factors that influence the answer to your question. Expect as a rough guide that each factor or definition will secure you 1 knowledge point and you are looking to rack up 4 in total. Introduce your definitions in your “introduction” paragraph.

You can secure 8 analysis points by offering 4 instances of chained analysis. As you are looking for 4 analysis points within each argument, you will want to offer a more sophisticated chain of analysis than in an 8-marker.

You can do this by offering three steps in your chain A→ B → C so that you not only explain the immediate cause of an outcome but also a further consequence of that outcome. For example, increasing cigarette prices will reduce consumption → this will reduce health risks → this will reduce the burden on the public healthcare system and/or increase worker productivity.

Try to offer an example of chained analysis in each of your analysis paragraphs and each of your evaluation paragraphs for 4 total instances of chained analysis and 8 points in total.

You can secure 4 application points by pulling 4 data points from the extracts that support your argument. For example, data on the number of cigarette-related health risks would support the argument about indirect taxes eliminating this externality.

Finally, you can secure 9 evaluation points by fully explaining one counterargument for each of the two points you offer in your answer. These two points of evaluation should be given a full separate paragraph so you can dedicate enough space to explaining them completely. Look to include data points from the extracts or your own real-world examples where possible.

You will also want to secure evaluation points in your conclusion or “final judgement.” You should offer a conclusion that brings together your two previous points of evaluation. A simple way to do this is to tell the marker which of your two arguments you find most compelling.

Question 1: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2021 Paper 1

The national living wage, the minimum wage for 25-year-olds and over, is expected to rise to more than £10.50 an hour in 2024 compared with £8.72 in 2020. The wage does not apply to the UK’s self-employed and ‘gig economy’ workers.

Some economists said the increase was ambitious. Business groups warned that employers in sectors such as social care could be hit hard. In large parts of the north of England the living wage has already reached two-thirds of local median earnings, said Professor Shackleton.

Evaluate the disadvantages of a significant increase in the national living wage on a specific labour market, such as that for social care workers. (25 points)

Question 2: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2021 Paper 1

In many industries, such as banking, health insurance, internet search engines, pharmaceuticals, social media and telecommunications, there have been increases in market concentration.

Evaluate the possible consequences for business decision-making of increased market concentration. Refer to the industries of your choice in your answer. (25 points)

Question 3: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2020 Paper 1

The International Energy Agency has predicted that oil use by cars will peak in 2025 because of the increasing number of drivers switching to electric vehicles.

Evaluate the likely microeconomic consequences of consumers shifting from vehicles powered by fuel obtained from oil to electric-powered vehicles. (25 points)

Question 4: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2020 Paper 1

‘Amazon.com, the giant online retailer, has too much power.’ It uses its market power to put a squeeze on publishers, in effect driving down the prices it pays for books. If a publisher refuses, Amazon may take action by ‘delaying their delivery, raising their prices, and steering customers to other publishers’.

Evaluate the likely costs of a monopsony operating in a market such as book retailing. (25 points)

Question 5: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2019 Paper 1

In July 2017 it was announced that only a third of the BBC’s 96 top earning presenters were women and that its seven highest-paid presenters were all men.

According to the High Pay Centre, in 2018, UK chief executives can earn 120 times more than the average full-time worker earning £28 758.

With reference to an industry of your choice, evaluate why wage differences exist within the UK labour market.

Question 6: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2019 Paper 1

In October 2017 Scania, the Volkswagen-owned truck maker, was fined €880 million (£771 million) by the European Commission for colluding with five other truck manufacturers over a 14-year period. The firms had agreed to coordinate prices after experiencing additional costs of meeting emission regulations. 

With reference to an industry of your choice, evaluate why some firms engage in collusive behaviour (25 points).

Question 7: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2018 Paper 1

In September 2016 the government approved the building of an £18 billion nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, which will supply 7% of UK electricity for up to 60 years. The power station is funded by Chinese and French investment. Evaluate the likely private costs and external costs involved in such major power station construction projects. Use an appropriate externalities diagram in your answer. (25 points)

Question 8: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2018 Paper 1

In July 2016 Apple’s share of the UK market for smartphones was 38%. Evaluate whether such a high market share for one company is in the consumer interest. Use appropriate diagrammatic analysis in your answer. (25 points)

Question 9: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2017 Paper 1

In 2015 a report by Public Health England recommended the imposition of a 20% tax on the sale of soft drinks that contain high levels of sugar. Evaluate the likely microeconomic effects of such a tax. (25 points)

Question 10: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2017 Paper 1

Revenue maximisation is a more realistic business objective than profit maximisation for many businesses.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement? Refer to an industry of your choice in your answer. (25 points)

Question 11: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2021 Paper 2

The European Central Bank introduced a new round of quantitative easing (QE) in March 2020, purchasing up to €750 billion of assets. The objective of this QE was to reduce the serious risks to the effectiveness of monetary policy resulting from a significant recession. The European Central Bank’s target for inflation remains at ‘below but close to 2%’.

Evaluate the effectiveness of quantitative easing during ‘a significant recession’. (25 points)

Question 12: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2021 Paper 2

It has been estimated that if climate change led to the world’s temperature rising 2.5 °C compared to the temperature in 2010, then global GDP per capita would be 15% lower by 2100. If temperatures rise by 4 °C compared to the temperature in 2010, then by 2100 global GDP per capita would decline by more than 30%. 

Evaluate the potential trade-offs between environmental protection and other macroeconomic objectives. (25 points)

Question 13: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2020 Paper 2

In 2018, the United States Government cut the corporation tax rate (tax on company profits) from 35% to 21%. Income tax rates for US citizens were also reduced: for example, the top rate of income tax was cut from 39.6% to 37%.

Evaluate the likely impact of cutting tax rates as a policy to increase economic growth.

Question 14: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 November 2020 Paper 2

In terms of income distribution and wealth distribution Brazil is one of the most unequal countries in the world. Its income Gini coefficient is 0.449 and it is ranked number 2 in the world for its wealth inequality. Evaluate possible economic causes of income and wealth inequalities within a country such as Brazil. (25 points)

Question 15: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 May 2019 Paper 2

Three of Africa’s main trading blocs have agreed to form the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA). This will create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, stretching across 26 countries with a combined GDP of around £1 trillion. 

Evaluate the effects of the growth of trading blocs such as the TFTA on global trading patterns (25 points)./h

Question 16: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 May 2019 Paper 2

Japan’s budget deficit for 2017/18 is expected to be 4.6% of GDP. Its national debt is forecast to increase to above 250% of GDP by 2019. Evaluate the impact of a large fiscal deficit and national debt on a country’s economy. (25 points)

Question 17: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2017 Paper 2

Since the global financial crisis of 2008 there have been over 5 700 increases in tariffs, quotas and administrative controls on international trade. Evaluate the likely effects of an increase in protectionism on the economy of a developing country of your choice (25 points).

Question 18: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 June 2017 Paper 2

Global oil prices fell from a 2008 peak of $147 a barrel to $27 in 2016.

Evaluate the likely macroeconomic consequences of a significant fall in global oil prices (25 points).

Question 19: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2024

A small hotel in Scarborough has seen its energy bills increase from £2000 to £8000
per month. Small businesses do not have the energy management teams of larger
companies to negotiate better deals.

Evaluate the microeconomic effects of rising energy bills on the hotel industry or an
industry of your choice.

Question 20: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2024

Bytedance, which owns TikTok, has launched its own fragrance ‘Emotif’.
The Beijing-based social media giant has already entered the food and drink markets.

Evaluate the level of contestability in the fragrance industry or another industry of
your choice.

Question 21: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2023

The average UK household energy bill (gas and electric combined) rose 80% from
£1971 in 2021 to £3549 in 2022.

Evaluate possible methods of government intervention to control household energy
bills in the UK.

Question 22: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2023

Using 2021 estimates of carbon emissions, it is estimated that a petrol car journey from London to Glasgow emits approximately 3.3 times more carbon dioxide per passenger than the equivalent journey by train.

Evaluate possible methods of government intervention to reduce carbon emissions caused by road transport in the UK.

Question 23: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2022

Tesla held an 82% market share of the electric vehicle market in the United States
during the first half of 2020.

Evaluate whether a monopoly is likely to operate efficiently. Refer to at least one
monopoly of your choice.

Question 24: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2022

Some occupations in the UK are facing large labour shortages. Hard-to-fill vacancies include qualified chefs, software engineers, construction workers and qualified nurses.

Evaluate the factors that might influence the supply of labour in an occupation of your choice.

Question 25: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2025

High Speed 2 (HS2) was a £100 billion UK government rail project designed to expand the existing network. The journey time between London and Manchester would take just 1 hour and 11 minutes, 54 minutes quicker than today’s fastest time. Almost 900 homes, 1 000 businesses and around 60 ancient woodlands would be destroyed by its construction.

Evaluate the likely microeconomic effects of building major infrastructure projects.

Question 26: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 1 2025

In 2023, the UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said that he wanted to see all students in England study some form of mathematics until they reach the age of 18 to ‘ensure that they leave school better equipped for the jobs of the future’. This would require additional spending on education. Just half of all 16 to 19 year-olds study mathematics. Yet in a world where data is everywhere and statistics are vital in every job, the workforce will require more analytical skills than ever before.

Evaluate the likely microeconomic effects of increased spending on education.

Question 27: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2022

Both China and the United States have been gradually increasing the tariffs imposed on each other’s exports as their trade dispute continues. The IMF estimated that the trade dispute between China and the United States would reduce global GDP growth by 0.8 percentage points by the end of 2020.

Evaluate the likely impact of an increase in protectionism on the global economy.

Question 28: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2022

With global economic growth slowing and inequality rising, the case against globalisation is strengthening. But there are also many benefits to globalisation. Global trade and international trade agreements allow countries to focus on their strengths and share expertise, as well as reducing risk through diversification.

Evaluate the likely impact of globalisation on the global economy.

Question 29: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2023

In 2022 the value of UK exports fell by 14% compared with 2020. In contrast, the global average increase in exports was 8.2% over the same time period. The UK’s competitiveness also fell, dropping five places from 18th in 2021 to 23rd in 2022 in the world competitiveness rankings.

Evaluate macroeconomic policies that could be used to increase international competitiveness in the UK’s export markets.

Question 30: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2023

UK inflation, as measured by the CPI, rose to 10.1% in the 12 months to July 2022, compared to 2.0% in the 12 months to July 2021.

Evaluate macroeconomic policies, apart from monetary policy, the UK government could use to reduce inflation.

Question 31: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2024

In 2021 Brazil’s current account deficit on the balance of payments was US$46.12 billion. The Central Bank of Brazil intervened to sell its own currency, the real, on September 23rd 2022. This was the first time it has intervened in foreign currency markets since December 2021.

Evaluate macroeconomic policies that could be used to reduce a current account deficit. Refer to a country of your choice in your answer.

Question 32: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2024

In 2020, exports as a share of world GDP were 12% higher than in 2000, almost twice as high as 50 years ago.

Evaluate the possible factors contributing to globalisation.

Question 33: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2025

In Sudan, public services such as healthcare are struggling to keep running. Power outages, blocking of internet access, and fuel shortages, will mean hospitals struggle to operate. Many of the hospitals in the capital city, Khartoum, have reported shortages of doctors, blood, transfusion equipment, medical supplies, and other skilled workers and commodities.

Evaluate the possible factors influencing the level of economic development in a developing country of your choice.

Question 34: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 2 2025

In January 2023 the UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, promised to halve inflation by the end of the year. In July 2023 the Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, said: “It is crucial that we… return inflation to its 2% target and provide the environment of price stability in which the UK economy can thrive. This is the best contribution monetary policy can make to the prosperity of the United Kingdom.”

Evaluate the possible conflicts between macroeconomic objectives when seeking to control inflation.

Question 35: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2022

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of decreasing interest rates in Kenya, or another developing country of your choice.

Question 36: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2022

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic strategies that could be used to promote development in Kenya, or another developing country of your choice.

Question 37: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2023

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of falling house prices.

Question 38: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2023

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of labour shortages in the UK, or a developed economy of your choice.

Question 39: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2024

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of labour shortages in the UK, or a developed economy of your choice.

Question 40: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2024

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of Ghana joining the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (Extract F).

Question 41: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2025

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic reasons for the fall in poverty in India.

Question 42: Edexcel A-Level Economics 9EC0 Paper 3 2025

Evaluate the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of rapid increases in population in India.

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