Edexcel A-Level Economics 25-marker Past Paper Questions on Macroeconomics

This article contains a list of all the 25-marker questions on macroeconomics included in Edexcel A-Level Economics past papers. 25-marker questions are the longest on the Edexcel A-Level in economics and require you to state a clear argument built on deep analysis and evaluation. That’s why they’re so important to practice. The questions on this list should give you ample opportunity to hone your skills without having to go through all the Edexcel past papers yourself looking for 25-markers.

What is Edexcel A-Level Economics?

Edexcel A-Level Economics is an introductory economics course often taken by students aspiring to study economics at a university in their final years of secondary school. The A-Level in economics covers the basic concepts of macroeconomics and microeconomics and assumes no prior knowledge beyond basic maths skills.

Edexcel is one of many exam boards offering the A-Level in economics, although Edexcel is by far the most common. Other options include AQA, CIE, and Eduqas among others. Edexcel is a privately-owned British education and exams body founded in 1996. Edexcel has been owned by Pearson plc. since 2005.

Where did we get these Edexcel Economics A-Level Past Paper Macroeconomics 25-marker Questions?

We got these 25-marker macroeconomics questions by going through all the A-Level Economics past papers published by Edexcel. We do not own these questions and Edexcel makes them free to access on their website. Our goal was simply to make it easy for you to find all the 25-marker Macroeconomics questions in one place. The answer key can be found at the end of this page.

What is Macroeconomics?

Macroeconomics is the study of economics on a large scale. Microeconomics focuses on how individuals and specific businesses make decisions whereas Macroeconomics looks at how they act in concert across the national or global economy. Macroeconomics focuses on subjects like fiscal policy, monetary policy, economic development, financial crises, economic growth, and inflation, among many other topics. In the Edexcel A-Level Economics specification, macroeconomics is split between Theme 2 (national-level macroeconomics) and Theme 4 (global macroeconomics).

How to answer Edexcel Macroeconomics 25-markers?

Answer Edexcel Macroeconomics 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 Macroeconomics 25-markers graded?

All Edexcel Macroeconomics 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 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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).

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