Edexcel A-Level Economics Past Paper 25-marker Questions

We compiled this list of 25-marker questions from the Edexcel A-Level Economics past papers to help you study. 25-markers are the longest and most challenging questions on the Edexcel test and require repeated practice to get right. We went through all the Edexcel A-Level Economics past papers and pulled out all the 25-marker questions.

What is the Edexcel A-Level Economics test?

The Edexcel A-Level Economics test is an economics qualification taken by students in their last two years of secondary school as preparation for university. Many of the students who take an Economics A-Level will go on to study economics or a related course like business studies at university.

You can take an A-Level in economics from a number of other exam boards like AQA, CIE, and Eduqas. However, the Edexcel Economics A-Level is by far the most common and Edexcel is the largest examination provider in the UK.

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

We got these Edexcel Economics A-level 25-marker past paper questions by going through all the past papers published by Edexcel. Our goal is to compile a list of as many 25-marker questions as we can so that you can practice them easily. 25-marker questions are the longest on the Edexcel A-Level economics test and require you to offer in-depth evaluation points. The answer key is located 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).