Why JC Students Struggle with A Level Economics — And How Examiner Insight Makes the Difference
A Level Economics is one of the most commonly misunderstood subjects at the JC level. Many students enter JC expecting Economics to be a memorisation-based subject, only to find themselves struggling despite hours of studying.
According to Dr Anthony Fok, a former MOE Economics teacher and A Level Economics examiner, the problem is rarely a lack of effort. Instead, it is a misunderstanding of what the subject actually tests.
Economics Is Not About Memorising Notes
One of the biggest misconceptions about A Level Economics is that knowing more content leads to better results. In reality, students who memorise extensively often plateau at average grades.
Economics is a thinking and application subject. Examiners assess how well students can:
- Apply concepts to real or given contexts
- Explain cause-and-effect relationships clearly
- Evaluate issues using balance and judgement
Without these skills, even well-written answers with correct definitions may score poorly.
“Economics is not a content subject — it is a thinking subject,” explains Dr Anthony Fok.
Why Many Students Plateau at a B or C Grade
A common pattern seen by former examiners is that students:
- Reproduce lecture notes instead of answering the question
- Lack clear evaluation in essays
- Provide one-sided arguments
- Struggle with time management in exams
These students often understand Economics conceptually but do not present their answers in a way that aligns with marking requirements.
As a result, marks are lost not because answers are wrong, but because they are incomplete or poorly structured.
How A Level Economics Is Really Marked
From an examiner’s perspective, A Level Economics scripts are assessed holistically. Key areas of focus include:
- Application: Is the answer linked to the context or question?
- Analysis: Are explanations logical, sequential, and clearly reasoned?
- Evaluation: Is there balance, judgement, and depth?
Evaluation is particularly crucial at the H2 level. Many students know what to write, but not how far to argue or when to conclude.
“Evaluation is often the difference between an average answer and a distinction,” says Dr Anthony Fok.
The Advantage of Learning from a Former Examiner
One major advantage of Economics tuition led by a former examiner is clarity. Students are taught:
- What examiners look for
- What common mistakes cost marks
- How to structure answers efficiently under time pressure
Instead of guessing what is “good enough,” students gain a clearer understanding of examiner expectations.
This insider perspective helps students write answers that are focused, relevant, and exam-effective.
Building Confidence Through Structured Thinking
Many students lose confidence in Economics because the subject feels vague or subjective. However, when taught with clear frameworks, Economics becomes far more manageable.
Dr Anthony Fok emphasises:
- Clear essay and CSQ structures
- Logical thinking over memorisation
- Progressive skill-building
This approach not only improves results, but also helps students feel more in control during examinations.
Can Economics Tuition Help Strong Students?
Economics tuition is not only for students who are struggling. High-performing students often seek tuition to:
- Refine evaluation skills
- Improve clarity and depth
- Secure distinctions
With targeted feedback and examiner-style guidance, even good answers can be elevated.
Final Thoughts
A Level Economics is a subject where how you think and write matters more than how much you memorise. Understanding examiner expectations, mastering application, and developing evaluation skills are key to long-term improvement.
With guidance from experienced educators like Dr Anthony Fok, students can move beyond confusion and approach Economics with greater clarity and confidence.