Welcome to the 74th edition of our Newsletter EdGenie's 📜 Sunday Scroll...

Every Sunday I send out actionable tips, tricks and real-world application insights from my 15 year experience coaching students to achieve As and A*s in their Economics A Levels via EdGenie.

Hey Genies, 👋

Let me tell you about the three biggest mistakes I see students making when it comes to A-Level Economics.

And here’s the kicker: Most students don’t even realise they’re making them.

If you can overcome these, you’ll be miles ahead of your peers.

Let’s dive in:

1️⃣ Lack of Self-Awareness

So many students think they’re doing great… but they’re just not.

They think copying notes from a textbook or watching a couple of YouTube videos is enough.

Or they write answers with no structure and think blurting out content is a good attempt at the question.

Here’s the truth: This is not real progress.

Most of the time, the issue is they don’t fully understand the exam structure, technique, or relevant content required for the question.

If you’re not crystal clear on what the examiner is asking, how can you expect to score well?

Self-awareness is about knowing what you should be doing—how to revise, how much depth is needed, and whether you truly understand the topic in context and writing the correct answers.

Be honest with yourself: Are you working the right way, or just putting in hours for the sake of it?

2️⃣ Ignoring Exam Technique
Exam technique is 100% of your exam success.

You could know the content inside out, but if you don’t know how to use it in an exam setting, it won’t translate into high marks.

For example, do you know:

How to structure an 8-marker or 25-marker for Edexcel?

Whether AQA’s 25-mark essay section requires a judgment in the intro or conclusion?

How to weave extracts into your answers to maximise marks?

Why you’re losing marks in multiple-choice questions despite understanding the theory?

These are the questions you need to answer now.

If you wait until it’s too late to learn exam structure,

you’ll waste valuable time fixing basic mistakes closer to exams.

This is why I always tell students: Get support early.

At EdGenie, we drill exam structure into you from Day 1. Whether you’re in Year 12 or the start of Year 13, mastering technique early sets you up for success.

3️⃣ Not Enough Practice

Content knowledge does not equal good grades.
I can’t tell you how many students say, “I know the theory, but my marks don’t reflect it.”

The issue?

You’re not applying your knowledge to actual exam questions.

Practice is where the magic happens.

You need to make mistakes, get feedback, and refine your answers.

Mark schemes won’t tell you whether your explanation was weak or whether your chain of reasoning lacked depth.

Practice regularly.

Try different question types, not just the same ones over and over. For example:

Don’t just answer “Evaluate whether an increase in tariffs is bad for the UK economy.”

Try: “Evaluate the impact of removing tariffs due to globalisation on less economically developed countries.”

It’s a completely different angle, and variety prepares you for anything the exam throws at you.

Overcome These 3 Mistakes, and You’ll Be Unstoppable

1️⃣ Get self-aware: Be honest about where you’re struggling.

2️⃣ Learn exam technique early: Don’t leave it until the exams.

3️⃣ Practise consistently: See different questions and get feedback.

These are exactly the things we help you with at EdGenie.​

From mastering exam structures to practising the right questions and getting personalised feedback, we’ve got you covered.

So, let me ask you: Are you ready to stop making these mistakes and start working smarter?

Let’s make it happen.

Best,

Emre

P.S. If you’re unsure about your technique or struggling to apply your knowledge, join EdGenie today and see the difference it makes. 💪

Trump’s Tariff Strategy 🎢:Donald Trump begins his second term with a cautious start, issuing a memorandum to review unfair trade practices rather than imposing immediate tariffs. Markets initially react positively.

Immediate Trade Threats ⚠️: By the evening, Trump signals 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico from 1st February and warns of heavy levies on China if TikTok’s sale is blocked. He also reiterates his campaign pledge of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations.

Market Reactions 📉: The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso plummet after Trump’s tariff remarks, reflecting concerns over his unpredictable trade policies.

Protectionist Rhetoric 🇺🇸: In his inaugural speech, Trump vows to tax foreign countries instead of American citizens, despite the economic reality that tariffs often raise domestic prices. He also proposes an External Revenue Service to collect tariff revenues.

Universal Tariffs Delayed ⏳:While Trump previously suggested a 20% tariff on all imports, he now states that America is “not ready for that yet,” indicating internal debates on trade policy within his administration.

Republican Legislative Strategy 🏛️:Delaying universal tariffs allows Republicans to consider them as a funding mechanism for extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which expire this year. If rejected, Trump could still impose tariffs through executive action.

China and Negotiation Tactics 🤝:Trump signals a willingness to negotiate with China, planning a visit to Beijing within 100 days. Holding off tariffs could strengthen his bargaining position.

Canada & Mexico as Test Cases 🚗:Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico could disrupt American automakers, deeply integrated with both economies. Retaliatory measures from these countries highlight the risks of escalating trade wars.

The Return of ‘Tariff Man’ 🎯: Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs is a stark reminder to the world that his protectionist policies are back, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics.

Q. How might Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico impact supply chains in the North American automotive industry?
A. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could disrupt just-in-time production networks, increasing costs for American automakers that rely on imported components. Firms may pass these costs onto consumers or relocate production. However, some domestic industries might benefit if firms shift sourcing to U.S. suppliers, though this could reduce efficiency and competitiveness globally.

Q. To what extent do tariffs achieve their intended goal of protecting domestic industries?
A. Tariffs shield domestic industries from foreign competition, potentially safeguarding jobs and stimulating local production. However, they often lead to higher input costs for domestic producers, retaliatory measures from trading partners, and inefficiencies in resource allocation. Over time, protectionism can stifle innovation and reduce global trade, harming long-term economic growth.

Q. How might the depreciation of the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso following Trump’s tariff threats affect trade balances?
A. A weaker Canadian dollar and Mexican peso make their exports cheaper and more competitive globally, partially offsetting the negative impact of U.S. tariffs. However, it also makes American goods more expensive in these markets, potentially worsening the U.S. trade deficit. In response, firms may seek alternative markets to reduce dependency on U.S. demand.

Q. What are the possible short-term and long-term consequences of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations?
A.In the short term, consumers and businesses relying on imports from BRICS countries would face higher costs, leading to inflationary pressures. Long-term consequences include potential supply chain shifts, retaliatory tariffs reducing U.S. exports, and geopolitical strains that could weaken diplomatic ties and global economic stability.

If you or your child are looking to Boost your A level Economics Grades in under 30 days, I'd recommend starting with an all-in-one support network where you get 24/7 access to a SuperTutor:

→ Join EdGenie 🧞‍♂️: Transform your A-Level Economics essays and exam marks (genuinely) with our comprehensive on-demand learning platform. This carefully curated course blends engaging content with effective exam techniques, the same ones that have empowered over 1,000 of my students to achieve an A or A* over the last 13 years.