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Home > Edgenie Sunday Schroll: Newsletter > Think You’re on Track for an A/A*? You Might Want to Double-Check...

Welcome to the 61st 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.

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Think your grades are accurate? You might be surprised...

Hey Genies

I’ve been receiving some worrying messages on EdGenie lately. 😨

We had a record-breaking few weeks of students enrolling with us these past few weeks, and some of their reasons for joining are honestly a bit scary. 😬

Let me explain.

Two students basically said:

"My teacher marked me down for not including an introduction and evaluation in an AQA 15-mark explain question. I thought you don’t need evaluation in 15 markers." 🤔

He’s absolutely right.

AQA 15-markers don’t require evaluation
. Yet, he was penalised because his teacher expected it. This is a classic case of misguided exam technique. ❌
Another student told me:

"Emre, my teacher keeps giving me 20+/25 on essays, or close to full marks on everything I hand in. But I’m pretty sure I’m not at that level. Can you mark my work?" 😟

I did.

Turns out, she was right to be concerned. One paper scored a C, and an essay came in at 14/25. The school hadn’t produced many A/A* students either. 📉

Again, incorrect feedback led her to think she was doing better than she was.

And just this past week, I received this message:
"I’m predicted an A*, but I don’t actually know if I’m on an A* level or not. Last year, only two students got an A*, so I’m worried I’m being graded too highly for the work I’m putting in." 🤯

After working with him, it became clear that he wasn’t performing at A* level—his depth of understanding, analysis and evaluation wasn’t there yet. But no one had told him.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

The feedback you’re receiving might not always give you the full picture.

It’s not about your teachers being wrong, but sometimes the guidance you need for those top A or A* grades can slip through the cracks. 🧠

That’s why it’s so important to truly understand your current level and know exactly what you need to work on to reach your potential. 🌟

It’s all about getting that clarity, so you’re confidently aiming for the top! 💪🔍

And if you’re unsure, I’m here to help. 👊
Emre 🧞‍♂️


Global public debt to pass $100tn this year, says IMF

Summary

Global Debt to Surpass $100tn: Global public debt is projected to surpass $100tn by the end of 2024, raising concerns over stabilising borrowing across major economies.

📈 Post-Pandemic Debt Surge: Government debt, spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to rise, with the US and China driving the surge through increased spending.

💰 Debt Approaching 100% of Global GDP: By the end of the decade, debt is expected to approach 100% of global GDP, as current plans to stabilise borrowing are deemed inadequate by the IMF.

🌍 Countries with Rising Debt: Countries like the UK, Brazil, France, Italy, and South Africa are projected to see continued debt increases.

🛑 IMF's Call for Immediate Action: The IMF warns that delaying action will require larger fiscal adjustments, calling for spending cuts or tax increases of 3-4.5% of GDP.

📉 Opportunity for Fiscal Reforms: With inflation cooling, the IMF urges governments to act now by implementing carefully designed fiscal policies that protect growth and vulnerable households.

🌿 Future Fiscal Pressures: Spending on the transition to green energy, ageing populations, and security are expected to add further fiscal pressures in the coming years.

A Level Economics Questions:

Q.Why has global public debt risen sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic?
​A. Government spending surged to support economies during the pandemic, increasing borrowing to fund stimulus packages, while revenue generation dropped, leading to a rapid rise in public debt levels.

Q.What does the term "debt-to-GDP ratio" signify in evaluating a country’s fiscal health?​
A. The debt-to-GDP ratio compares a country's debt to its GDP, indicating how much debt a country has relative to its economic output, helping assess the country’s ability to repay debt.

Q. How can monetary policy easing impact government debt levels?
​A. Easing monetary policy (lower interest rates) reduces the cost of borrowing, making it easier for governments to service their debt and possibly refinance at lower rates, which can reduce fiscal pressure.

​Q. To what extent can tax increases and spending cuts help in stabilising global public debt?
A. Tax increases can boost government revenues, while spending cuts can lower deficits, but both measures could also dampen economic growth and increase unemployment, which could weaken fiscal recovery.

Possible A Level Economics 25 Marker Question

Evaluate the potential trade-offs of prioritising debt reduction over economic growth. (25 marks)

Infographic of the Week

The EU’s Key Trade Partners in 2024

In July 2024, China and the United States remained the EU's largest trading partners, accounting for nearly one-third of its international trade. China led as the top source of imports (€46 billion), with electronics like mobile phones and computers dominating this flow. The U.S. was the largest market for EU exports (€47 billion), receiving primarily medicines and cars, a trend echoed in exports to China. Other significant partners included the UK, Switzerland, and Turkey, highlighting strong bilateral trade ties with major economies. While Russia's trade with the EU dwindled due to sanctions, the EU ran a €21 billion trade surplus in July 2024.

Chart of the Week

Global Income Inequality in 2024

According to the World Bank, income inequality remains a significant issue worldwide, with 49 countries registering a Gini index above 40, indicating high inequality. This issue is most prevalent in Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa, with South Africa and Namibia experiencing the highest levels of inequality globally. In contrast, countries in Northern and Eastern Europe, such as Slovakia and Slovenia, exhibit the lowest inequality levels, with Gini coefficients around 24. The report emphasises that high inequality hinders poverty reduction and economic growth, while reducing it can foster development and social cohesion.

Macroeconomic Data


Whenever you're ready there is one way I can help you.

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. 
A huge thanks for hopping on board EdGenie's Wednesday Wisdoms newsletter! 
I'm Emre, and I've got a big goal - to make A* education accessible to all A-level students.
And it Starts With You!

Emre Aksahin
Chief Learning Officer at Edgenie