Ireland - Leaving Cert Economics

Leaving Cert Economics grinds

Leaving Cert Economics has two parts: a research study report worth 20% and a 2 hour 30 minute exam worth 80%. The exam is tight on time and recent papers test understanding (the 'why') more than recall, so practice under timed conditions matters.

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What every programme includes

✓ Micro: demand, supply, elasticity and market structures
✓ Macro: national income, inflation, money and banking
✓ Government, the EU and international trade
✓ Diagrams drawn and explained correctly
✓ The research study report (20%)
✓ Timing for the 2h30 paper

Lesson times in your time zone

Weekdays 3pm-9pm after school · Weekends 8am-8pm, your local time. Pick the slot when you book.

How Economics is assessed

The current specification was introduced in September 2019 and first examined in 2021. At Higher and Ordinary Level there are two components: a research study report (20%) and a terminal written examination (80%) of 2 hours 30 minutes.

On recent Higher Level papers, Section A has short questions (answer five of ten) and Section B longer questions (answer three of six). Section B questions are long and multi-part, so planning time per question is essential.

What examiners reward

✓ Precise definitions using the specification's terms
✓ Diagrams that are labelled fully and referred to in the answer
✓ Explanation that links cause to effect step by step
✓ Current Irish and EU examples
✓ Evaluation: the 'it depends' that separates H1 from H3 answers

The research study

The research study is a report on an economics topic from a brief. It rewards a clear question, real data and analysis using economic concepts. Tutors teach how to structure it and use evidence; the report must be the student's own.

Higher or Ordinary Level?

Higher Level Economics asks for more diagrams, more explanation and evaluation, and finishing the paper in 2 hours 30 minutes is the main challenge. Students who can draw and explain the core diagrams from memory by the mocks are usually ready. The research study counts at both levels, so starting it early takes pressure off the exam choice.