AQA GCSE Economics Paper 1 2025 Mark Scheme

Download the official AQA GCSE Economics Paper 1: How Markets Work mark scheme from the June 2025 series (8136/1). This is the final v1.0 examiner-approved document used during standardisation to award marks consistently across all candidates.

This mark scheme provides:
• Full multiple-choice answers (Section A)
• Step-by-step calculations and working marks
• Level-of-response descriptors for 6-, 9-, and 15-mark questions
• Indicative content and examiner guidance for extended responses

For example:
- Page 4 contains the full answer key for Questions 1–10 (e.g. Q2 = scarce resources and unlimited wants, Q8 = price inelastic)
- Page 6 shows the full calculation for price elasticity of supply (PES = 2) with method marks
- Page 10 provides accepted answers for percentage change calculations (−16.6% or −38.4%)
- Page 14 includes the full worked solution for profit per household (£224) in the energy market case study .

The mark scheme also explains how AQA awards marks using level-based marking. For example:
• Level 3 responses include well-developed chains of reasoning
• Level 5 (15-mark questions) requires sustained evaluation, strong judgement, and use of evidence

It includes indicative content for all major topics tested in the paper:
• Demand, supply, and elasticity
• Labour markets and wages
• Market structures (competition vs monopoly)
• Externalities (e.g. gaming industry impacts)
• Real-world case study: UK domestic energy market

This document is essential for understanding exactly how examiners award marks and what is required to achieve top grades.

Use it alongside the 8136/1 question paper to:
• Accurately mark your answers
• Identify common mistakes
• Improve exam technique and evaluation skills

This mark scheme is designed for GCSE Economics students studying AQA 8136, particularly Year 10–11 students preparing for exams or aiming for grades 6–9. It is especially useful for those practising past papers.
Teachers and tutors can use this document for marking, standardisation, and teaching exam technique. It is also ideal for independent learners and home-schooled students.