Learner Guide: Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708

Interactive
Learner Guide
Cambridge International AS & A Level

Economics 9708
For examination from 2023
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2021 v1
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Contents
About this guide 4
Section 1: Syllabus content - what you need to know 5
Section 2: How you will be assessed 8
Section 3: What skills will be assessed 9
Section 4: Command words 10
Section 5: Example candidate response 11
Section 6: Revision 18
Learner Guide
About this guide

This guide explains what you need to know about your Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 course
and examinations.
This guide will help you to:
 understand what skills you should develop by taking this Cambridge International AS & A Level course
 understand how you will be assessed
 understand what we are looking for in the answers you write
 plan your revision programme
 revise, by providing revision tips and an interactive revision checklist (Section 6).
Following a Cambridge International AS & A Level programme will help you to develop abilities that universities value
highly, including a deep understanding of your subject; higher-order thinking skills (analysis, critical thinking, problem
solving); presenting ordered and coherent arguments; and independent learning and research.
Studying Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics will help you to develop a set of transferable skills, including
the ability to work with numerical information; think logically and independently; consider accuracy; model situations
mathematically; analyse results and reflect on findings.
Economics is a social science because decisions made by economists have an impact on all of us in our lives and in our work.
You may have chosen to study Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics because it is something to do with
topics that are regularly featured on television and elsewhere in the media. These issues include:
• What can be done to tackle climate change?
• How might economies recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19?
• What more can be done to help the world’s poorest economies?
• Why do the prices of some things we buy continue to increase?
• What is the future for globalisation?
The diagram shows the scope of the Cambridge PRODUCERS CONSUMERS
change
International AS & A Level Economics syllabus.
The content is split between: microeconomics, Microeconomics Macroeconomics
the study of consumers and producers; and Resource allocation Macroeconomy
macroeconomics, the study of an economy or Price system Government
intervention
group of economies. Governments play a role Government
intervention International issues
when intervening in individual markets and in the
affairs of the economy.
e
ch
ng
an
Moreover, a study of Economics is all about

a
ch
ge
explaining and anticipating change in the way Decision-

markets and economies function to meet their making
own objectives. Decision-making by consumers,
producers and governments is based on a body of
theories, concepts and principles that have been
put forward and applied by economists.
GOVERNMENT
Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 4

Learner Guide
Section 1: Syllabus content – what you need to know

This section gives you an outline of the syllabus content for this course.
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level study the AS Level topics for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Content section Topics included
1. Basic economic ideas and 1.1 Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
resource allocation 1.2 Economic methodology
1.3 Factors of production
1.4 Resource allocation in different economic systems
1.5 Production possibility curves
1.6 Classification of goods and services
2. The price system and the 2.1 Demand and supply curves
microeconomy 2.2 Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
2.3 Price elasticity of supply
2.4 The interaction of demand and supply
2.5 Consumer and producer surplus
3. Government microeconomic 3.1 Reasons for government intervention in markets
intervention 3.2 Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
3.3 Addressing income and wealth inequality
4. The macroeconomy 4.1 National income statistics
4.2 Introduction to the circular flow of income
4.3 Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis
4.4 Economic growth
4.5 Unemployment
4.6 Price stability
5. Government macroeconomic 5.1 Government macroeconomic policy objectives
intervention 5.2 Fiscal policy
5.3 Monetary policy
5.4 Supply-side policy
6. International economic issues 6.1 The reasons for international trade
6.2 Protectionism
6.3 Current account of the balance of payments
6.4 Exchange rates
6.5 Policies to correct imbalances in the current account of the balance
of payments
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level study additional A Level topics for Paper 3 and Paper 4.
7. The price system and the 7.1 Utility

microeconomy 7.2 Indifference curves and budget lines
7.3 Efficiency and market failure
7.4 Private costs and benefits, externalities and social costs and benefits
7.5 Types of cost, revenue and profit, short and long-run production
7.6 Different market structures
7.7 Growth and survival of firms
7.8 Differing objectives and policies of firms

Learner Guide
8. Government microeconomic 8.1 Government policies to achieve efficient resource allocation and correct
intervention market failure
8.2 Equity and redistribution of income and wealth
8.3 Labour market forces and government intervention
9. The macroeconomy 9.1 The circular flow of income
9.2 Economic growth and sustainability
9.3 Employment/unemployment
9.4 Money and banking
10. Government macroeconomic 10.1 Government macroeconomic policy objectives
intervention 10.2 Links between macroeconomic problems and their interrelatedness
10.3 Effectiveness of policy options to meet all macroeconomic objectives
11. International economic issues 11.1 Policies to correct disequilibrium in the balance of payments
11.2 Exchange rates
11.3 Economic development
11.4 Characteristics of countries at different levels of development
11.5 Relationship between countries at different levels of development
11.6 Globalisation
Make sure you always check the latest syllabus, which is available from our public website. This will also explain the
different combinations of components you can take.
Important advice
The AS Level content for Paper 1 and Paper 2 is ‘assumed knowledge’ for A Level Paper 3 and Paper 4.
This means that questions on the A Level papers and your answers to these questions may include or refer to terms
and topics that you studied in the AS Level part of the course. These AS Level topics will not directly carry any marks
towards the A Level nor will you be asked AS Level questions on A Level papers.
It is therefore important that you continue to remember your knowledge and understanding of AS Level topics
as you progress through the A Level course.
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge of economics is required.
Key concepts
Key concepts are essential ideas that help you to develop a deep understanding of your subject and make links between
different aspects of the course. The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics are:
• Scarcity and choice
The fundamental problem in economics is that resources are scarce and wants are unlimited, so there is always
a choice required between competing uses for the resources and an opportunity cost in making this choice.
• The margin and decision-making
In economic theory, decision-making by consumers, firms and governments is based on choices at the margin –
for example, firms will produce up to the point where the revenue generated by an extra unit of output is equal
to the cost of producing it. However, economic decision-making can be based on facts, theory, effectiveness,
priorities/objectives and values/ethical judgements.
• Equilibrium and disequilibrium
Individual markets and the economy as a whole are always moving into and out of equilibrium, constantly altering
the allocation of resources.

Learner Guide
• Time
Economic conditions change in different time periods, such as the short run and the long run. Individuals, firms,
markets and governments are able to respond to these changes in different ways depending on the time frame.
Some economic decisions have a time-frame element – trading off a cost in the present for a benefit in the future,
for example.
• Efficiency and inefficiency
Individual markets and the economy as a whole can be both efficient and inefficient in different ways when using
scarce resources.
• The role of government and the issues of equality and equity
There is a trade-off between, on one side, freedom for firms and individuals in unregulated markets and, on the
other side, greater social equality and equity through government regulation of individuals and markets.
• Progress and development
Economics studies how societies can progress in measurable money terms, and develop in a wider, more normative
sense regarding living standards, inclusivity and sustainability.

Learner Guide
Section 2: How you will be assessed

Cambridge International AS Level Economics makes up the first half of the Cambridge International A Level Economics
course and provides a foundation for the study of Economics at Cambridge International A Level.
About the examinations

There are two papers you must take to obtain an AS Level qualification and an additional two papers to
obtain a full A Level in Economics:
• Paper 1 Multiple Choice (AS Level)
• Paper 2 Data Response and Essays (AS Level)
• Paper 3 Multiple Choice (A Level)
• Paper 4 Data Response and Essays (A Level)
The AS Level components must be taken in the same exam series. The A Level can be staged over two years (Year 1
AS Level; Year 2 complete the A Level) or all four components can be taken in the same exam series.
About the papers

The table gives you further information about the examination papers:
Percentage of
Component Time and marks Questions
qualification
Paper 1 1 hour You will need to answer 30 multiple-choice questions.
33% of the AS Level
Each question has four possible choices.
Multiple Choice 30 marks
17% of the A Level
Questions are based on the AS Level subject content.
Paper 2 2 hours Section A: you will need to answer one compulsory
data response question, typically with six parts.
Data Response 60 marks
and Essays (20 marks for Section B: you will need to write one essay from a
each section) choice of two on microeconomics. There are two parts
67% of the AS Level
to each essay question.
33% of the A Level
Section C: you will need to write one essay from a
choice of two on macroeconomics. There are two parts
to each essay question.
Questions are based on the AS Level subject content.
Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutes You will need to answer 30 multiple-choice questions.
Each question has four possible choices.
Multiple Choice 30 marks
Questions are based on the A Level subject content; 17% of the A Level
knowledge of material from the AS Level subject
content is assumed.
Paper 4 2 hours Section A: you will need to answer one compulsory
data response question with four parts.
Data Response 60 marks
and Essays (20 marks for Section B: you will need to write one essay from a
each section) choice of two on microeconomics. The essay questions
are unstructured with no parts.
Section C: you will need to write one essay from 33% of the A Level
a choice of two on macroeconomics. The essay
questions are unstructured with no parts.
Questions are based on the A Level subject content;
knowledge of material from the AS Level subject
content is assumed.
Learner Guide
Section 3: What skills will be assessed

The examiners take account of the following skills areas (assessment objectives) in the examinations:
Assessment objectives (AO) What does the AO mean?
AO1 Knowledge and understanding Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, key terms and
theories in Economics, diagrams and the interpretation of economic
information
AO2 Analysis Draw out causes and effects in economic relationships, and explain
the likely impact and consequences of changes in economic variables.
Both sides of an economic issue should be considered and there may be
application to particular examples.
AO3 Evaluation Weigh up arguments often coming to a judgement. You may be asked to
come to a reasoned conclusion following an assessment of the strengths
and weaknesses of these arguments, taking into account the quality of
information available.
It is important that you know the different weightings (%) of the assessment objectives, as this affects how
the examiner will assess your work.
Assessment objectives as a percentage of each qualification
Assessment objective Weighting at AS Level % Weighting at A Level %

AO1 Knowledge and understanding 35 35
AO2 Analysis 40 40
AO3 Evaluation 25 25
Total 100 100
Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component
Assessment objective Weighting in components %

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4
AO1 Knowledge and understanding 47 33 47 33
AO2 Analysis 40 37 40 37
AO3 Evaluation 13 30 13 30
Total 100 100 100 100

Learner Guide
Section 4: Command words

The table below includes command words used in the assessment for this syllabus. The use of the command word
will relate to the subject context.
Command word What it means
Analyse examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them
Assess make an informed judgement
Calculate work out from given facts, figures or information
Comment give an informed opinion
Compare identify/comment on similarities and/or differences
Consider review and respond to given information
Define give precise meaning
Demonstrate show how or give an example
Describe state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Discuss write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way
Evaluate judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something

set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things evident / provide why
Explain
and/or how and support with relevant evidence
Give produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory
Identify name/select/recognise
Justify support a case with evidence/argument
Outline set out main points
State express in clear terms

Learner Guide
Section 5: Example candidate response

This section takes you through an example question and answer from a Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics
specimen examination paper. It will help you to see how to identify the command words within questions and to understand
what is required in your response. Understanding the questions will help you to know what you need to do with your
knowledge. For example, you might need to state something, calculate something, find something or show something.
All information and advice in this section is specific to the example question and response
being demonstrated. It should give you an idea of how your responses might be viewed
by an examiner, but it is not a list of what to do in all questions. In your own examination,
you will need to pay careful attention to what each question is asking you to do.
This section is structured as follows:
Question
Command words have been highlighted and their
meaning explained. This will help you to understand
clearly what is required. For more information go to
www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/
what-to-expect-on-exams-day/command-words
Example candidate response

This is a specimen paper answer to Paper 2 question 4.
Good points and problems have been highlighted to show
you how to answer a question.
How the answer could be improved

Here we have suggested possible improvements
to the answer.
Common mistakes
We have highlighted some typical errors which candidates
may make when attempting this question.
General advice
These tips will help you to answer questions in general.

Learner Guide 4
Section C
Question Answer one question.

This is the question for Paper 2 Question 4.
EITHER
4 (a) Compare the causes of structural unemployment and cyclical unemployment and consider
which of these types of unemployment is likely to be more harmful to an economy. [8]
(b) Assess whether expansionary monetary policy is likely to be successful in reducing all types
of unemployment. [12]
Compare – this command word means that you need to

OR
identify similarities and differences between the causes of
5 (a) Explain what is meanttwo by
types of unemployment,
a deficit structural
on the current accountand
of cyclical. Your balance of
an economy’s
payments and consideranswer should
whether a explicitly
high rate focus on anwill
of inflation identification
always lead andto a deficit on the
current account of anexplanation
economy’s of
balance of payments.
similarities and differences. [8]
(b) Assess whether a high rate of inflation or a deficit on the current account of the balance of
payments is the more serious problem for an economy. [12]
Consider – this command word is often used in part (a) 4questions on

Paper 2. Here, it requires you to review and to respond to what you have
Section C
written about the similarities and differences between the causes of
these two types of unemployment. You should consider
Answer onewhat you have
question.
written and then be clear on the extent to which there are similarities
and differences
EITHER between the respective causes.
4 (a) Compare the causes of structural unemployment and cyclical unemployment and consider
which of these types of unemployment is likely to be more harmful to an economy. [8]
(b) Assess whether expansionary monetary policy is likely to be successful in reducing all types
of unemployment. [12]
OR
Assess – this means you will need to make an informed judgement whether monetary policy is likely to be
successful
5 in reducing
(a) Explain all types
what is of unemployment.
meant by a deficit on the current account of an economy’s balance of
payments and consider whether a high rate of inflation will always lead to a deficit on the
When you readcurrent
the question carefully,
account you should
of an economy’s note that
balance it refers to all types of unemployment and not
of payments. [8]
just the two types of unemployment referred to in part (a) of the question.
Various approaches to the question are possible. The answer provided is just one such approach.
(b) Assess whether a high rate of inflation or a deficit on the current account of the balance of
payments is the more serious problem for an economy.
Copyright Acknowledgements:
[12]
Question 1 © Peter Vanham; The story of Viet Nam’s economic miracle; World Economic Forum; 11 September 2018
Question 1 © Adapted; Statistics for Table 1 taken from www.trading economics.com
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.
© UCLES 2020 9708/02/SP/23

Learner Guide
Example candidate response
Example candidate response for Paper 2 Question 4a Examiner comments

(a) Two important but different causes of unemployment This is a successful answer to this
are structural unemployment and cyclical unemployment. question. The command word
‘compare’ is clearly evidenced
Structural unemployment refers to a situation when people throughout the answer, particularly
lose their jobs in declining industries, for example as a in the first and final paragraphs.
result of a change in the structure of an economy. Cyclical Each type of unemployment is
unemployment refers to a situation when people lose their understood with an excellent last
sentence to the first paragraph. So,
jobs because of a lack of aggregate demand in an economy;
full three marks for AO1 Knowledge
it is called cyclical because it is related to a downturn in the and Understanding.
trade cycle. It affects the whole economy across a wide range
The analysis of each type of
of industries. The key difference between the two causes of unemployment is written in a similar
unemployment is that structural unemployment is related format. This is good and makes clear
to particular industries, whereas cyclical unemployment is differences between the two sets
of causes. There are two reasons
related to developments in the whole economy.
explained as causes for each type of
unemployment. Although correct,
Structural unemployment can arise for a number of the reference to labour immobility
is an A Level topic and goes beyond
different reasons. One reason could be because of the decline
the scope of the question. Full three
of certain industries and workers lacking the appropriate marks for AO2 Analysis irrespective
skills to change jobs from declining industries to expanding of this content.
industries. This will be especially likely when there is a high The answer gained the two
level of labour immobility in terms of both occupational and marks that are available for A03
geographical mobility of labour. Another reason for structural Evaluation. These marks were
unemployment is the existence of technological change where awarded for the two sentences in
the last paragraph. There is a clear
capital gradually replaces labour. justification for the conclusion that
cyclical unemployment is likely to be
Cyclical unemployment can also arise for a number of more harmful to an economy than
structural unemployment.
different reasons. One reason is a fall in aggregate demand
Total mark awarded =
in an economy; for this reason, cyclical unemployment
8 out of 8
is sometimes called demand-deficient unemployment.
Another reason would be a situation when an economy was
experiencing a downturn over two successive quarters, over a
period of six months; this is known as a recession and occurs
when there is negative growth in real GDP over six months.
Although both types of unemployment are likely to be

harmful to an economy, it is generally believed that
cyclical unemployment is likely to be more harmful because
it affects the whole economy and many different industries.
It is therefore likely to be responsible for more jobs lost
than through structural unemployment.

Learner Guide
Example candidate response for Paper 2 Question 4b Examiner comments

(b) Monetary policy refers to one type of government policy The answer contains clear
to achieve macroeconomic objectives by intervention in an knowledge and understanding of
monetary policy and how it works.
economy in different ways. Expansionary monetary policy All three tools of monetary policy
refers to the situation where policies are undertaken to are referred to and systematically
increase the level of aggregate demand in an economy. explained as to how they can be
There are three tools of monetary policy that would be applied to produce an expansion of
aggregate demand. The full 4 marks
appropriate to an increase in aggregate demand: an increase
are awarded for AO1 Knowledge and
in the money supply, a reduction in the rate of interest or a Understanding.
loosening of credit regulations.
The answer analyses the respective
strengths and weaknesses of each
An increase in the money supply will be carried out by of the three measures of monetary
policy in turn and their relevance
the central bank of an economy. The central bank will try
in reducing unemployment in
to influence bank lending by commercial banks and this an economy. The application of
will bring about an increase in the money supply. Such expansionary monetary policy is
an increase in the money supply, through increased bank made clear for each of the measures.
Systematically analysing strengths
lending, is likely to reduce unemployment in an economy.
and weaknesses is a relevant
A strength of this measure is that its impact is likely to approach to take. Again, full marks.
be noticed in a relatively short period of time. However, 4 marks for A02 Analysis.
a potential weakness of such a measure is that it will
depend on the relationship between the central bank and
the commercial banks in an economy and it may not
always be easy for a central bank to force the commercial
banks to operate in a certain way.
A reduction in the rate of interest is a second possible

measure. A strength of this measure is that any change
of interest can have an immediate impact as people and
institutions are encouraged to borrow more as the cost of
borrowing is cheaper. The increase in borrowing is likely
to be followed by an increase in spending and this could
lead to a reduction in unemployment. However, a potential
weakness of such a measure is that it may not always have a
significant impact on decisions to borrow money, the interest
elasticity of demand being relatively inelastic.

Learner Guide
Example candidate response Examiner comments

A third tool of monetary policy is how central banks can The evaluation is contained in the
vary credit regulations on lending by commercial banks to last two paragraphs. There is an
attempt to assess whether monetary
their customers. When there is a need to increase aggregate policy is effective in reducing each of
demand to reduce unemployment, an easing of credit the five types of unemployment with
regulations should boost spending by consumers and firms, a clear assessment that monetary
creating more jobs. A criticism of this policy is that it is short policy is most effective in combating
cyclical unemployment. 3 out of
term and can lead to periods of ‘Stop and Go’ that are not
4 marks were awarded for A03
conducive to economic growth. Evaluation. A final evaluation mark
could have been gained by referring
to the scope of fiscal policy being
Some economists include the exchange rate as a tool of
applied along with monetary policy
monetary policy. It must be stressed that this is only to reduce unemployment in an
valid when dealing with a fixed exchange rate system. economy.
A devaluation of the exchange rate will usually increase Total mark awarded =
aggregate demand and employment. This is because 11 out of 12
the devaluation will lead to a fall in export prices and
an increase in import prices relative to an economy’s
competitors. These changes will boost aggregate demand and
reduce unemployment.
The impact of all three measures is likely to be effective in

reducing the level of cyclical unemployment in an economy
because expansionary monetary policy should lead to an
increase in aggregate demand. However, these measures
are likely to be less successful in reducing other types of
unemployment. For example, frictional unemployment occurs
when people are moving from one job to another and there
is always likely to be some form of frictional unemployment
in an economy, however successful expansionary monetary
policy is in increasing aggregate demand. Structural
unemployment may still exist as there are always likely to be
some declining industries in an economy whatever the level
of aggregate demand. Technological change is a key feature
of modern economies and as the impact of technological
progress affects an economy, and there is a move from
capital to labour, some workers are likely to continue to
lose their jobs. Finally, even if expansionary monetary policy
has increased the level of aggregate demand in an economy,
some seasonal unemployment may continue to exist at
certain times of the year, such as in the tourist industry.

Learner Guide
Example candidate response Examiner comments

Therefore, in conclusion, expansionary monetary policy
is likely to be successful in reducing unemployment,
especially cyclical unemployment, but will not necessarily
be as successful in reducing other types of unemployment,
such as frictional, structural, technological and seasonal
unemployment.
How the answer could have been improved

Part (a)
The second and third paragraphs are theoretically correct and just sufficient for three marks. The quality of each
paragraph could be improved by giving recent examples of each type of unemployment, possibly from a student’s
own country. This would give a more applied emphasis to both explanations.
The second reason for structural unemployment is thin and would be more meaningful if it was elaborated, possibly
with an actual example.
Part (b)
An alternative approach would be to use Aggregate Demand / Aggregate Supply analysis, with a diagram, to show
how monetary policy could reduce unemployment in an economy. This would mean that only a brief explanation
of each of the measures of monetary policy was required.
As with part (a), the answer could be enhanced with some actual examples of monetary policy in context.
Common mistakes
Part (a)
The most common mistake is to not appreciate the significance of the ‘compare’ command word. An answer that describes
or even analyses each type of unemployment with no attempt to compare is unlikely to gain more than one mark.
It is also possible for one or both of the types of unemployment to be incorrectly defined. This would make any
comparison meaningless.
The wording of the question is that the evaluation requires an explicit justification as to which type of unemployment
is more damaging to the economy. In principle, this could be either or both types of unemployment. The key point is
to make sure any judgement is consistent with what has been written. An unsupported judgement will get no marks.
Part (b)
Common mistakes learners make include:
• Confusion over the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy.
• Confusion over the difference between expansionary and contractionary monetary policy.
Both of these mistakes will be likely to lead to no marks for the answer:
• Including a freely floating exchange rate, as distinct from a fixed exchange rate, within the scope of monetary policy.
• Not ensuring that there is a judgement made that is consistent with the ‘Assess’ command word. This is worth 4 marks
out of the 12 available.

Learner Guide
General advice
Part (a)
The command word ‘explain’ is one that is widely used in part (a) questions. This command word requires an answer
to contain reasons for a particular issue or to make clear relationships between economic concepts by providing
evidence to support the explanation. To do this well requires an answer that avoids unnecessary description whilst
linking the points that are being made.
There are two general points that need to be made:
• The answer to part (a) is always worth 8 out of 20 marks. It should take up about 15 minutes writing time. The
specimen answer is about the right length. There is no point in writing a long drawn out descriptive answer which
is unlikely to be to the point of the question. This takes up valuable writing time.
• It is good practice to read the part (b) question before writing an answer to part (a). Part (b) is worth 12 marks,
50% more than for part (a). Do make sure you can make a reasonable attempt at part (b). It is worth noting that
full marks on part (a) are only worth 40% of the total marks available for the question.
Part (b)
• Allow sufficient writing time for the part (b) answer. Around 25 minutes is recommended.
• Remember that diagrams are an important part of the economist’s ‘tool kit’.
• Try to write short sentences that are linked. This is a good way of developing an analytical style of writing.
• In part (b) questions there are usually no marks available for definitions of key terms.
• Look at both sides of an issue (strengths and weaknesses) when analysing an issue. This skill is likely to be
relevant for most part (b) questions.

Learner Guide
Section 6: Revision
This advice will help you to revise and prepare for the examinations. It is divided into general advice and specific
advice for each of the papers.
Use the tick boxes to keep a record of what you have done, what you plan to do or what you understand.
General advice
Before the examination
Find out when the examinations are and plan your revision so you have enough time for each topic.
A revision timetable will help you.
Find out how long each paper is and how many questions you have to answer.
Know the meaning of the command words used in questions and how to apply them to the information given.
Highlight the command words in past papers and check what they mean.
Make revision notes; try different styles of notes. Discover what works best for you.
Work for short periods then have a break. Revise small sections of the syllabus at a time.
Build your confidence by practising questions on each of the topics.
Make sure that you practise lots of past examination questions so that you are familiar with the format of the
examination papers. Ensure that you are clear on how the structure of Papers 2 and 4 has changed from 2023.
You could time yourself when doing a paper so that you know how quickly you need to work in the
real examination.
Look at mark schemes to help you understand how the marks are awarded for each question. Note the relationship
between the assessment objectives and marks available for the question.
During the examination

Read the instructions carefully and answer all the questions. Be clear on how many questions you should answer
when there is a choice of question.
Check the number of marks for each question or part question. This helps you to judge how long you should spend
on the response. You don’t want to spend too long on some questions and then run out of time at the end.
Do not leave out questions or parts of questions. Remember, no answer means no mark.
You do not have to answer the questions in the order they are printed in the question paper. You may be able
to do a later question more easily then come back to an earlier one for another try.
Read all parts of a question before starting your answer. Think carefully about what is needed for each part.
You will not need to repeat material.
Read each question very carefully. Misreading a question can cost you marks:
• Identify the command words – you could underline or highlight them.
• Identify the other key words and perhaps underline them too.
• Try to put the question into your own words to understand what it is really asking.
Look very carefully at the information you are given.
• For graphs, read the title, key, axes, etc. to find out exactly what they show.
• Try using coloured pencils or a highlighter pen to pick out anything that the question asks you about.
Answer the question. This is very important!
• Use your knowledge and understanding.
• Do not just write everything you know about that topic, only write what is needed to answer the question.

Learner Guide
Make sure that you have answered everything that a question asks. Sometimes one sentence asks two things,
e.g. ‘Show that … and hence find …’. It is easy to concentrate on the first request and forget about the second one.
Do not cross out any working until you have replaced it by trying again. Even if you know it is not correct, you may
still be able to get method marks. If you have made two or more attempts, make sure that you cross out all except
the one you want marked.
Annotated diagrams and graphs can help you, and can be used to support your answer. Use them whenever
possible, but do not repeat the information in words.
Make sure that all your numbers are clear, for example make sure your ‘1’ doesn’t look like a ‘7’.
If you need to change a word or a number, or even a sign (+ to – for example), it is better to cross out your work and
rewrite it. Don’t try to write over the top of your previous work as it will be difficult to read and you may not get the marks.
Allow a few minutes at the end of the examination to go over your work. Check that you have numbered your
answers correctly.
Advice for all Papers

Remember to allocate your writing time in line with the number of marks available. Do not fall into the trap
of ‘running out of time’ – you can only get marks for the questions you have attempted.
Use economic terms whenever possible. You may sometimes find it useful to define such terms.
Try to write short sentences that are clear and to the point of the question.
Avoid using ‘I’ in your answers – write in an impersonal way.
Watch out for command words such as ‘Consider’, ‘Discuss’, ‘Evaluate’ and ‘Assess’; these words indicate that
your answer must contain evaluation.
Evaluation is often made in the last paragraph(s) of an answer; remember that you can also make comments
throughout an answer.
Always think about what you are writing, and ask yourself whether this is to the point of the question.
For essays, you may find it useful to spend a few minutes making a short plan of what you intend to write.
Try to write as legibly as you can. After all, your answers have to read and marked by a person and not a robot.
Advice for Paper 1 – Multiple Choice

Each question has a stem which states what is required and four possible choices A, B, C and D. You have a chance
of 1 in 4 of picking the correct one.
The order of questions broadly follows the same order of content as set out in the syllabus.
It is good practice to reduce the alternatives. Rule out any options that are clearly wrong. There is usually at least
one such distractor.
The correct answer is that which is most true. Rule out any of the options which appear to be either false or less true.
Questions involving calculations are likely to test your knowledge of a formula or a relationship in a set of data.
Where a question is written out in a form of words, you may find it useful to draw a diagram to help you get the
correct answer.
If you do not know the correct answer then have a guess!

Learner Guide
Advice for Paper 2 – Data Response question

The data response question usually includes a table of numerical data or a diagram such as a time-series graph
that contains numerical data. Data may also be included in the text of a question.
Spend around five minutes reading the text and looking at the data.
Pick out any key terms you recognise, and make sure that you understand any headings and labels on tables
and diagrams.
Read all of the questions. Some of the answers may be embedded in the text and require an explanation.
Simple calculations may sometimes be required. Watch out for such questions that require you to calculate or
interpret a rate of change in time-series data. Be careful when explaining changes in percentage data.
Remember to write short answers to the point of the question.
Do not spend more than 40–45 minutes on this question. Any more and this will restrict the time you can spend
on the two essay questions.
Advice for Paper 2 – Essay questions

Make sure that you can confidently answer both parts of the question. The second part will be linked to the first
part, and will be more challenging.
Be clear that the command words indicate the style of answer that you are expected to write.
You should bear in mind that the second part of the question is worth 12 marks compared to just 8 marks for the
first part. The writing time you allocate should reflect this.
Pick out any key terms in the questions and other content words that are telling you how to focus your answer
on the point of the question.
Try to write in an analytical style, linking the points you make. Avoid long, drawnout descriptions.
There will always be 2 marks for AO3 Evaluation in part (a) and 4 marks in part (b). A good score here can give
you a high mark for the question.
There are more marks for A02 Analysis in part (b) than in part (a). You may not always need to define key terms in part (b).
Advice for Paper 3 – Multiple Choice

The advice for this paper is the same as Paper 1. In addition:
• You have 15 minutes additional time. Some of the questions are longer, and more questions are likely to contain
diagrams or a table of data.
Advice for Paper 4 – Data Response question

The text is likely to be longer than that for Paper 2. Some data may be incorporated in the text although a table
or diagram of data may also be used.
Two questions will require answers that require an explanation and application. 1 mark is usually available
for each point made.
Command words indicate that two questions have marks for evaluation. Longer answers are required.
Make sure your evaluation is clear.
Advice for Paper 4 – Essay questions

All essay questions will have a command word that clearly signals that evaluation is required – 6 marks out
of 20 are available for this skill.
Some of the questions may draw upon and link more than one content section of the syllabus.
It is a good idea to think about your answer before beginning to write. Spend a few minutes drafting an outline plan.
In this way you ought to be able to see the point of the question.

Learner Guide
Revision checklists
In the next part of this guide we have provided some revision checklists. These include information from the syllabus that you should revise.
They do not contain all the detailed knowledge you need to know, just an overview. For more detail see the syllabus and talk to your teacher.
The table headings are explained below:
Topic You should be able to understand R A G Comments

Here is a list of the This is the key content and understanding you You can use the tick boxes to show when you have You can use the Comments column to:
topics you need need. revised an item and how confident you feel about it.
• Add further information of your own,
to cover and work
R = RED means you are really unsure and lack such as names of case studies needed
through.
confidence; you might want to focus your revision here • add learning aids, such as rhymes, poems
and possibly talk to your teacher for help. or word play
A = AMBER means you are reasonably confident but • pinpoint areas of difficulty you need
need some extra practice. to check further with your teacher or
textbooks
G = GREEN means you are very confident.
• include references to useful resources.
As your revision progresses, you can concentrate on the
RED and AMBER items in order to turn them into GREEN
items. You might find it helpful to highlight each topic in
red, orange or green to help you prioritise.
Note: the tables below cannot contain absolutely everything you need to know, but they do use examples wherever they can.

Learner Guide
1 Basic economic ideas and resource allocation (AS Level)

1.1 Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
1.1.1 Fundamental economic • why resources are scarce in relation to wants
problem of scarcity • the difference between wants and needs
• why decisions have to be made involving choices
1.1.2 Need to make choices at • why wants are not essential for survival
all levels (individuals, firms, • why individual consumers have to make choices
governments)
• why firms have to make choices
• why governments have to make choices
1.1.3 Nature and definition of • the concept of opportunity cost
opportunity cost, arising from • opportunity cost and an individual’s budget decisions
choices
• opportunity cost applied to a firm’s production decisions
• opportunity cost applied to a government’s spending plans
1.1.4 Basic questions of • why all economies are faced with the fundamental economic problem
resource allocation • what to produce
• how to produce
• for whom to produce
• the scope for redistribution of income
1.2 Economic methodology
1.2.1 Economics as a social • the difference in scope between microeconomics and
science macroeconomics
• why this distinction is not always clear
• why economics is a social science
• why economics makes use of models
1.2.2 Positive and normative • the meaning of a positive statement
statements • the meaning of a normative statement
• the distinction between facts and value judgements
1.2.3 Meaning of the term • what the term ceteris paribus means
ceteris paribus • its relevance in modelling the effects of change over time

Learner Guide

1.2.4 Importance of the time • the use of various time periods to assess how change can influence
period economic situations
• the short run period
• the long run period
• the very long run period
1.3 Factors of production
1.3.1 Nature and definition of • the factors of production as resources
factors of production: land,
labour, capital and enterprise
1.3.2 Difference between human • the meaning of human capital
capital and physical capital • the meaning of physical capital
• the difference between human capital and physical capital
1.3.3 Rewards to the factors of • rent or income as a reward for owning land
production • wages or earnings as a reward for labour’s services
• income or a return as a reward for using capital
• profit as a reward for enterprise
1.3.4 Division of labour and • the nature of the division of labour
specialisation • the benefits of the division of labour
• the drawbacks of the division of labour
• the nature of specialisation
• the benefits of specialisation
• the drawbacks of specialisation
1.3.5 Role of the entrepreneur in • the entrepreneur as an organiser
contemporary economies • the entrepreneur as a risk-taker
• the skills and qualities for entrepreneurial success

Learner Guide

1.4 Resource allocation in different economic systems
1.4.1 Decision-making in • the role of the price mechanism in market, planned and mixed
market, planned and mixed economies
economies • the role of government in market, planned and mixed economies
1.4.2 Resource allocation in • the advantages and disadvantages of resource allocation in market,
these economic systems planned and mixed economic systems
1.5 Production possibility curves
1.5.1 Nature and meaning • the concept of a PPC
of a production possibility • straight line and curved PPCs
curve (PPC)
• the significance of a point on the PPC in terms of resource allocation
• the use of a PPC when economies are faced with having to make
choices
1.5.2 Shape of the PPC: constant • the trade-off of products on the PPC
and increasing opportunity
costs
1.5.3 Causes and consequences • why the PPC shifts outwards or inwards
of shifts in a PPC • the consequences of these shifts
1.5.4 Significance of a position • the meaning of a point within a PPC
within a PPC • why such a point is an inefficient use of resources
• how to move from a point within a PPC
1.6 Classification of goods and services
1.6.1 Nature and definition of • the meaning of free goods
free goods and private goods • the meaning of private goods
(economic goods)
• excludability and rivalry in the provision of free goods and
private goods
• application to examples

Learner Guide

1.6.2 Nature and definition of • the meaning of public goods
public goods • why public goods are non-excludable and non-rival
• the problems of public goods provision, including free riders
• quasi-public goods
1.6.3 Nature and definition • the meaning of merit goods
of merit goods: under- • why there is under-consumption due to imperfect information
consumption as a result of in the market
imperfect information in
the market
1.6.4 Nature and definition • the meaning of demerit goods
of demerit goods: • why there is over-consumption due to imperfect information
overconsumption as a result of in the market
imperfect information in
the market
2 The price system and the microeconomy (AS Level)

2.1 Demand and supply curves
2.1.1 Effective demand • how the price mechanism works
• the nature of a market
• effective demand and notional demand
2.1.2 Individual and market • what is shown by a demand curve
demand and supply • what is shown by a market demand curve
• what is shown by a supply curve
• what is shown by a market supply curve
• a movement up and down a demand curve
• a movement up and down a supply curve

Learner Guide

2.1.3 Determinants of demand • income as a determinant of demand
• price and availability of related products as determinant of demand
• fashion, taste and attitudes as a determinant of demand
• normal goods and inferior goods
• substitutes and complements
2.1.4 Determinants of supply • costs as a determinant of supply
• the size and nature of an industry as a determinant of supply
• change in the price of other products as a determinant of supply
• government policy as a determinant of supply
2.1.5 Causes of a shift in the • how an increase in demand leads to a shift in the demand curve
demand curve (D) to the right
• how a decrease in demand leads to a shift in the demand curve
to the left
• possible causes of shifts in the demand curve
2.1.6 Causes of a shift in the • how an increase in supply leads to a shift of the supply curve
supply curve (S) to the right
• how a decrease in supply leads to a shift of the supply curve to the left
• possible causes of shifts in the supply curve
2.1.7 Distinction between a • the causes of a movement along a demand or supply curve
shift in the demand and supply • an extension of demand or supply
curves and the movement along
• a contraction of demand or supply
these curves
• the difference between a change in the quantity demanded
or supplied and a change in demand or supply
2.2 Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
2.2.1 Definitions of price • the meaning of PED
elasticity, income elasticity and • the meaning of YED
cross elasticity of demand (PED,
• the meaning of XED
YED, XED)

Learner Guide

2.2.2 Formulae for and • how to calculate PED
calculation of price elasticity, • how to calculate YED
income elasticity and cross
• how to calculate XED
elasticity of demand
2.2.3 Significance of relative • how the relative size of price, quantity and income changes affects
percentage changes, the size the size of elasticity coefficients
and sign of the coefficient of: • the significance of the sign in the coefficients of YED and XED
• price elasticity of demand
• income elasticity of demand
• cross elasticity of demand
2.2.4 Descriptions of elasticity • elastic and inelastic
values: perfectly elastic, (highly) • perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic
elastic, unitary elasticity,
• unit elasticity
(highly) inelastic, perfectly
inelastic
2.2.5 Variation in price elasticity • how PED varies with a downward movement along the length
along the length of a straight- of a straight-line demand curve
line demand curve
2.2.6 Factors affecting: • PED: availability and attractiveness of substitutes, relative expense
of the product and time period
• price elasticity of demand
• YED: whether the good is a normal good or an inferior good
• income elasticity of demand
or a necessity
• cross elasticity of demand
• XED: the extent to which two goods are substitutes or complements
2.2.7 Relationship between • total expenditure as price × quantity
price elasticity of demand and • when demand for the product is price inelastic and price increases
total expenditure on a product
• when demand for the product is price elastic and price increases
• when demand for the product is price inelastic and price decreases
• when demand for the product is price elastic and price decreases
2.2.8 Implications for decision- • why firms try to make their product more price inelastic
making of price elasticity, • why firms produce more inferior goods when incomes are falling
income elasticity and cross
• why knowledge of XED allows a firm to estimate the impact of a
elasticity of demand
competitor’s pricing strategy on demand for their own products

Learner Guide

2.3 Price elasticity of supply
2.3.1 Definition of price • the meaning of PES
elasticity of supply (PES)
2.3.2 Formula for and • the formula for and how to calculate PES
calculation of price elasticity of
supply
2.3.3 Significance of relative • why PES is always positive
percentage changes, the size • how the relative size of price and quantity changes affects the size
and sign of the coefficient of of the PES
price elasticity of supply
• price elastic and price inelastic supply
2.3.4 Factors affecting price • the availability of stocks, time period and productive capacity
elasticity of supply
2.3.5 Implications for speed and • short run ability to hold stock
ease with which firms react to • the problems of supply in agricultural markets
changed market conditions
2.4 The interaction of demand and supply
2.4.1 Definition of market • the meaning of market equilibrium
equilibrium and disequilibrium • the meaning of disequilibrium in a market
• the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity
2.4.2 Effects of shifts in • change in demand and supply for a product
demand and supply curves on • the causes of shifts in the demand curve
equilibrium price and quantity
• the causes of shifts in the supply curve
• change in both demand and supply
• the effects on equilibrium price and quantity of shifts in demand
and supply curves
2.4.3 Relationships between • alternative demand
different markets: • joint demand
• joint demand (complements)
• derived demand
• alternative demand
• joint supply
(substitutes)
• derived demand
• joint supply

Learner Guide

2.4.4 Functions of price in • the role of prices in the allocation of resources
resource allocation: rationing,
signalling (transmission of
preferences) and incentivising
2.5 Consumer and producer surplus
2.5.1 Meaning and significance • the concept of consumer surplus
of consumer surplus
2.5.2 Meaning and significance • the concept of producer surplus
of producer surplus
2.5.3 Causes of changes in • the effects of a price increase or decrease on consumer surplus
consumer and producer surplus • the effects of a price increase or decrease on producer surplus
2.5.4 Significance of price • the significance of the extent of the price change
elasticity of demand and of • the significance of PED for the change in consumer surplus
supply in determining the
• the significance of PES for the change in producer surplus
extent of these changes
3 Government microeconomic intervention (AS Level)

3.1 Reasons for government intervention in markets
3.1.1 Addressing the non- • why governments provide public goods
provision of public goods
3.1.2 Addressing the • why governments intervene to prevent the overconsumption
overconsumption of demerit of demerit goods
goods and the under- • why governments encourage the consumption of merit goods
consumption of merit goods
3.1.3 Controlling prices in • why governments may set maximum prices
markets

Learner Guide

3.2 Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
3.2.1 Impact and incidence of • The nature of a specific indirect tax
specific indirect taxes • the effects of imposing a specific indirect tax in a market
• the incidence of imposing a specific indirect tax in a market
• how PED and PES can influence the incidence of a specific indirect
tax in a market
3.2.2 Impact and incidence of • why governments provide subsidies
subsidies • the effects of introducing a subsidy in a market
• the incidence of a subsidy
3.2.3 Direct provision of goods • why governments provide certain goods and services free at the
and services point of use
3.2.4 Maximum and minimum • why governments impose a maximum price in a market
prices • the effects of maximum price control in a market
• why governments impose a minimum price in a market
• the effects of minimum price control in a market
3.2.5 Buffer stock schemes • why a buffer stock scheme is needed
• how a buffer stock scheme works
3.2.6 Provision of information • how governments provide information
3.3 Addressing income and wealth inequality

3.3.1 Difference between • the meaning of income
income as a flow concept and • the meaning of wealth
wealth as a stock concept
3.3.2 Measuring income and • the Gini coefficient
wealth inequality:
• Gini coefficient (calculation
not required)
3.3.3 Economic reasons for • the economic reasons for inequality of income
inequality of income and wealth • the economic reasons for inequality of wealth

Learner Guide

3.3.4 Policies to redistribute • the concept of a minimum wage
income and wealth: • how transfer payments work
• minimum wage • progressive income taxes
• transfer payments • inheritance taxes
• progressive income taxes, • taxes on capital
inheritance and capital taxes • state provision of essential goods and services
• state provision of essential
goods and services
4 The macroeconomy (AS Level)

4.1 National income statistics
4.1.1 Meaning of national • what is meant by national income
income
4.1.2 Measurement of national • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and how it is measured
income: • Gross National Income (GNI) and how it is measured
• Gross Domestic Product • Net National Income (NNI) and how it is measured
(GDP)
• Gross National Income (GNI)
• Net National Income (NNI)
4.1.3 Adjustment of measures • market prices
from market prices to basic • basic prices (factor cost)
prices
• how to get from market prices to basic prices
4.1.4 Adjustment of measures • gross values
from gross values to net values • net values
• how to get from gross values to net values
• the difference between GNI and NNI

Learner Guide

4.2 Introduction to the circular flow of income
4.2.1 Circular flow of income • the concept of the circular flow of income
in a closed economy and in • the circular flow of income in a closed economy
an open economy: the flow of
• the circular flow of income in an open economy
income between households,
firms and government and the • income flows between households, firms, government and
international economy the international economy
4.2.2 Injections and leakages • the meaning of injections into the circular flow of income
(multiplier not required) • the meaning of leakages from the circular flow of income
• injections and leakages in a closed economy
• injections and leakages in an open economy
4.2.3 Equilibrium and • equilibrium in the circular flow of income
disequilibrium (marginal • disequilibrium in the circular flow of income
and average propensities not
required)
4.3 Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis
4.3.1 Definition of Aggregate • what is meant by Aggregate Demand
Demand (AD)
4.3.2 Components of AD and • the components of AD: C, I, G, (X – M)
their meaning: • the meaning of components
AD = C + I + G + (X – M)
4.3.3 Determinants of AD • the determinants of C, I, G, (X – M)
(detailed knowledge of the
components of AD is not
required)
4.3.4 Shape of the AD curve • why the AD curve is downward sloping
(downward sloping)
4.3.5 Causes of a shift in the AD • the causes of an increase in AD
curve • the causes of a decrease in AD
4.3.6 Definition of Aggregate • what is meant by Aggregate Supply
Supply (AS)
4.3.7 Determinants of AS • the determinants of short run AS (SRAS)
• the determinants of long run AS (LRAS)

Learner Guide

4.3.8 Shape of the AS curve in • the shape of SRAS curve
the short run (SRAS, upward • the shape of LRAS curve
sloping line or sweeping curve)
and the long run (LRAS, either a
vertical line or in three sections
– highly elastic, upward sloping,
vertical)
4.3.9 Causes of a shift in the AS • the reasons for an increase in AS in the short run
curve in the short run (SRAS) • the reasons for an increase in AS in the long run
and in the long run (LRAS)
4.3.10 Distinction between a • what is meant by a movement along an AD or AS curve
movement along and a shift in • what is meant by a shift in an AD or AS curve
AD and AS
• what is meant by shifts in both an AD and an AS curve
4.3.11 Establishment of • the conditions for equilibrium in the AD/AS model
equilibrium in the AD/AS model • how equilibrium determines the level of output, the price level
and the determination of the and employment
level of real output, the price
level and employment
4.3.12 Effects of shifts in the AD • the effects of a shift in the AD curve on the level of output, the price
curve and the AS curve on the level and employment
level of real output, the price • the effects of a shift in the AS curve on the level of output, the price
level and employment level and employment
• the effects of a shift in both the AD and AS curves on the level of
output, the price level and employment
4.4 Economic growth
4.4.1 Meaning of economic • how economic growth is an increase in an economy’s output
growth
4.4.2 Measurement of economic • how economic growth is measured in terms of changes in real GDP
growth
4.4.3 Distinction between • the meaning of nominal (or money) GDP
growth in nominal GDP • the meaning of real GDP
and real GDP
• how to calculate real GDP

Learner Guide

4.4.4 Causes of economic • the reasons for economic growth
growth • the increase in quantity of resources
• the increase in quality of resources
4.4.5 Consequences of • the benefits of economic growth
economic growth • the costs of economic growth
4.5 Unemployment
4.5.1 Meaning of unemployment • what is meant by unemployment
4.5.2 Measures of • the level of unemployment

unemployment, with reference • the rate of unemployment
to possible difficulties in
• measures of unemployment
measurement
• difficulties in measuring unemployment
4.5.3 Causes and types of • frictional unemployment
unemployment: frictional, • structural unemployment
structural, cyclical, seasonal
• cyclical unemployment
and technological
• technological unemployment
4.5.4 Consequences of • the consequences of unemployment for individuals, firms and
unemployment the economy
4.6 Price stability
4.6.1 Definition of inflation, • the meaning of price stability
deflation, disinflation • the meaning of inflation
• an inflation rate
• the meaning of deflation
• the meaning of disinflation
4.6.2 Measurement of changes • the price level
in the price level: • how a consumer price index is calculated
• consumer price index (CPI) • the difficulties in measuring changes in the price level
• possible difficulties in
measurement

Learner Guide

4.6.3 Distinction between • how to adjust money values for inflation
money values (nominal) and
real data
4.6.4 Causes of inflation • cost-push inflation
• demand-pull inflation
• monetary inflation
4.6.5 Consequences of inflation: • the costs of inflation for individuals, firms and the economy
cost-push and demand-pull • the benefits of inflation for individuals, firms and the economy
inflation
5 Government macroeconomic intervention (AS Level)

5.1 Government macroeconomic policy objectives
5.1.1 Use of government policy • the objective of price stability
to achieve macroeconomic • the objective of low unemployment
objectives: price stability, low
• the objective of economic growth
unemployment, economic
growth (policy conflicts and
trade-offs are not required)
5.2 Fiscal policy
5.2.1 Meaning of government • taxation and government spending
budget • the budget as a statement of fiscal policy
5.2.2 Distinction between a • the meaning of a budget deficit
government budget deficit and • the meaning of a budget surplus
a government budget surplus
5.2.3 Meaning and significance • national debt
of national debt • how national debt is expressed

Learner Guide

5.2.4 Taxation: • direct and indirect taxes
• types of taxes: direct/ • progressive, regressive and proportional taxes
indirect, progressive/ • marginal and average rates of taxation
regressive/proportional • reasons for taxation
• rates of tax: marginal and
average rates of taxation
(mrt, art)
• reasons for taxation
5.2.5 Government spending: • capital (investment) and current spending
• types of spending: capital • the reasons for government spending
(investment) and current
• reasons for government
spending
5.2.6 Distinction between • expansionary fiscal policy and when it is used
expansionary and • contractionary fiscal policy and when it is used
contractionary fiscal policy
• automatic stabilisers
5.2.7 AD/AS analysis of the • the impact on national income
impact of expansionary and • the impact on level of real output
contractionary fiscal policy on
• the impact on price level
the equilibrium level of national
income and the level of real • the impact on employment
output, the price level and
employment

Learner Guide

5.3 Monetary policy
5.3.1 Definition of monetary • price and quantity of money
policy
5.3.2 Tools of monetary policy: • interest rates
interest rates, money supply • money supply
and credit regulations
• credit regulations
5.3.3 Distinction between • expansionary monetary policy and when it is used
expansionary and • contractionary monetary policy and when it is used
contractionary monetary policy
impact of expansionary and • the impact on the level of real output
contractionary monetary policy
• the impact on price level
on the equilibrium national
employment
5.4 Supply-side policy
5.4.1 Meaning of supply-side • the purpose of increasing Aggregate Supply
policy, in terms of its effect on • the shift to right of LRAS
LRAS curves
5.4.2 Objectives of supply-side • increasing productivity
policy: increasing productivity • increasing productive capacity
and productive capacity
• the effect on competitiveness
5.4.3 Tools of supply side • education and training
policy, for example training, • infrastructure development
infrastructure development,
• the support for technological improvement
support for technological
improvement • other measures such as taxation, labour market reforms,
privatisation, deregulation and immigration policy.
impact of supply-side policy on • the impact on the level of real output
the equilibrium national income
• the impact on the price level
and the level of real output, the
price level and employment • the impact on employment

Learner Guide
6 International economic issues (AS Level)

6.1 The reasons for international trade
6.1.1 Distinction between • the principle of absolute advantage
absolute and comparative • the principle of comparative advantage
advantage
• factor endowment
• the application of opportunity cost
6.1.2 Benefits of specialisation • the meaning of free trade (trade liberalisation)
and free trade (trade • the benefits of free trade for consumers, producers and the economy
liberalisation), including the
• the trading possibility curve
trading possibility curve
6.1.3 Exports, imports and the • the measurement of the terms of trade
terms of trade: • the causes of changes in the terms of trade
• measurement of the terms • the impact of changes in the terms of trade
of trade
• causes of changes in the
terms of trade
• impact of changes in the
terms of trade
6.1.4 Limitations of the theories • the assumptions underpinning the theories
of absolute and comparative • real world relevance
advantage
6.2 Protectionism
6.2.1 Meaning of protectionism • the protection of domestic industries from foreign competition
in the context of international
trade

Learner Guide

6.2.2 Different tools of • tariffs and their impact
protection and their impact: • import quotas and their impact
• tariffs • export subsidies and their impact
• import quotas • embargoes and their impact
• export subsidies • excessive administrative burdens (‘red tape’) and their impact
• embargoes
• excessive administrative
burdens (‘red tape’)
6.2.3 Arguments for and against • the reasons for protection including: infant industries and sunset
protection industries, strategic industries, preventing dumping, improving
terms of trade and balance of trade
• the reasons against protection including: anti-specialisation,
increased prices, lower quality, less choice, trade wars
6.3 Current account of the balance of payments
6.3.1 Components of the current • the purpose of the balance of payments
account of the balance of • the components of the current account: trade in goods, trade in
payments: services, primary income, secondary income
• current account: trade in
goods, trade in services,
primary income and
secondary income
• definition of balance and
imbalances (deficit and
surplus) in the current
account of the balance of
payments
6.3.2 Calculation of: • the balance of trade in goods
• balance of trade in goods • the balance of trade in services
• balance of trade in services • the balance of trade in goods and services
• balance of trade in goods • the current account balance
and services
• current account balance (CAB)

Learner Guide

6.3.3 Causes of imbalances • the causes of a current account deficit
in the current account of the • the causes of a current account surplus
balance of payments
6.3.4 Consequences of • the consequences of a current account deficit
imbalances in the current • the consequences of a current account surplus
account of the balance of
payments for the domestic and
external economy
6.4 Exchange rates
6.4.1 Definition of exchange rate • what is meant by a (foreign) exchange rate
6.4.2 Determination of a floating • the role of demand and supply in the determination of a foreign
foreign exchange rate exchange rate
6.4.3 Distinction between • the meaning of depreciation of a floating exchange rate
depreciation and appreciation • the meaning of appreciation of a floating exchange rate
of a floating exchange rate
6.4.4 Causes of changes in a • changes in the demand for a currency
floating exchange rate: demand • changes in the supply of a currency
and supply of the currency
• ‘hot money’ flows
6.4.5 AD/AS analysis of the • the impact on equilibrium national income
impact of exchange rate • the impact on level of real output
changes on the domestic
• the impact on the price level
economy’s equilibrium national
employment
6.5 Policies to correct imbalances in the current account of the balance of payments
6.5.1 Government policy • the meaning of stability in the current account of the balance
objective of stability of the of payments
current account

Learner Guide

6.5.2 Effect of fiscal, monetary, • the effect of fiscal policies on the current account of the balance
supply-side and protectionist of payments
policies on the current account • the effect of monetary policies on the current account of the balance
of payments
• the effect of supply-side policies on the current account of the
balance of payments
• the effect of protectionist policies on the current account of the
balance of payments
7 The price system and the microeconomy (A Level)

7.1 Utility
7.1.1. Definition and calculation • the meaning of total utility and marginal utility
of total utility and marginal • how to calculate total utility and marginal utility
utility
7.1.2 Diminishing marginal • the law of diminishing marginal utility
utility
7.1.3 The equi-marginal • the equi-marginal principle
principle • how to apply the equi-marginal principle to explain consumer
equilibrium
7.1.4 Derivation of an individual • how marginal utility and the equi-marginal principle can be used
demand curve to derive an individual demand curve
7.1.5 Limitations of marginal • why consumers may not be capable of putting their wants in
utility and its assumptions of rank order
rational behaviour • why consumers may not be capable of assigning a value for their
satisfaction
• why consumers do not always behave in a rational way

Learner Guide

7.2 Indifference curves and budget lines
7.2.1 Meaning of an indifference • what is shown in an indifference curve
curve and a budget line • what is shown by a budget line
7.2.2 Causes of a shift in the • how an increase in consumer’s income causes a shift in the budget
budget line line in the case of normal goods
• how an increase in consumer’s income causes a shift in the budget
line in the case of inferior goods
7.2.3 Income, substitution and • the substitution effect of a price change
price effects for normal, inferior • the income effect of a price change
and Giffen goods
• the combined income and substitution effects of a price change
for normal goods
for inferior goods
for Giffen goods
7.2.4 Limitations of the model of • why consumers are not always rational in their choices
indifference curves • that choices are made between just two goods and not all goods
purchased by consumers
• that an indifference curve is a theoretical concept that is impossible
to model in practice
7.3 Efficiency and market failure
7.3.1 Definitions of productive • the meaning of productive efficiency
efficiency and allocative • the meaning of allocative efficiency
efficiency
• economic efficiency
7.3.2 Conditions for productive • productive efficiency for a firm
efficiency and allocative • productive efficiency for an economy
efficiency
• allocative efficiency for consumers
7.3.3 Pareto optimality • the concept of Pareto optimality

Learner Guide

7.3.4 Definition of dynamic • the meaning of dynamic efficiency
efficiency
7.3.5 Definition of market failure • the meaning of market failure
7.3.6 Reasons for market failure • that market failure occurs when there are externalities in a
market, when merit goods and demerit goods are provided, when
public goods and quasi-public goods are provided, when there is
information failure, when adverse selection and moral hazard are
present or when there is abuse of monopoly power
7.4 Private costs and benefits, externalities and social costs and benefits
7.4.1 Definition and calculation • the meaning of social costs: the sum of private costs and external
of social costs (SC) as the sum of costs
private costs (PC) and external • the meaning of marginal social costs: the sum of marginal private
costs (EC), including marginal costs and marginal external costs
social costs (MSC), marginal
private costs (MPC) and
marginal external costs (MEC)
7.4.2 Definition and calculation • the meaning of social benefits: the sum of private benefits and
of social benefits (SB) as the external benefits
sum of private benefits (PB) and • the meaning of marginal social benefits: the sum of marginal
external benefits (EB), including private benefits and marginal external benefits
marginal social benefits (MSB),
marginal private benefits (MPB)
and marginal external benefits
(MEB)
7.4.3 Definition of positive • the meaning of an externality
externality and negative • the nature of a positive externality
externality
• the nature of a negative externality

Learner Guide

7.4.4 Positive and negative • consumption externalities
externalities of both • production externalities
consumption and production
• positive consumption externalities
• negative consumption externalities
• positive production externalities
• negative production externalities
7.4.5 Deadweight welfare • the concept of a deadweight welfare loss
losses arising from positive and • how deadweight losses arise from positive externalities
negative externalities
• how deadweight losses arise from negative externalities
7.4.6 Asymmetric information • the concept of asymmetric information
and moral hazard • moral hazard as a consequence of information failure
7.4.7 Use of costs and benefits • the nature and scope of cost-benefit analysis
in analysing decisions • the use of cost-benefit analysis to analyse decision-making
(knowledge of net present value
• the benefit: cost ratio
is not required)
7.5 Types of cost, revenue and profit, short-run and long-run production
7.5.1 Short-run production • the difference between fixed and variable factors of production
function: • a production function
• fixed and variable factors of • total product, average product, marginal product and how each
production is calculated
• definition and calculation • the law of diminishing returns
of total product, average
product and marginal
product
• law of diminishing returns
(law of variable proportions)

Learner Guide

7.5.2 Short-run cost function: • the difference between fixed costs and variable costs, and how
• definition and calculation of each is calculated
fixed costs (FC) and variable • the meaning of total costs, average costs and marginal costs,
costs (VC) and how each is calculated
• definition and calculation of • the meaning of average total costs, average total fixed costs,
total, average and marginal average fixed costs, total variable costs and average variable costs,
costs (TC, AC, MC), including and how each is calculated
average total cost (ATC), • the shape of the short-run average cost curve
total and average fixed
• the shape of marginal cost curves
costs (TFC, AFC) and total
and average variable costs
(TVC, AVC)
• explanation of shape of
short-run average cost and
marginal cost curves
7.5.3 Long-run production • why all factors of production are variable
function: • increasing and decreasing returns to scale
• no fixed factors of
production
• returns to scale
7.5.4 Long-run cost function: • the shape of the long run average cost curve
• explanation of shape of • the concept of minimum efficient scale
long-run
• average cost curve
• concept of minimum
efficient scale
7.5.5 Relationship between • short-run cost curves with different levels of fixed-factor input
economies of scale and • the long-run average cost curve as an ‘envelope’ of short-run
decreasing average costs average total cost curves

Learner Guide

7.5.6 Internal and external • the meaning of internal economies of scale
economies of scale • the benefits of internal economies of scale
• the technical, purchasing, marketing, managerial and financial
economies of scale
• the meaning of external economies of scale
• the benefits of external economies of scale
• the economies of concentration, technology and skills
7.5.7 Internal and external • the meaning of internal diseconomies of scale
diseconomies of scale • examples and effects of internal diseconomies of scale
• the meaning of external diseconomies of scale
• examples and effects of external diseconomies of scale
7.5.8 Definition and calculation • the meaning of total revenue, average revenue and marginal revenue,
of revenue: total, average and and how each is calculated
marginal revenue (TR, AR, MR)
7.5.9 Definition of normal, • the meaning of normal profit
supernormal and subnormal • the meaning of supernormal profit
profit
• the meaning of subnormal profit
7.5.10 Calculation of • how supernormal and subnormal profit are calculated
supernormal and subnormal
profit
7.6 Different market structures
7.6.1 Perfect competition • the meaning of market structure
and imperfect competition: • the essential features of perfect competition
monopoly, monopolistic
• why other markets are referred to as imperfect competition
competition, oligopoly and
natural monopoly
7.6.2 Structure of listed • the characteristics of perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic
markets as explained by competition, oligopoly and natural monopoly in terms of the number
number of buyers and sellers, of firms, product differentiation, barriers to entry, control over prices,
product differentiation, degree and availability of information
of freedom of entry and
availability of information

Learner Guide

7.6.3 Barriers to entry and exit: • the meaning of barriers to entry and barriers to exit
• legal barriers • the legal, market, cost, and physical barriers to entry
• market barriers • sunk costs as a barrier to exit
• cost barriers
• physical barriers
7.6.4 Performance of firms in • the performance of firms in perfect competition, monopoly,
different market structures: monopolistic competition, oligopoly and natural monopoly
with respect to revenue, output and profits in the short run
• revenues and revenue
and in the long run
curves
• the shutdown price in the short run and in the long run
• output in the short run and
the long run • how a firm’s supply curve is derived in a perfectly competitive market
• profits in the short run and • efficiency in perfect competition and other market structures
the long run in the short run and in the long run
• shutdown price in the short • X-inefficiency
run and the long run • the concept of contestability in a market
• derivation of a firm’s • the conditions for a perfectly contestable market
supply curve in a perfectly • price competition and non-price competition in different market
competitive market structures
• efficiency and X-inefficiency • collusion in oligopolistic markets
in the short run and the long
• the kinked demand curve model and its relevance in oligopolistic
run
markets
• contestable markets:
• the Prisoner’s Dilemma and its relevance to oligopolistic behaviour
features and implications
• price competition and non-
price competition
• collusion and the Prisoner’s
Dilemma in oligopolistic
markets, including a
two-player pay-off matrix

Learner Guide

7.6.5 Definition and calculation • the meaning of a concentration ratio
of the concentration ratio • the calculation of a concentration ratio in terms of the biggest three,
four or five firms in a market
• concentration ratios and market structures
7.7 Growth and survival of firms
7.7.1 Reasons for different sizes • why most firms remain small
of firms • why some firms experience growth in size and profits
7.7.2 Internal growth of • the reasons for organic growth
firms: organic growth and • the reasons for diversification including economies of scope
diversification
7.7.3 External growth of firms • the process of horizontal integration
– integration, mergers and • the process of vertical integration, forwards and backwards
takeovers:
• conglomerate growth
• methods of integration: • the reasons for integration
• horizontal • the consequences of integration
• vertical (forwards and
backwards)
• conglomerate
• reasons for integration
• consequences of integration
7.7.4 Cartels: • the conditions that make a cartel effective
• conditions for an effective • the positive and negative consequences of a cartel
cartel
• consequences of a cartel
7.7.5 Principal-agent problem • why there is a principal-agent problem
arising from differing objectives • the link to asymmetric information
of shareholders/owners and
managers

Learner Guide

7.8 Differing objectives and policies of firms
7.8.1 Traditional profit • the conditions for profit maximisation as an objective of firms
maximisation objective of firms • why firms do not operate at the profit maximisation level of output
7.8.2 An understanding of other • behavioural objectives
objectives of firms: • survival
• survival • profit satisficing
• profit satisficing • sales maximisation
• sales maximisation • revenue maximisation
• revenue maximisation
7.8.3 Price discrimination – first, • the meaning of price discrimination
second and third degree: • first, second and third degree price discrimination
• conditions for effective price • the conditions for effective price discrimination
discrimination • the consequences of price discrimination for consumers
• consequences of price and producers
discrimination
7.8.4 Other pricing policies: • limit pricing
• limit pricing • predatory pricing
• predatory pricing • price leadership
• price leadership
7.8.5 Relationship between • the relationship between price elasticity of demand, marginal
price elasticity of demand and a revenue and total revenue
firm’s revenue: • the special case of the kinked demand curve model
• in a normal downward
sloping demand curve
• in a kinked demand curve

Learner Guide
8 Government microeconomic intervention (A Level)

8.1 Government policies to achieve efficient resource allocation to tackle different forms of market failure
8.1.1 Application and market failure due to negative production externalities:
effectiveness of measures to
• specific and ad valorem indirect taxes (green taxes), regulations,
tackle different forms of market
property rights, pollution permits, licensing
failure:
• market failure due to negative consumption externalities: specific
• specific and ad valorem indirect taxes, minimum price controls, provision of information,
indirect taxes production quotas
• subsidies • market failure due to positive production externalities: subsidies,
• price controls provision of information
• production quotas • market failure due to positive consumption externalities: direct
• prohibitions and licences provision, subsidies
• regulation and deregulation • other measures to correct market failure: nationalisation,
privatisation and deregulation
• direct provision
• ‘Nudge’ theory as a means of providing information to tackle
• pollution permits
market failure
• property rights
• nationalisation and
privatisation
• provision of information
• behavioural insights and
‘nudge’ theory
8.1.2 Government failure in • the meaning of government failure
microeconomic intervention: • the causes of government failure, including lack
• definition of government of information
failure • the consequences of government failure
• causes of government failure • the unintended consequences and policy conflict
• consequences of
government failure

Learner Guide

8.2 Equity and redistribution of income and wealth
8.2.1 Difference between equity • equity
and equality • equality
• the difference between equity and equality
8.2.2 Difference between equity • the difference between equity and efficiency
and efficiency
8.2.3 Distinction between • extreme poverty
absolute poverty and relative • the international poverty line
poverty
• the meaning of absolute poverty
• the meaning of relative poverty
8.2.4 The poverty trap • the meaning of the poverty trap
• the significance in terms of benefit payments
8.2.5 Policies towards equity • universal benefits, means-tested benefits, negative income tax,
and equality for example: universal basic income
• negative income tax • the balance between progressive and regressive taxation
• universal benefits and
means-tested benefits
• universal basic income
8.3 Labour market forces and government intervention
8.3.1 Demand for labour as a • why the demand for labour is a derived demand
derived demand
8.3.2 Factors affecting the • factors such as the wage rate, productivity of labour and the
demand for labour in a firm or demand for the product
an occupation
8.3.3. Causes of shifts and • the causes of a shift in the demand curve for labour
movements along the demand • how a change in the wage rate causes a movement along the
curve for labour in a firm or demand curve for labour
occupation

Learner Guide

8.3.4 Marginal revenue product • the meaning of MRP and its calculation
(MRP) theory: • how MRP can be used to derive a firm’s demand curve for labour
• definition and calculation of
marginal revenue product
• derivation of an individual
firm’s demand for labour
using marginal revenue
product
8.3.5 Factors affecting the • wage rates in other occupations
supply of labour to a firm or to • skills and qualifications
an occupation:
• non-pecuniary benefits
• wage and non-wage factors
8.3.6 Causes of shifts in and • the causes of a shift in the supply curve
movements along the supply • how a change in the wage rate causes a movement along the supply
curve of labour in a firm or curve for labour
occupation
8.3.7 Wage determination in • equilibrium in the labour market
perfect markets: • the effects of an increase in the demand for labour on the wage rate
• equilibrium wage rate and and employment
employment in a labour • the effects of an increase in the supply of labour on the wage rate
market and employment

Learner Guide

8.3.8 Wage determination in • the influence and effects of trade unions on wage determination
imperfect markets: and employment
• influence of trade unions • the significance of the elasticity of demand for labour
on wage determination and • the influence of government and the effects of a national
employment in a labour minimum wage
market
• the influence of monopsony employers on wage determination
• influence of government on and employment
wage determination and
employment in a labour
market using a national
minimum wage
• influence of monopsony
employers on wage
determination and
employment in a labour
market
8.3.9 Determination of wage • the meaning of wage differentials
differentials by labour market • the causes of wage differentials: demand and supply factors
forces
8.3.10 Transfer earnings and • the meaning of transfer earnings
economic rent: • the meaning of economic rent
• definition of transfer • the use of transfer earnings and economic rent to explain differences
earnings in earnings
• definition of economic rent • the importance of price elasticity of supply
• factors affecting transfer
earnings and economic rent
in an occupation

Learner Guide
9 The macroeconomy (A Level)

9.1 The circular flow of income
9.1.1 The multiplier process: • the meaning of the multiplier
• definition of the multiplier • the formula and how to calculate the multiplier in a closed and open
• formulae for and calculation economy, with and without a government sector
of multiplier in a closed and • how to calculate average and marginal propensities to save (aps and
open economy, with and mps), average and marginal propensities to consume (apc and mpc),
without a government sector average and marginal propensities to import (apm and mpm) and
• calculation of: average and marginal propensities to tax (apt and mpt)
–– average and marginal • national income determination
propensities to save (aps • the Keynsian 45°diagram
and mps) • how to calculate the effect of changing Aggregate Demand on
–– average and marginal national income using the multiplier
propensities to consume • the reasons for variations in the size of the multiplier
(apc and mpc)
–– average and marginal
propensities to import
(apm and mpm)
–– average and marginal
rates of tax (art and mrt)
• national income
determination using AD and
income approach with the
multiplier process
• calculation of effect of
changing AD on national
income using the multiplier

Learner Guide

9.1.2 Components of • consumption function-autonomous and induced consumer
Aggregate Demand and their expenditure
determinants: • savings function-autonomous and induced savings
• consumption function: • investment-autonomous and induced investment as explained
autonomous and induced through the accelerator process
consumer expenditure
• government spending
• savings function:
• net exports (X–M)
autonomous and induced
savings
• autonomous and induced
investment; the accelerator
• government spending
• net exports (exports minus
imports)
9.1.3 Full employment level of • the meaning of full employment level of national income
national income and equilibrium • the meaning of equilibrium level of national income
level of national income:
• why an inflationary gap occurs
• inflationary and deflationary
• why a deflationary gap occurs
gaps
9.2 Economic growth and sustainability
9.2.1 Actual growth versus • actual economic growth
potential growth in national • potential economic growth
output
9.2.2 Positive and negative • the conditions for a positive output gap
output gaps • the conditions for a negative output gap
9.2.3 Business (trade) cycle: • the meaning of the business cycle
• phases of the cycle • the phases of the cycle
• causes of the cycle • the causes of the cycle
• role of automatic stabilisers • the role of automatic stabilisers and their effects on real GDP,
employment and the price level
9.2.4 Policies to promote • how to increase the quantity of factor inputs to promote economic
economic growth and their growth
effectiveness • supply-side policies to increase productive capacity in the economy

Learner Guide

9.2.5 Inclusive economic • the meaning of inclusive economic growth
growth: • the impact of inclusive economic growth on equity and equality
• definition of inclusive • the policies to promote inclusive economic growth by sharing
economic growth the benefits of growth more widely
• impact of economic growth
on equity and equality
• policies to promote inclusive
growth
9.2.6 Sustainable economic • the meaning of sustainable economic growth
growth: • how to use and conserve resources as a means of making growth
• definition of sustainable more sustainable
economic growth • the impact of economic growth on the environment and climate
• using and conserving change
resources • the policies to mitigate the impact of economic growth on the
• impact of economic growth environment and climate change
on the environment and • the economic policies to reduce carbon emissions
climate change
• policies to mitigate the
impact of economic growth
on the environment and
climate change
9.3 Employment/unemployment
9.3.1 Definition of full • the meaning of full employment
employment • the problem of specifying a particular percentage
9.3.2 Equilibrium and • the meaning of equilibrium unemployment
disequilibrium unemployment • the meaning of disequilibrium unemployment
(including hysteresis)
• the meaning of hysteresis: unemployment caused by a fall in AD
which persists when jobs become available
9.3.3 Voluntary and involuntary • voluntary unemployment
unemployment • involuntary unemployment
• the differences in terms of types of unemployment

Learner Guide

9.3.4 Natural rate of • the meaning of natural rate of unemployment
unemployment: • the supply-side factors underpinning the determinants of the natural
• definition rate of unemployment
• determinants • policy approaches for reducing the natural rate of unemployment
• policy implications
9.3.5 Patterns and trends in • the similarities and differences in the patterns and trends of
(un)employment employment between countries
• the similarities and differences in the patterns and trends of
unemployment between countries
• the problems of making comparisons
9.3.6 Mobility of labour: • geographical mobility of labour
• forms of labour mobility: • occupational mobility of labour
geographical and • the factors affecting geographical mobility
occupational of labour
• factors affecting labour • the factors affecting the occupational mobility
mobility of labour
9.3.7 Policies to reduce • the expansionary fiscal and monetary policies to reduce cyclical
unemployment of labour and unemployment
their effectiveness • the supply-side-policies to reduce frictional and structural
unemployment
• the criteria for measuring the effectiveness of policy responses
9.4 Money and banking
9.4.1 Definition, functions and • what is meant by money
characteristics of money • the functions of money
• the characteristics of money
9.4.2 Definition of money supply • money supply as the total amount of money in an economy
• narrow money
• broad money
9.4.3 Quantity theory of money • the statement of the Fisher equation, MV=PT
(MV = PT) • the link between inflation and changes in the money supply

Learner Guide

9.4.4 Functions of commercial • the provision of demand deposit accounts, savings accounts
banks: • the lending of money as overdrafts and loans
• providing deposit accounts • the holding or provision of cash, securities, loans, deposits, equity
(demand deposit account,
• the significance of the reserve ratio and capital ratio
savings account)
• the objectives of commercial banks in terms of liquidity, security
• lending money (overdrafts,
and profitability
loans)
• holding or providing cash,
securities, loans, deposits,
equity
• reserve ratio and capital
ratio
• objectives of commercial
banks: liquidity, security,
profitability
9.4.5 Cause and changes in • commercial banks as a source of credit creation
the money supply in an open • the workings of the bank credit multiplier
economy:
• the role of the central bank in issuing currency and as banker to the
• commercial banks as government and commercial banks
sources of credit creation
• the meaning of government deficit financing through issuing bonds
and the bank credit
multiplier • the meaning of quantitative easing and its use in encouraging
commercial banks to lend money
• role of a central bank
• the relationship between the domestic money supply and changes
• government deficit financing
to a floating or fixed exchange rate
• quantitative easing
• changes in the balance of
payments
9.4.6 Policies to reduce inflation • the use of monetary policies to influence aggregate demand and
and their effectiveness hence inflation-interest rate changes and credit creation
• how the effectiveness depends on many factors such as correct
identification of the type of inflation and the responses of consumers
and firms to changes in interest rates and credit controls

Learner Guide

9.4.7 Demand for money: • the motives for holding money: transactions, precautionary and
liquidity preference theory speculative motives
• the shape of the liquidity preference curve
9.4.8 Interest rate • the loanable funds theory of interest rate determination through
determination: loanable funds the demand and supply of loanable funds
theory and Keynesian theory • the Keynsian theory of interest rate determination through the
demand and supply of money
• the significance of the liquidity trap
10 Government macroeconomic intervention (A Level)

10.1 Government macroeconomic policy objectives
10.1.1 Objectives in terms of • a stable price level
inflation, balance of payments, • how to avoid large changes in the current account of the balance
unemployment, growth, of payments
development, sustainability
• low unemployment
and redistribution of income
and wealth • economic growth
• a rise in the quality of life
• sustainable development that does not harm the needs of future
generations
• the redistribution of income and wealth
10.2 Links between macroeconomic problems and their interrelatedness
10.2.1 Relationship between the • how a fall in the internal value of money affects exports and the
internal value of money and the exchange rate
external value of money • how a fall in the exchange rate affects the internal value of money
10.2.2 Relationship between • how domestic inflation is likely to lead to a current account deficit
the balance of payments and • how a current account surplus may cause inflation
inflation
10.2.3 Relationship between • how a high rate of inflation could reduce the rate of economic growth
growth and inflation • how a rise in the growth rate could increase inflation

Learner Guide

10.2.4 Relationship between • how changes in the unemployment rate can affect the rate of inflation
growth and the balance • how export-led growth can lead to an improvement in the balance
of payments of trade
10.2.5 Relationship between • how changes in the unemployment rate can affect the rate of inflation
inflation and unemployment: • the traditional Phillips curve and trade-offs between inflation and
• traditional Phillips curve unemployment over time
• expectations-augmented • the expectations-augmented Phillips curve as a means of showing
Phillips curve (short- and a short run trade-off between inflation and unemployment
long-run Phillips curve)
10.3 Effectiveness of policy options to meet all macroeconomic objectives
10.3.1 Effectiveness of different • fiscal policy: crowding out and crowding in, time lags and unexpected
policies in relation to different responses from firms and consumers
macroeconomic objectives: • the Laffer curve
• fiscal policy including Laffer • the effectiveness of fiscal policy in increasing economic growth and
curve analysis stabilising prices and the balance of payments
• monetary policy • monetary policy: time lags, the liquidity trap and unexpected responses
• supply-side policy including • the effectiveness of monetary policy in promoting economic growth
market-based and and reducing unemployment
interventionist policies
• the issues of demand-pull inflation and increasing deficit on the
• exchange rate policy current account of the balance of payments
• international trade policy • supply-side policy: market-based and interventionist possibilities
• the effectiveness of supply-side policy in increasing economic growth
and reducing inflation
• the issues with respect to lower unemployment and the
redistribution of income and wealth
• the effectiveness of exchange rate policy in improving the current
account of the balance of payments, increasing economic growth
and reducing unemployment
• the issue of cost-push inflation
• the effectiveness of international trade policy for increasing
economic growth
• sustainability issues arising from increasing international trade

Learner Guide

10.3.2 Problems and conflicts • low unemployment and price stability
arising from the outcome of • economic growth and balance of payments changes
these policies
• economic growth and sustainability
• economic growth and the redistribution of income and wealth
10.3.3 Existence of government • time lags
failure in macroeconomic • the lack of adequate information
policies
• political pressures
11 International economic issues (A Level)

11.1 Policies to correct disequilibrium in the balance of payments
11.1.1 Components of the • the meaning of current account, financial account, capital account,
balance of payments accounts: net errors and omissions
current account, financial • the meaning of disequilibrium in the balance of payments
account and capital account
11.1.2 Effect of fiscal, monetary, • the scope for using fiscal and monetary policies to reduce a current
supply-side, protectionist and account deficit or surplus
exchange rate policies on the • the scope for using supply-side policies to improve international
balance of payments competitiveness
• the scope for using protectionist policies to reduce spending on
imports and increase spending on domestic goods
• the scope for using exchange rate policies to reduce a balance
of trade deficit
11.1.3 Difference between • the causes of a deficit on the current account of the balance
expenditure-switching and of payments
expenditure-reducing policies • the meaning and use of expenditure-switching policies
• the meaning and use of expenditure-reducing policies

Learner Guide

11.2 Exchange rates
11.2.1 Measurement of • nominal and real exchange rates
exchange rates: • how to calculate a real exchange rate
• distinction between nominal • trade-weighted exchange rates
and real exchange rates
• trade-weighted exchange
rates
11.2.2 Determination of • the nature of a fixed exchange rate system
exchange rates under fixed and • the nature of a managed exchange rate system
managed systems
• the role of government and market forces
11.2.3 Distinction between • the meaning of persistent disequilibrium in the current account
revaluation and devaluation of of the balance of payments
a fixed exchange rate • revaluation as a way of raising the price of a currency
• devaluation as a way of reducing the price of a currency
11.2.4 Changes in the exchange • the changes in the demand and supply of a currency in a floating
rate in different exchange rate exchange rate system
systems • the role of government and the central bank in managing change
in a fixed exchange rate system
11.2.5 The effects of changing • the J-curve effect of a fall in the exchange rate on the current account
exchange rates on the external of the balance of payments
economy using Marshall-Lerner • the Marshall-Lerner condition
and J curve analysis
11.3 Economic development
11.3.1 Classification of • the meaning of development
economies in terms of their • developed, developing and emerging economies
level of development
• the problems of classification
11.3.2 Classification of • the use of GDP per head
economies in terms of their • the use of GNI per head
level of national income
• World Bank country classification

Learner Guide

11.3.3 Indicators of living • monetary indicators (GDP, GNI and NNI)
standards and economic • the problems of comparison such as informal economy, data
development: accuracy and exchange rate changes
• monetary indicators • purchasing power parity
including real per capita • non-monetary indicators
national income statistics
• composite indicators such as the Human Development Index,
(GDP, GNI, NNI) and
Measure of Economic Welfare and the Multidimensional Poverty Index
purchasing power parity
• issues of comparison using
monetary indicators
• non-monetary indicators
• composite indicators:
–– Human Development
Index (HDI)
–– Measure of Economic
Welfare (MEW)
–– Multidimensional
Poverty Index (MPI)
• the Kuznets curve
11.3.4 Comparison of economic • comparisons over time and associated problems
growth rates and living • comparisons between countries and associated problems
standards:
• over time
• between countries
11.4 Characteristics of countries at different levels of development
11.4.1 Population growth and • the demographic factors such as birth rate, death rate, infant
structure: mortality and net migration
• measurement and causes of • interpretation of population pyramids
changes in birth rate, death • dependency rates
rate, infant mortality and net
• the concept of an optimum population
migration
• population change and urbanisation
• optimum population
• level of urbanisation

Learner Guide

11.4.2 Income distribution: • the calculation of a Gini coefficient
• calculation of Gini coefficient • what is shown on a Lorenz curve
and Lorenz curve analysis
11.4.3 Economic structure: • employment in different sectors of an economy
• employment composition: • employment characteristics of countries at different levels
primary, secondary and of development
tertiary sectors • trade patterns of countries at different levels of development
• pattern of trade at different
levels of development
11.5 Relationship between countries at different levels of development
11.5.1 International aid: • forms of aid such as tied aid, untied aid, bilateral aid, multilateral
• forms of aid aid and voluntary aid
• reasons for giving aid • Official Development Assistance
• effects of aid • the reasons for giving aid
• importance of aid • the effects of aid on recipient countries
11.5.2 Trade and investment • the benefits of trade for low- and middle-income countries
• the problems of specialisation, especially in agricultural goods
• investment flows between countries
• the relative merits of trade and aid strategies
• fair trade schemes
11.5.3 Role of multinational • the meaning of an MNC
companies (MNCs): • the activities of MNCs
• definition of MNC • the consequences of MNC’s for recipient countries and home country
• activities of MNCs of MNC
• consequences of MNCs
11.5.4 Foreign direct investment • the meaning of FDI
(FDI): • the motivation for FDI flows from a developing economy standpoint
• definition of FDI • the consequences of FDI for recipient economy and elsewhere
• consequences of FDI

Learner Guide

11.5.5 External debt: • the causes of external debt
• causes of debt • the consequences of external debt
• consequences of debt • the debt crisis
11.5.6 Role of International • the provision of short-term assistance for countries experiencing
Monetary Fund (IMF) balance of payments problems
11.5.7 Role of World Bank • the provision of longer-term funding for projects to promote
development
11.6 Globalisation
11.6.1 Meaning of globalisation • what is meant by globalisation
and its causes and • the causes of globalisation such as reduction in trade barriers,
consequences improved telecommunications, reduced supply chain costs,
deregulation of financial markets, technological change
• the consequences of globalisation such as improved living standards,
FDI, interdependence of economies, greater variety of products
• the threats to increased globalisation
11.6.2 Distinction between • the meaning of economic integration
a free trade area, a customs • the notion of a free trade area and specialisation
union, a monetary union and a
• a customs union and the function of a common external tariff
full economic union
• the features of a monetary union with a common currency
and exchange rate
• the features of a full economic and monetary union
11.6.3 Trade creation and trade • the meaning of trade creation and its effects on producers
diversion and consumers
• the meaning of trade diversion and its effects on producers
and consumers

Cambridge Assessment International Education
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Learner Guide: Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708

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What topics are covered in the Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics syllabus?

What topics are covered in the Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics syllabus?

What skills will students develop by studying this course?

What skills will students develop by studying this course?

Interactive

Cambridge International AS & A Level

About this guide

 understand how you will be assessed

 understand what we are looking for in the answers you write

 plan your revision programme

Moreover, a study of Economics is all about

explaining and anticipating change in the way Decision-

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 4

Section 1: Syllabus content – what you need to know

Content section Topics included

Content section Topics included

7. The price system and the 7.1 Utility

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 5

Content section Topics included

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 6

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 7

Section 2: How you will be assessed

About the examinations

About the papers

Section 3: What skills will be assessed

Assessment objectives (AO) What does the AO mean?

Assessment objective Weighting at AS Level % Weighting at A Level %

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective Weighting in components %

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 9

Section 4: Command words

Command word What it means

Assess make an informed judgement

Calculate work out from given facts, figures or information

Comment give an informed opinion

Compare identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

Consider review and respond to given information

Define give precise meaning

Demonstrate show how or give an example

Discuss write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way

Evaluate judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something

Justify support a case with evidence/argument

Outline set out main points

State express in clear terms

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 10

Section 5: Example candidate response

This section is structured as follows:

Example candidate response

How the answer could be improved

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Question Answer one question.

Compare – this command word means that you need to

Consider – this command word is often used in part (a) 4questions on

© UCLES 2020 9708/02/SP/23

Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 12

Example candidate response

Example candidate response for Paper 2 Question 4a Examiner comments

Although both types of unemployment are likely to be

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