UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
THE MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
ECONOMICS
May 2011
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD
Statistics
Table 1: MATSEC Intermediate Level Economics, May 2011
Distribution of Grades
Grades
No. of candidates
Total %
A
2
3.4
B
6
10.2
C
11
18.6
D
14
23.7
E
4
6.8
F
17
28.8
Absent
5
8.5
TOTAL
59
100
Synopsis
The Economics Intermediate paper touched all aspects of the syllabus, with a slightly higher
emphasis on the price mechanism and government intervention. There was also a very good
balance between questions that touched upon the knowledge and understanding of economic
principles and questions that focussed on the practical application of those principles.
It is in this latter regard that is the practical application of economic principles, which candidates
have performed below the usual standards.
There were numerous instances where candidates used graphs and examples that did not reflect
the explanation provided in the answer. This has made these candidates lose several marks.
It was noted that once more that a number of candidates performed well in certain topics and not
in others. It is important to highlight that the structure of the paper is such that all topics in the
syllabus are adequately covered, and as such candidates cannot leave out any part of the syllabus
in their preparation for the exam.
Focusing on specific questions, it is important to note that in general candidates found difficulty
with the questions related to migration, cross elasticity of demand, externalities, the relationship
between gross national income and standard of living and the relationship between inflation and
unemployment. These are all areas where an understanding of the practical application of
theoretical concepts is required.
The average mark obtained was 42%, compared to 52% in both 2010 and 2009. It is also worth
noting that the number of candidates fell considerably compared to recent years. There were 54
candidates who sat for the exam in 2011 compared to 80 in 2010 and 2009. 44% of candidates
obtained a mark higher than the average, 4% obtained the average mark and 52% obtained a
mark below the average.
In conclusion, the examiners re-iterate a point that has been mentioned every year for a number
of years. A number of candidates have lost marks because of their inability to express themselves
coherently and correctly in the English language.
Chairperson
Examiners’ Panel 2011