Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Cambridge International AS & A Level
Economics 9708
For examination from 2020
Version 1
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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................4
Question 1.........................................................................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – high............................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – high/middle................................................................................................................9
Example Candidate Response – low........................................................................................................................... 11
Question 2.......................................................................................................................................................................13
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................13
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................16
Question 5.......................................................................................................................................................................23
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................23
Example Candidate Response – middle/low................................................................................................................25
Question 6.......................................................................................................................................................................27
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................27
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................30
Question 7.......................................................................................................................................................................32
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................32
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................34
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................37
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge International AS & A Level
Economics 9708, and to show how different levels of candidates’ performance (high, middle and low) relate to the
subject’s curriculum and assessment objectives.
In this booklet, candidate responses have been chosen from the November 2020 exam series to exemplify a range of
answers.
For each question, the response is annotated with a clear explanation of where and why marks were awarded or
omitted. This is followed by examiner comments on how the answer could have been improved. In this way, it is
possible for you to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and what they could do to improve their
answers. There is also a list of common mistakes candidates made in their answers for each question.
This document provides illustrative examples of candidate work with examiner commentary. These help teachers
to assess the standard required to achieve marks beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Therefore, in some
circumstances, such as where exact answers are required, there will not be much comment.
The questions and mark schemes used here are available to download from the School Support Hub. These files
are:
November 2020 Question Paper 4
November 2020 Paper 4 Mark Scheme
Past exam resources and other teacher support materials are available on the School Support Hub:
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
4
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
How to use this booklet
This booklet goes through the paper one question at a time, showing you the high-, middle- and low-level response
for each question, when available. The candidate answers are set in a table. In the left-hand column are the candidate
answers, and in the right-hand column are the examiner comments.
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
4 The candidate identifies
four changes in the four
charts. 2 marks are awarded
plus 1 mark for development
of GDP, and 1 mark for the
development of Balance of
Payments.
Mark for (c) = 7 out of 8
4
Answers are by real candidates in exam conditions.
These show you the types of answers for each level.
Discuss and analyse the answers with your learners in
the classroom to improve their skills.
Examiner comments are
alongside the answers. These
explain where and why marks
were awarded. This helps you
to interpret the standard of
Cambridge exams so you can
help your learners to refine
their exam technique.
How the candidate could have improved their answer
Overall, the candidate needed a more nuanced reading of the text to identify features relevant to the questions set.
This applied to all parts.
This section explains how the candidate could
have improved each answer. This helps you to
interpret the standard of Cambridge exams and
helps your learners to refine their exam technique.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
(a) Candidates did not always understand that identify meant quote directly from the text.
(b) The explanations failed to link directly to Uruguay’s economic growth.
Often candidates were not awarded
marks because they misread or
misinterpreted the questions.
Lists the common mistakes candidates made
in answering each question. This will help your
learners to avoid these mistakes and give them
the best chance of achieving the available marks.
5
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Question 1
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Example Candidate Response – high
Examiner comments
1 Two correct identifications.
Mark for (a)(i) = 2 out of 2
1
2
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0120
2 The first explanation is
awarded 2 marks. The second
development is awarded 1 mark.
There is no explicit reference to
economic growth.
Mark for (a)(ii) = 3 out of 4
3 This correctly drawn and
labelled diagram is awarded 2
marks.
3
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6
%120
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
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Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
4 This is a very good analysis
of a monopsonist employer and
the impact of a minimum wage
leading to higher employment.
Worth the additional 2 marks.
4
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5 A second good development.
5
Mark for (b) = 6 out of 6
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7
&120
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
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Examiner comments
&120
A correct comment is awarded
1 mark.
6
6
7
Correct comment and good link
to inflation is awarded 3 marks.
7
Further development marks
are awarded for the point about
inflation.
8
8
9
9
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Two marks are awarded for
basic points observation and
development.
Mark for (c) = 7 out of 8
#120
Total mark awarded =
18 out of 20
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(b) Some explicit reference to growth in the second point would have secured the extra mark.
(d) A comment on the reason for the GDP growth was required, for example, low taxes and higher investment.
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8
3120
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
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Example Candidate Response – high/middle
Examiner comments
1 Two marks are awarded for
identifying the policies from the
text.
Mark for (a)(i) = 2 out of 2
1
2 The candidate explains
the connection between new
technologies / expansion of
PPC. A simple explanation of low
taxation and increase in demand.
Two marks are awarded.
Mark for (a)(ii) = 4 out of 4
2
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3 The diagram is awarded 2
marks. A basic explanation of the
diagram gains 2 marks. No further
development points are given.
Mark for (b) = 4 out of 6
3
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%12%
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9
&12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – high/middle, continued
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Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
4 The candidate identifies four
changes in the four charts. Two
marks are awarded plus 1 mark
for development of GDP, and
1 mark for the development of
Balance of Payments.
Mark for (c) = 6 out of 8
4
Total mark awarded =
16 out of 20
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$12%
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(c) Some extended comment on why the basic situation might not apply, for example, increased productivity of
workers, would have improved this answer.
(d) A similar extension to those made for the balance of trade and GDP was required.
10
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Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – low
Examiner comments
Mark for (a)(i) = 0 out of 2
1
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1 Here, the candidate introduces
a relevant policy ‘new technology’
and explains the impact on
economic growth. Two marks are
awarded.
Mark for (a)(ii) = 2 out of 4
&12%
2 Neither point is considered
relevant to the question.
2
3 Only 1 mark is awarded for the
diagram as it does not show the
impact on labour supply.
3
4
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11
4 This development, whilst not
explained completely, is correct
and is awarded 2 marks.
Mark for (b) = 3 out of 6
$12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
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5
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6
Examiner comments
112%
5 Two marks are awarded
for identifying trend and the
explanatory comment.
The candidate identifies the
correct trend.
6
It is unclear what this means.
Mark for (c) = 3 out of 8
7
7
Total mark awarded =
8 out of 20
How the candidate could have improved their answer
Overall, the candidate needed a more nuanced reading of the text to identify features relevant to the questions set.
This applied to all parts.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
(a) Candidates did not always understand that identify meant quote directly from the text.
(b) The explanations failed to link directly to Uruguay’s economic growth.
(c) Some of the diagrams failed to show the effects on both demand and supply of labour. This made the
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#12%
explanation of the basic effects of a national minimum wage more difficult. Some candidates failed to develop their
responses, for example, productivity may have increased to compensate for the higher wage.
• (d) Not all candidates used the text or economic understanding to explain why the observed change had taken
place.
12
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Question 2
Example Candidate Response – high
Examiner comments
1 The opening sentence
identifies a crucial aspect of this
312question,
%
which the candidate
goes on to develop.
1
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2
2 The candidate identifies and
defines Allocative Efficiency using
the Price = MC rule.
3
3 There is no need for the
Productive Efficiency element of
the response.
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0412%
4 Good development of
Allocative Efficiency.
4
5 Links the Allocative Efficiency
back to pollution which is the
focus of the question.
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5
6
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13
This is a good answer to part
(a) of the question. Development
of WHY the Price = MC rules
gives the point of Allocative
Efficiency would strengthen the
answer. Eight marks are awarded.
Mark for (a) = 8 out of 12
6
0012%
0012%
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Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
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7
Examiner comments
The candidate identifies an
appropriate policy.
7
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0212%
8
A good explanation of how the
policy operates in theory.
8
The right idea of the policy
limitations but ‘not defined as a
number’ is not quite right.
9
9
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14
0'12%
0'12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
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Examiner comments
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A second appropriate example
and policy is chosen.
10
10
This shows analysis of the
policy and its outcome.
11
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The candidate attempts a
conclusion.
12
Overall, this is a strong
response. In the second case,
the candidate could compare a
subsidy to the producer with a
subsidy to the consumer. The
0112conclusion
%
could be further
developed by making direct
reference to the earlier analysis.
Nine marks are awarded.
Mark for (b) = 9 out of 13
13
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11
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12
13
Total mark awarded =
17 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
(a) Development of why the Price = MC rules gave the point of Allocative Efficiency would have strengthened the
answer.
• (b) In the second policy example, the candidate could have compared a subsidy to the producer with a subsidy
further
by making
99117to
6the
619consumer.
187987615678The
989conclusion
!"#$%&&'23(5)could
89"02(have
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0%12% direct reference to the earlier
analyses.
•
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15
0%12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
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012%
1 Two basic definitions are given.
Strictly, productive efficiency is not
required for this question.
1
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2 Good analysis of the link
between pollution and negative
externalities. A correct diagram
with explanation.
3 The answer will improve if the
candidate explains the definition
of allocative efficiency rather than
leaving it as a statement.
Mark for (a) = 7 out of 12
2
3
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16
312%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner comments
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312%
4 Correct identification of a
number of policies.
4
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5 This is a good analysis of the
chosen policy. The diagram is
accurate, and the text refers to
the diagram. This is something
candidates often forget to do.
5
The candidate only analyses
a single policy, yet the question
reads ‘policies’. A second policy
discussed to the same level is
necessary.
Mark for (b) = 8 out of 13
6
6
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0012%
Total mark awarded =
15 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) The answer could have been improved if the candidate had explained the definition of allocative efficiency
rather than leave it as a statement.
(b) The candidate only analysed a single policy and the question read ‘policies’. A second policy discussed to the
same level was necessary.
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17
0012%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
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1 Correct opening statement. It
1
would be better if the candidate
stated that this essay is concerned
with the first of these.
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2 These explanations of
Productive Efficiency and
Dynamic Efficiency are not
necessary for the question set.
2
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18
0012%
0012%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
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Examiner comments
0012%
3 Appropriate diagram and leadin text together with following
paragraph are good explanations.
3
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0212%
4 Link to pollution is accurate
but needs to be extended to fully
explain the link.
Mark for (a) = 8 out of 12
4
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19
0012%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
5 This is an appropriate example
and explanation.
5
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The diagram needs indication
of tax. The movement of the
supply curve needs linking to the
negative externality / tax.
6
6
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Examiner comments
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0012%
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0%12%
20
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner comments
7
7
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Valid evaluation of the policy.
0%12%
The candidate gives a more
descriptive approach which limits
the effectiveness of this part of the
answer.
8
8
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0$12%
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0&12%
21
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner comments
The diagram is not explained in
the text.
9
The response lacks precision.
The question requires diagrams.
The diagrams are correct but need
further annotation or development.
The relevance of the diagrams is
limited by the lack of detail used
from them in the essay.
Mark for (b) = 7 out of 13
10
9
10
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0&12%Total
mark awarded =
15 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) The link to pollution was accurate but needed to be extended to fully explain the relationship.
(b) The candidate response lacked precision. The question required diagrams. The diagram was correct but
needed further annotation or development. The relevance of the diagrams was limited by the lack of detailed use of
them in the essay.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
(a)
•
•
•
Candidates wrote at length about productive efficiency and dynamic efficiency aspects that were not relevant to the
question.
Many candidates did not explain why allocative efficiency occurred where MSC=MSB; it was merely stated.
Candidates could have distinguished between pollution as an externality in production and an externality in
consumption.
(b)
•
A number of candidates only provided one policy.
99•117Diagrams
66191
8798sometimes
7615678989 !"
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"2&0' *not
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/fully
were
incomplete
were
referred
•
In many cases, a conclusion was not drawn.
22
% the essay.
in the body0#12of
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Question 5
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
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1 This is too brief. The response
needs reference to search or lack
of information.
1
2 Good link here to the
development status of the country.
2
3
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3 The candidate does not
develop an explanation.
0412%
4 Apart from the structural
unemployment, the further
explanations are too limited.
Mark for (a) = 8 out of 12
4
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23
0012%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner comments
5 A limited explanation of
supplyside policy.
5
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0012%
6
7
6
Very confused and lacks clarity.
7
This is a valid point.
This is a comment which
requires greater development.
8
8
Part (b) requires the candidate
to apply the policies to the form
of unemployment. This answer
does this in the case of structural
unemployment. It needs to be
more specific in applying the other
policies.
Mark for (b) = 7 out of 13
9
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0212%
9
Total mark awarded =
15 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) The candidate could have used the AS/AD explanation or the 450 diagram to explain cyclical unemployment.
(b) The candidate had the correct idea of relating policy to cause of unemployment but failed to develop any great
analytical depth.
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24
0&12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle/low
Examiner comments
1 This is a very brief overview.
1
2 Correct definition of frictional
unemployment but no explanation.
2
3 A reasonable attempt is
made to explain structural
unemployment.
3
4 The logic here is incorrect. It is
the change in AD which reduces
the demand for labour.
4
5 The candidate covers three of
four forms of unemployment and
analyses one – structural.
Cyclical unemployment has the
logic inverted. A reason for the fall
in aggregate demand is needed.
Frictional unemployment needs a
reason why an available job is not
taken.
Mark for (a) = 7 out of 12
6
5
6
25
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle/low, continued
Examiner comments
This candidate makes
an accurate observation in
paragraph one with some limited
development in paragraph two.
Paragraph three is accurate but
under-developed.
Mark for (b) = 6 out of 13
7
Total mark awarded =
13 out of 25
7
How the candidate could have improved their answer
(a)
• Cyclical unemployment has the logic inverted. A reason for the fall in aggregate demand was needed.
• Frictional unemployment needed a reason why an available job was not taken.
(b)
•
Part (b) appears to show the problem of not apportioning time correctly. The answer was the basis of a good
answer. All three paragraphs needed further analytical and evaluative development.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
(a) Many candidates described the causes of unemployment rather than explain why they occurred. For example,
falling demand for a product might lead to structural unemployment.
(b) Candidates needed to link supply-side policy to structural unemployment and then decided on the policy
appropriate to other forms of unemployment. An evaluation of their answer to accommodate the ‘most appropriate’
in the question was needed.
26
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Question 6
012312420
56789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
1 A correct statement but no
supporting development.
1
012312420
56789ÿ 679
2 An outcome but no developed
explanation.
2
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
0#12%
3 The candidate should explain
why this occurs.
3
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
27
0312%
0312%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
012312420
Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
4 The development here lacks
precision.
4
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
5
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
28
2412%
5 All of this is true but is not
clearly linked to the question.
2012%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
012312420
Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
Counter arguments but again
with limited development or
explanation.
6
The response is a good
general answer concerning MNC
and investment. Unfortunately,
the candidate does not develop
the explanation sufficiently and
ignores sustainability. An AS/AD
approach could be used as an
explanatory framework for the
answer. Reference could be made
to the to the concept of PPC.
7
012312420
56789ÿ 679
6
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
7
2212Total
%
mark awarded =
13 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
•
An AS/AD approach could have been used as an explanatory framework for the answer.
Reference could have been made to the concept of PPC.
Some element of the answer should have dealt with sustainability.
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#22'5(89"02'8)"2&0' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
29
2012%
01213432
56789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – low
Examiner comments
1 Clear definition of MNC.
1
01213432
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$##4'5(89"23'8)"&' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
2&130
2 A clear reason for MNC
investment in a developing
country.
2
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$##4'5(89"23'8)"&' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
30
2#130
01213432
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
56789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
Examiner comments
3 Brief description of MNC
advantages.
3
01213432
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$##4'5(89"23'8)"&' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
20131
4
4 The quality of the answer is
good but it is under-developed.
Total mark awarded =
8 out of 25
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
The answer was too brief. This may have been due to poor time allocation.
The relevant areas which the candidate identified needed to be developed in greater depth and within an
appropriate analytical framework.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
•
Few candidates extended their answer to include the reference to sustainability in the question.
Candidates needed to secure their response in an analytical framework to raise it from the descriptive.
As suggested above, the AS/AD could have been used, as well as PPC, as a concept. The impact of an MNC on
the components of AMD.
A definition of sustainability and development of the concept with reference to exploitation of resources or dumping
of waste could have been made.
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$##4'5(89"23'8)"&' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
31
34130
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Question 7
Example Candidate Response – high
Examiner comments
1 A clear definition of GDP.
1
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
0%12%
2 An interpretation of the
standard of living in material
terms.
2
012312420
56789ÿ 679
3
3 This is a good analytical
paragraph which links the growth
of GDP to the standard of living.
4
4 Basic definition of Economic
Growth.
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
0$12%
5 Development of the
explanation linking GDP and
economic development.
Mark for (a) = 9 out of 12
5
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
32
0&12%
0&12%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
012312420
56789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
012312420
6
Examiner comments
A good paragraph on some of
the limits of GDP.
56789ÿ 679
6
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
0#12%
A good explanation of the HDI
and evaluation of its superiority
over GDP.
7
7
The MPI is commented on
more briefly.
8
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
8
The conclusion makes some
attempt to summarise the earlier
arguments.
The response could be
improved by a more exhaustive
exploration of the MPI which
0312%would allow for an improved
conclusion.
Mark for (b) = 9 out of 13
10
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
9
0312% 9
Total mark awarded =
18 out of 25
10
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) Further explanation of the links between GDP, the standard of living and economic growth would have improved
the answer.
(b) The candidate needed to write at greater length on MPI and compare that with GDP.
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&&'23(5)89"02(8*"0#4#( +"(,-."(7/8833
9978"0
2412%
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner comments
1
1 Good definition of GDP.
2
2 Whilst these are correct
statements, the focus of the
answer is not quite correct. This is
not explaining why GDP is used.
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$&$0'5(89"02'8)"2440' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
0%120
3 This finally links changes in
standard of living with changing
GDP.
3
4 This addresses part (b) of the
question.
4
012312420
56789ÿ 679
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0$120
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$&$0'5(89"02'8)"2440' *"'+,-"'7.8834
9978"/
0&120
012312420
56789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
012031212341224020
5656
7897ÿ89ÿ676979
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$&$0'5(89"02'8)"2440' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
Examiner comments
0&120
5 The answer has the elements
which should lead to a better
mark. It fails to fully recognise the
relationships between the three
elements.
Mark for (a) = 8 out of 12
5
012312420
56789ÿ 679
66
1
1
98
156
89
!"
0'5
2'
8)
"'+,"'7
.8
999911117766
1
991
887798
7671656
7897
8989!"
#$#%$&%$&&$$&0$'5
((
89"809"20'
8)
""
2424404'0'**"'+,"'7
.8
8899979878"/"/
03012#0120
A good paragraph on the
limitations of GDP.
6
6
7
7
Clear statement of the purpose
of two alternative measures.
35
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
012312420
Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
Brief description of human
development index (HDI).
8
Brief description of Measurable
Economic Welfare (MEW).
9
8
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$&$0'5(89"02'8)"2440' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
24120
Appropriate conclusion given
what comes before it.
10
The answer shows a relatively
brief discussion of GDP and
two alternatives. Neither the
limitations of GDP or the benefits/
weaknesses of the alternatives
are discussed in any great depth.
The crucial point is that these
measures are highly (co) related
to each other.
Mark for (b) = 8 out of 13
11
9
10
11
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$&$0'5(89"02'8)"2440' *"'+,-"'7.889978"/
Total mark awarded =
16 out of 25
20120
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) The response would have been improved if the candidate had decided which part of the answer was essential
in order to answer the question and concentrated their explanation on that. Definition of GDP, growth of GDP
changing PPC and a link to standard of living with a clear differentiation between material and non-material
aspects.
(b) The answer showed a relatively brief discussion of GDP and two alternatives. Neither the limitations of GDP nor
the benefits/weaknesses of the alternatives were discussed in any great depth.
36
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 4
Example Candidate Response – low
Examiner comments
1 Opening sentence is
repetitious.
1
2
2 The rest of the paragraph
is correct but lacks developed
explanation.
3
3 All true but a limited
explanation.
4
4 Again, true but not developed
or applied to the question.
5
5 The candidate’s response
needs definitions of GDP,
standard of living and economic
growth. Then the response needs
to link these three concepts
together.
Mark for (a) = 5 out of 12
6
Some basic knowledge is
shown.
6
7
7
37
A well-argued limitation of GDP.
01231Example
2420
Candidate Responses – Paper 456789ÿ 679
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
012312420
Examiner comments
56789ÿ 679
The next five paragraphs show
a strong understanding of the
limitations of GDP.
8
8
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#'2(5)89"02(8*"0%'( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
0#12'
The answer only considers
the limitations of GDP. Whilst this
is a good critique of GDP as a
measure, the candidate does not
address the full requirements of
the question.
Mark for (b) = 6 out of 13
9
012312420
56789ÿ 679
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#'2(5)89"02(8*"0%'( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
0312'
Total mark awarded =
11 out of 25
9
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
(a) The answer only considered the limitations of GDP. Whilst this was one of the better critiques of GDP as a
measure, the answer failed to address the full requirements of the question.
(b) The candidate response needed definitions of GDP, standard of living and economic growth. Then it needed to
link these three concepts together.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
In both parts (a) and (b) candidates often wrote very well on each element of the question. For example, GDP and/or
the standard of living. However, what they failed to do was explain the connections between the elements.
991176619187987615678989 !"#$%&$#'2(5)89"02(8*"0%'( +"(,-."(7/889978"0
38
2412'
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