Cambridge International AS & A Level: Economics
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Economics
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Economics
ECONOMICS 9708/22
Paper 2 AS Level Data Response and Essays February/March 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the February/March 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
marks are not deducted for errors
marks are not deducted for omissions
answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly
convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they
are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one
prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type
answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already
credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror
statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of
syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms
with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
3 Calculation questions:
The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for
each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark for each answer
If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the
question paper and in the mark scheme. In all other instances, the correct answer to a
calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown.
Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme,
award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent stages.
Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working,
the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be given if a correct and complete method is
used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any
exceptions to this general principle will be noted.
4 Annotation:
For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used
to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks
have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
Marking of work should be positive, rewarding achievement where possible, but clearly differentiating
across the whole range of marks, where appropriate.
The marker should look at the work and then make a judgement about which level statement is the
best fit. In practice, work does not always match one level statement precisely so a judgement may
need to be made between two or more level statements.
Once a best-fit level statement has been identified, use the following guidance to decide on a specific
mark:
If the candidate’s work convincingly meets the level statement, award the highest mark.
If the candidate’s work adequately meets the level statement, award the most appropriate mark
in the middle of the range (where middle marks are available).
If the candidate’s work just meets the level statement, award the lowest mark.
Assessment objectives
AO2 Analysis
Examine economic issues and relationships, using relevant economic concepts, theories, and
information.
Select, interpret, and organise economic information in written, numerical and diagrammatic form.
Use economic information to recognise patterns, relationships, causes and effects.
Explain the impacts and consequences of changes in economic variables.
AO3 Evaluation
Recognise assumptions and limitations of economic information and models.
Assess economic information and the strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
Recognise that some economic decisions involve consideration of factors such as priorities and
value judgements.
Communicate reasoned judgements, conclusions, and decisions, based on the arguments.
Use this table to give marks for each candidate response for AO1 Knowledge and understanding and
AO2 Analysis for Questions 2(b), 3(b), 4(b) and 5(b).
The response addresses the general theme of the question and the
relevant economic issues, with limited development.
1 A small number of relevant knowledge points are included, and the 1–2
response is limited by significant errors or omissions.
0 No creditable response. 0
Use this table to give marks for each candidate response for AO3 Evaluation for Questions 2(b), 3(b),
4(b) and 5(b).
0 No creditable response. 0
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme.
1(a) Using Fig. 1.1, compare the US inflation rate between July and 2
December 2020 with that between January and June 2021.
During the period between July 2020 and December 2020, the trend
has been slowly upward / relatively stable / had minor fluctuations / from
1.0% to 1.4% (1)
From January 2021 to June 2021 the trend has been more rapidly
upward / from 1.4% to 5.4%. (1)
Note: 2nd mark should only be awarded if there is some KU that the rate of
change is greater in the second period.
Guidance:
The trend in the two periods needs to be compared, not every change from
one month to the next.
Guidance: Accurate reference to the data is required for the second mark.
1(c) Consider the extent to which an increase in interest rates could reduce 4
the rate of inflation in the US.
Max 3 marks
Evaluation
The demand for borrowing funds may not be interest elastic/consumer
and business confidence may remain high (1)
The contribution to a reduction in the rate of inflation will largely depend
on the degree to which it is demand-pull inflation. (1)
There are other factors contributing to the rise in inflation from the cost
side, such as the increase in the cost of shipping goods. (1)
Max 1 mark
1(d) With the help of an AD/AS diagram, assess whether the rising inflation 6
rate in the US has been caused by changes to the demand side or
changes to the supply side of the economy.
Max 4 marks
EITHER
2(a) Explain the functions of price in resource allocation and consider the 8
importance of these functions in relation to the potential effectiveness
of a market economy.
rusouvasawodbyDRS.no an intervention
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme
and award:
up to 3 marks for AO1 Knowledge and understanding up to 3 marks for
AO2 Analysis
up to 2 marks for AO3 Evaluation.
AO2 Analysis 3
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AO3 Evaluation 2
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Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
AO3 Evaluation
AO3 Evaluation 4
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9708/22 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme February/March 2023
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Marks
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3(a) Explain the possible economic reasons for inequality of income and 8
consider whether inequality of income can benefit an economy.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme
and award:
up to 3 marks for AO1 Knowledge and understanding up to 3 marks for AO2
Analysis
up to 2 marks for AO3 Evaluation.
Max 3 marks
Max 3 marks
budget deficit
AO3 Evaluation (max 2 marks)
Offers a valid judgement on the extent to which inequality of income can
benefit an economy (1) to reach a conclusion. (1)
AO2 Analysis 3
AO3 Evaluation 2
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With the help of a diagram, assess whether the introduction of a
Marks
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minimum price in a market can be justified.
Use Tablepaths
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A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
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AO1 and AO2 out of 8 marks. AO3 out of 4 marks. S
Indicative content p ii
Responses may include: P
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis P
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Diagram of a minimum price in a market, correctly labelled with an
equilibrium price and an equilibrium quantity and showing the existence of a
AO3 Evaluation
AO3 Evaluation 4
EITHER
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4(a) Explain the circular flow of income in a closed economy and consider 8
the extent to which the circular flow of income changes as an
economy becomes an open economy.
G 万 hatin trade
It stun
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme
and award:
up to 3 marks for AO1 Knowledge and understanding up to 3 marks for AO2
Analysis
up to 2 marks for AO3 Evaluation.
Offers a valid judgement on the extent to which the circular flow of income
changes as an economy becomes an open economy depending on the
importance of international net trade (1) to reach a conclusion. (1)
AO2 Analysis 3
lead
AO3 Evaluation 2
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
Responses may include:
AO3 Evaluation 4
OR
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AO3 Evaluation
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9708/22 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme February/March 2023
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5(b) Assess whether supply-side policies are the most effective way to 12
correct a deficit on the current account of the balance of payments of
an economy.
Ms X primary income 1 1 Netinvestment prti.mn Mild
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis andfrom abroad
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.foreignaid gunsreceive
AO1 and AO2 out of 8 marks. AO3 out of 4 marks.
LR 3
Indicative content
Responses may include:
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AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis
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AO3 Evaluation 4