Cambridge Assessment International Education

Cambridge Ordinary Level

ECONOMICS 2281/23
Paper 2 Structured Questions October/November 2019
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 90

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 October/November 2019 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 20 printed pages.

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Generic Marking Principles

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.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

• 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.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

• 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.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.

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GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

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).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

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.

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a) Identify, from the extract, two primary sector industries. 2

• agriculture
• copper mining
• emerald mining

1(b) Calculate, using information from the extract, how many people in Zambia lived in 2
poverty in 2017.

• 9m (2).
• Correct working: 15 m × 60% (1).

1(c) Explain, using information from the extract, why Zambia had a high rate of 2
population growth in 2017.

• Birth rate exceed death rate / more people being born than dying (2).
• High birth rate / high natural increase (1).
• Birth rate 41.8 and death rate 12.4 (1).

1(d) Explain, using information from the extract, why a depreciation of the kwacha 4
harmed the Zambian economy.

• Inflation rate rose (1) from 10.1% in 2015 to 20.6% in 2016 (1).
• Growth rate fell (1) from 6.8% after 2014 (1).
• Depreciation is a fall in the value of the currency (1) import prices would have been
higher (1) increasing costs of production (1) leads to higher prices (1) demand for
higher wages (1) creating a wage-price spiral (1).
• Higher inflation may have reduced international competitiveness (1) reducing output
/ economic growth rate (1) leading to lower employment (1) and reduction in living
standards (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(e) Analyse, using Fig.1.1, the relationship between copper output and revenue from 5 A pattern of analysis is expected in
the sale of copper. response to this type of question.

Expected relationship - a direct relationship would have been expected / moved in Do not reward simple statements
same direction / as copper output rose, revenue should have risen (1). (repetition) of the figures given in the table.

Evidence in support of unexpected relationship

• Does not support expected relationship / shows an inverse relationship (1).
• Between 2010–14 revenue rose (from 100 to 128) but output fell (from 100 to 90)
so prices rose (1).
• Between 2014–17 revenue fell (from128 to 90) but output rose (from 90 to 108)
which meant that prices fell (1).
• In 2014 copper revenue was highest 128 and output at its lowest 90, while in 2017
copper revenue was at its lowest 90 and output at its highest 108, so changes in
revenue were greater than changes in output of copper (1).

Analysis of inverse relationship:

• When output fell, price per unit may have risen more than fall in output, due to loss
of economies of scale causing average costs to rise (1).
• Price for Zambian copper affected by world market prices (1).
• Copper is likely to be inelastic in demand so prices rise by more than fall in output
increasing revenue (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(f) Discuss whether or not a central bank should reduce commercial bank lending. 5 Apply this example to all questions with
the command word DISCUSS
Up to 3 marks for why it should: (1g, 1h, 2d, 3d, 4d and 5d)

• Lowering consumer expenditure / investment by firms (1) may reduce demand-pull Each point may be credited only once, on
inflation (1) making exports more competitive (1). either side of an argument, but separate
• May prevent households and firms getting into debt (1) that they cannot repay development as to how/why the outcome
banks (1) may avoid a financial crisis in the future (1). may differ is rewarded.
• May reduce spending on imports (1) improve the current account position (1).
Generic example mark
Up to 3 marks for why it should not:
Tax revenue may decrease 1
• It may reduce consumer expenditure (1) investment (1) this will lower total
(aggregate) demand (1) which may reduce economic growth (1). ... because of reason e.g. 1
• Some firms may go out of business (1) causing unemployment (1) results in poverty incomes may be lower.
(1).
• Firms may not keep up with advances in technology (1) reduce international Tax revenue may increase 0
competitiveness (1) harm the current account position (1). because incomes may be higher
• Households may not be able to borrow to pay for their everyday living / their i.e. reverse of a previous
children’s education / their higher education (1) lower their career prospects (1). argument.

Tax revenue may increase 1

because of a different reason i.e.
not the reverse of a previous
argument e.g. government
spending on subsidies may
stimulate the economy more
than spending on education.

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(g) Explain, using information from the extract, two reasons why productivity may 4
have been low in Zambia.

• Low investment (1) e.g. fewer workers might be working with new advanced capital
equipment (1).
• Cut in the government spending on training (1) workers may be less skilled (1).
• People living in poverty / poor health (1) more time off work (1).
• Lack of infrastructure e.g. lack of roads / lack of school buildings (1) means greater
difficulty getting to work / gaining adequate education (1).
• Only 48% of the population work (1) less people in work (1).
• Life expectancy of only 52.5 years (1) lack of skills / experience (1).

1(h) Discuss whether or not building a new city will benefit an economy. 6
Up to 4 marks for why it might:

• Jobs will be created (1) reduce unemployment (1) higher total demand / economic
growth (1) creating higher income / less poverty (1).
• Better housing may be constructed (1) overcrowding may be reduced / less
homelessness (1) living standards may rise (1).
• MNCs may be attracted into the country (1) by improved facilities (1).
• Results in higher tax revenue (1) which government can spend on other objectives
e.g. education and health (1).

Up to 4 marks for why it might not:

• It will involve an opportunity cost (1) money spent/resources used could have been
used to e.g. improve education and healthcare (1) may cause a budget deficit (1).
• It may cause external costs (1) e.g. damage the environment (1).
• People and firms may not want to move (1) new facilities will be wasted (1).
• Causes inflation (1) if already at or close to full employment (1).
• Pushes up prices (1) causing cost-push inflation (1).
• Depletes natural resources / raw materials (1) more dependent on imports (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(a) Define tertiary sector and give an example of an industry operating in the tertiary 2
sector.

Services (1) e.g. banking (1).

2(b) Explain two reasons why farm workers may be low paid. 4

• high supply / easily replaced / lower productivity / labour intensive / low value
products (1) low skills/qualifications required (1).
• low demand (1) can be replaced by capital equipment (1).
• low bargaining strength (1) weak trade unions/low trade union membership (1)

2(c) Analyse how lower unemployment may cause inflation. 6

• More people in work (1) incomes may rise (1) as more people are earning wages /
higher purchasing power (1) this could increase spending (1) which may increase
total (aggregate) demand (1) without a rise in output / supply (1) causing demand-
pull inflation (1).
• There may be a shortage of workers/increased competition for workers (1) wages
may be raised (1) to attract workers (1) this increases the average cost of
production (1) firms raise prices to maintain profit margins (1) causing cost-push
inflation (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(d) Discuss whether or not a country with high wage rates will have a high 8
unemployment rate.

Up to 5 marks for why it might:

• High wages may mean high cost of production (1) this may mean higher prices /
inflation (1) international competitiveness may be low (1) exports may fall (1)
imports may rise (1) net exports may fall (1) total (aggregate) demand may fall (1)
causing cyclical unemployment / firms may lay off workers (1).
• May encourage capital intensive production (1) particular industries may be driven
out of business by foreign competition (1) causing structural unemployment (1).

Up to 5 marks for why it might not:

• High wages may motivate workers to work harder (1) making them feel appreciated
(1) causing productivity to be high (1) resulting in high demand for labour (1).
• Workers may be working with high value capital equipment (1) keeping cost per unit
low (1).
• High wages can mean high consumer spending (1) so total (aggregate) demand
may be high (1) resulting in higher demand for workers (1).
• Wages may rise above benefits (1) leading to less voluntary unemployment (1).
• Higher tax revenue (1) allows government to increase spending on reducing
unemployment e.g. training (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a) Identify the difference between a tax and a subsidy. 2

• A tax is a payment to the government (1) whereas a subsidy is a grant from the
government (1).
• A tax increases costs/prices (1) a subsidy reduces costs/prices (1).
• A tax reduces consumption / production (1) a subsidy increases consumption /
production (1).
• A tax is a cost for people / firms (1) a subsidy is a cost to the government (1).
• A tax is placed on demerit goods (1) a subsidy is given to merit goods (1).

3(b) Explain two reasons why demand for a product may be price-inelastic. 4

• The product may not have a substitute (1) consumers will not be able to switch to
rival products / example (1).
• The product may be a necessity (1) people will need to buy it even if price rises /
example (1).
• The product may take up a small proportion of income (1) people may not notice a
price rise / example (1).
• The product may be addictive (1) people cannot do without the product / example
(1).
• The purchase of the product cannot be postponed/there is only a short time period
(1) so people do not have time to find alternatives (1).
• Advertising changes tastes of consumer (1) making the product a “must have” (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(c) Analyse, using a demand and supply diagram, the effect a report stating that 6 S
eating tomatoes is good for health will have on the market for tomatoes. price of
tomatoes
Up to 4 marks for the diagram:
P2
Axes correctly labelled – price and quantity or P and Q (1).
Demand and supply curves correctly labelled (1). P1
Demand curve shifted to the right (1).
Equilibriums – shown by lines or e.g. E1 and E2 (1).
D2
Up to 2 marks for written analysis: D1

O Q1 Q2
The report will encourage people to eat more tomatoes (1) rise in demand leads to
shortages (1) a rise in price (1) and an increase in output of tomatoes (1). quantity of
tomatoes
The supply of tomatoes is likely to be relatively inelastic (1) and so an increase in
demand will be likely to have more impact on price than quantity (1).

Do not reward analysis marks for description of diagram e.g. price changes from
P2 to P1 or quantity changes from Q1 to Q2.

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(d) Discuss whether or not introducing more capital-intensive production methods 8

will increase a firm’s profits.

Up to 5 marks for why it might:

• Machines may introduce more advanced technology (1) increases productivity (1)
higher output means firm benefits from economies of scale (1) less workers means
lower labour costs (1) may reduce average costs / (1) may enable price to be lower
(1) revenue will rise (1) if demand is elastic (1).
• Better quality products could be produced (1) increasing demand (1).
• May increase international competitiveness (1) sell more exports (1).

Up to 5 marks for why it might not:

• Machines may be expensive (1) workers may not be trained in their use (1) average
costs could rise (1) reducing gaps between revenue and cost (1).
• Machines may break down (1) consequences of breakdown e.g. interruptions in
supply (1).
• Initial set-up costs may be high (1) profits are reduced in short-run (1).
• A fall in price may cause revenue to fall (1) if demand is inelastic (1).
• Consumers may prefer handmade/personalised products (1) demand may fall (1).
• Labour may be in large supply (1) resulting in low wages (1).
• Government may subsidise firms to employ workers (1) to reduce unemployment
(1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(a) Identify the difference between economic growth and recession. 2

• Economic growth is an increase in GDP/output (1).

• Recession is a fall in GDP/output / negative economic growth (1).

4(b) Explain how the HDI compares living standards between countries. 4

• Measures output/income/material standard of living (1) GDP/GNI per head (1).

• Measures healthcare (1) life expectancy (1).
• Measures education (1) mean and expected years of schooling / literacy rate (1).
• Provides an index figure for each country (1) from 0 to 1 / divides countries into
very high, high, medium and low (1).
• Higher HDI means higher standard of living (1).

4(c) Analyse the effects of a rise in a country’s birth rate. 6 Reward but do not expect reference to the
optimum population.
• In the short run, fewer women may be able to work (1) which will decrease the size
of the labour force (1) more children (1) increases the dependency ratio (1) putting
pressure on the working population (1).
• In the longer run there will be more workers (1) this may decrease the dependency
ratio (1) population size may increase (1) increase output (1) encourage investment
(1).
• Government will have to devote more resources e.g. to primary education /
childcare / support families (1) this may mean fewer resources can be devoted to
e.g. improving living standards (1).
• Higher demand for industries related to young children e.g. baby clothes, child
minding (1) may reduce unemployment (1).
• Increase in population/ overpopulation (1) causes a strain on resources (1) fall in
living standards (1).
• If birth rate still lower than death rate (1) will still have an ageing population (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(d) Discuss whether or not parents should have to pay a fee to send their children to 8 Reward but do not expect reference to
school. education being a merit good.

Up to 5 marks for why they should:

• Some parents can afford to pay (1) some parents will work hard to pay (1) paying
may make them more prepared to demand good standards (1) would see
themselves as consumers (1).
• May result in more resources being devoted to education (1) teachers reive higher
pay (1) and motivated to work harder (1) parents demand high standards for their
money (1) improving outcomes (1).
• Education provides private benefits (1) in the form of higher pay (1) more career
choice (1).
• The government paying for education (1) involves an opportunity cost (1) e.g.
spending on healthcare (1).
• A fee may be charged for secondary education but not primary education (1) if it is
considered a basic level of education should be available to all (1) parents may
choose to pay for education if they think it will be of high quality (1).

Up to 5 marks for why they should not:

• Some parents may not send their children to school (1) some will not be able to
afford to (1) some may undervalue education (1) may reduce desire to have
children (1).
• Opportunity cost to parents (1) e.g. less spending on other goods / services (1).
• It would increase income inequality (1) price would take a higher percentage of the
income of the poor (1) less educated workforce (1) lower standard of living (1).
• Education provides external benefits (1) higher productivity (1) higher output/GDP
(1) these could be lost (1)
• The government may need to provide education free to ensure the right quantity of
education is consumed (1) that the poor have access to education (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

5(a) Define saving. 2

• Income (1) not spent / minus spending (1).

• Putting money in the bank (1) for future use (1).

5(b) Explain two benefits a country can gain from having a stock exchange. 4

• Provides a market for the sale of shares and bonds (1) encourages saving and
investment (1).
• Makes it easier for firms to grow / source of finance for firms (1) makes people
more willing to buy shares / facilitates mergers (1).
• Government able to raise funding through bonds (1) to support expenditure in
economy (1).
• May encourage MNCs to set up in the country (1) which can increase economic
growth / exports / employment (1).
• May encourage the setting up of other financial institutions (1) creating high-
skilled/well-paid jobs (1).

5(c) Analyse how firms may be affected by a rise in the rate of interest. 6

• It will increase the cost of borrowing (1) this may discourage firms from investing (1)
reducing their growth (1) may put up their prices (1).
• Firms may decide to save more (1) as the return will increase (1) the opportunity
cost of investment will rise (1).
• It may increase the cost of past loans (1) reducing firms’ profits (1).
• Demand for consumer goods may fall (1) as consumers will be discouraged from
borrowing (1) be encouraged to save (1) so lower demand will reduce firms’
revenue (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

5(d) Discuss whether or not an economy will benefit from its firms getting larger. 8

Up to 5 marks for why it might:

• To produce more (1) more workers may be employed (1) which may reduce
unemployment (1).
• Larger firms may be more price competitive/produce at lower average cost (1) due
to economies of scale (1) example (1) this may increase output (1) causing
economic growth (1) lower prices (1) it may also increase exports (1) improving the
current account position (1).

Up to 5 marks for why it might not:

• More imported raw materials/capital goods may be purchased (1) worsening the
current account position (1).
• Larger firms may have more market power (1) may be less efficient (1) may
experience diseconomies of scale (1) example (1) average costs may rise (1)
cause cost-push inflation (1) reducing exports (1) worsening the current account
position (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(a) Define wages. 2

• A payment (1) to a worker (1).

• Amount earned (1) by labour / employees (1).
• Reward (1) for labour (1).

6(b) Explain why the opportunity cost of becoming a teacher for one worker may be 4
greater than for another worker.

• Opportunity cost is the (next) best alternative (1) forgone (1).

• One worker may have earned more than another (1) and so would be giving up
more earnings (1).
• One worker may give up more non-wage benefits (1) example e.g. promotion
chances (1).
• One worker has further to travel to work / higher costs of travelling (1) loss of
leisure time / time with family / lower net income (1).

6(c) Analyse how an individual’s earnings are likely to change over her or his lifetime. 6

• At first an individual’s earnings are likely to be low (1) they will lack training /
experience (1) low qualifications / skills (1) unlikely to have been promoted (1).
• In early middle-age earnings may be higher (1) become more productive due to
higher skills / experience(1) adding value for employer (1) may have been
promoted (1) may work overtime (1) have higher expenses (1) e.g. purchase of a
house / paying to support children (1).
• In late-age before retirement (1) earnings may be high due to experience (1) but
may be low due to working part-time (1) being less productive (1) as being more
tired / less physically fit (1).
• At retirement (1) rely on pension / family for financial support (1).
• Gender discrimination may fall (1) so increasing a woman’s earnings (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(d) Discuss whether most people would prefer to work for a multinational company 8
(MNC) or a sole trader.

Up to 5 marks for why they might want to work for an MNC:

• An MNC may earn high profits (1) benefits from economies of scale (1) lower costs
enable them to pay high wages (1) may offer good fringe benefits (1) example (1)
better working conditions (1)
• An MNC may provide training (1) improving their skills (1) give the opportunity to
work with advanced technology (1) making it easier to get a well-paid job in another
firm (1) better reputation / status for employee (1).
• The firm may provide the opportunity of promotion (1) and possibly the opportunity
to work in another country (1)
• MNC more likely to provide stable employment (1) more likely to survive in
recession (1)

Up to 5 marks for why they might want to work for a sole trader:

• A sole trader may provide a friendlier environment (1) more contact with the
employer (1) less exploitation of worker’s rights (1) may have more say in decision-
making (1).
• There may be a greater sense of job security (1) as an MNC may pull out of the
country (1).
• A worker may gain more responsibility working for a sole trader (1) undertaking a
greater range of tasks (1).
• The sole trader’s business may be closer to the worker’s home (1) more convenient
/ lower costs of travelling to work (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(a) Define a trade in services deficit. 2

• Imports of services being greater than exports of services (2).

• A deficit on a section of the balance of payments (1).

7(b) Explain two population problems a rich, developed country may experience. 4

• an ageing population (1) due to a falling death rate and birth rate / increasing
dependency / increasing the cost of healthcare and/or pensions (1).
• A decreasing population (1) a declining labour force (1) due to a falling birth rate /
increasing dependency (1).
• net immigration (1) putting pressure on schools/hospitals/housing (1).

7(c) Analyse how a move to freer international trade may benefit a country’s 6
producers.

• With lower tariffs (1) their exports will be cheaper (1) the volume of exports will not
be restricted by quotas (1).
• If producers are efficient (1) they will sell more abroad (1).
• Producers will be able to buy imported raw materials more cheaply (1) this will
reduce their costs of production (1) increase their profits (1).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(d) Discuss whether or not the standard of living is higher in developed countries 8 Reward answers from the opposite
than in developing countries. perspective - developing countries have a
lower standard of living than developed
Up to 5 marks for why it might be: countries.

• Higher average income (1) enabling people to buy more goods and services (1)
spend money on healthcare (1) education (1) enabling people to live longer / be
more productive (1).
• Government tax revenue is likely to be higher (1) enabling the government to spend
more on e.g. pensions, healthcare (1).

Up to 5 marks for why it might not be:

• Some people’s living standards in developed countries are low/some people’s living
standards in developing countries are high (1) income is not evenly distributed (1).
• Working hours in some developed countries are high (1) leading to stress (1) less
leisure time (1).
• Environmental conditions are better in some developing countries (1) with less
pollution (1).

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