0455 Example Candidate Responses Paper 2 IGCSE

Example Candidate Responses – Paper 2
Cambridge IGCSETM / IGCSE (9–1)

Economics 0455 / 0987
Cambridge O Level
Economics 2281
For examination from 2020
Version 1
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Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................4
Question 1........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Example Candidate Response – high...............................................................................................................................6

Example Candidate Response – middle.........................................................................................................................10
Example Candidate Response – low..............................................................................................................................14
Question 2.......................................................................................................................................................................17
Example Candidate Response – high.............................................................................................................................17

Question 3.......................................................................................................................................................................23

Question 4.......................................................................................................................................................................29

Example Candidate Response – middle..........................................................................................................................31
Question 5.......................................................................................................................................................................34

Example Candidate Responses - Paper 2
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge IGCSE / IGCSE Economics (9–1)
0455 / 0987 and Cambridge O Level Economics 2281, 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:
0455 November 2020 Question Paper 22

0455 November 2020 Paper 22 Mark Scheme
Past exam resources and other teacher support materials are available on the School Support Hub:
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
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. 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 – low Examiner comments
4 Two more costs are given

4 here, one fixed and one var-
iable. Only the first two costs
5 given are considered.
Mark for (b) = 1 out of 2
5 This is a vague statement.
6 This is not a cost of con-

serving the forests.
6
Mark for (c) = 0 out of 2
Examiner comments are
alongside the answers. These
Answers are by real candidates in exam conditions. explain where and why marks
These show you the types of answers for each level. were awarded. This helps you
Discuss and analyse the answers with your learners in to interpret the standard of
the classroom to improve their skills. Cambridge exams so you can
help your learners to refine
their exam technique.
How the candidate could have improved their answer

• The candidate needed to pay more attention to the stimulus material and answer the questions in more depth.
• (b) The candidate gave four costs when the question asked for two variable costs. In such a case, only the first two
costs identified are considered. In this case, the first two costs given included one fixed cost and one variable cost.
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) Making numerical errors.
• (b) Listing all the costs mentioned in the source material without separating out two variable costs.
• (c) Not explaining the meaning of opportunity cost and not basing the answer on an opportunity cost that can be
found in the source material. A number of candidates also gave an opportunity cost of producing palm oil rather
than of conserving forests.
• (d) Not exploring the external costs identified. Some candidates confused external cost with private costs and
explained for instance, rent.
Lists the common mistakes candidates made
in answering each question. This will help your
Often candidates were not awarded learners to avoid these mistakes and give them
marks because they misread or the best chance of achieving the available marks.
misinterpreted the questions.
Question 1
Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments
1 An accurate calculation.
Mark for (a) = 1 out of 1
1
1
2Two relevant costs are identified.
2 Mark for (b) = 2 out of 2
3 The candidate should explain

that this may be the best alternative.
3
4 The candidate needs to explain

4
why this loss of habitat will be a cost
to the wildlife.
5 The candidate needs to explain

how the harmful gases can have a
cost on 3rd parties.
5 Mark for (d) = 2 out of 4
6
Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments
6
6 This is a good diagram. It is
well-labelled, clear and accurate.
The candidate writes one sentence
but does not waste much time on
a written explanation that is not
required.
Mark for (e) = 4 out of 4
7 The expected explanation is

7
clearly set out.
8Understanding of the
8
components of HDI is shown here.
9 Evidence is provided in support

of the data.
9
7
10 There is further supporting

10 evidence here.
11 A relevant exception is identified

11 here and, at this point, full marks
are awarded.
Mark for (f) = 5 out of 5
12 There is strong consideration of

12
how immigration of workers could
benefit Indonesia. Points are well
linked and maximum marks are
awarded on this side.
13 The candidate recognises

that immigration may result in
overcrowding and could have a
negative effect on the balance of
payments.
13 Mark for (g) = 6 out of 6
8
14 Again, full marks are awarded

on the first side. There is good
coverage of changes in global
income, advertising affecting
the attractiveness of Indonesia
as a tourist attraction and the
competitiveness of the Indonesian
tourist industry.
15 In the first two sentences, the

14
candidate just writes the reverse
of what appeared in the first
paragraph.
16 The last sentence does enable

the candidate to be awarded full
marks for this answer as it explains
how palm oil production could
reduce ecotourism.
Mark for (h) = 6 out of 6
15
Total mark awarded =
16 27 out of 30

• (c) The candidate did recognise that a possible opportunity cost of conserving forests is the production of
palm oil but did not explain that this may be the (next) best alternative foregone (given up).
• (d) The candidate needed to explain how the loss of wildlife and release of harmful gases impose costs on
third parties.
9
Example Candidate Response – middle Examiner comments

1 The candidate makes a mistake
here. It should have been 36 divided
by 60 and then multiplied by 100.
1 Mark for (a) = 0 out of 1
2 The first cost identified is a
2
variable cost but the second cost is
a fixed cost.
3 3 It should be foregone (given up)

4 rather than chosen.
4 The candidate does identify a

5
relevant opportunity cost here.
6 Mark for (c) = 1 out of 2
5 The candidate identifies but does

7 not explain the two relevant external
costs.
8 Mark for (d) = 2 out of 4
9 6 This is the correct shift in the

supply curve.
10 7 The second equilibrium point
11
should be shown here by lines to
the axes or by E2.
8 This is not an equilibrium point.
9 The equilibrium should be here.

12
10 The demand and supply curves
are accurately labelled.
11 The axes are correctly labelled.
12 A written explanation is not

needed.
10
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments
13 The candidate is not clear about

13 what the data is showing.
14 14 There is no interpretation here.
15 15 Again, the candidate is not clear

about what the data indicates.
16 The candidate explores how

immigration could increase the size
of the labour force. The workers
could be skilled and, as a result,
16
economic growth could occur.

that workers from other countries
could replace some Indonesian
workers. The size of the labour
force, however, will increase, so
the overall unemployment rate may
not rise. An increase in government
17 paying unemployment benefits will
not in itself cause a fall in GDP.
11
18 The candidate recognises a

18
relevant possible disadvantage.
19 19 The candidate does not establish

why inflation may occur since both
total demand and total supply are
likely to increase.
Mark for (g) = 5 out of 6
20 The candidate should recognise

here that the workers are highly
20
skilled workers.
21 21 This is a relevant possible
reason why Indonesian tourism may
increase in the future.
22 The candidate shows an

22 awareness that Indonesia has
natural tourist attractions and that
they are price competitive.
23 The fall in the exchange rate

is more likely to result in a rise in
23 tourism as it would make it likely to
reduce the price that foreign tourists
have to pay.
24 Again, the candidate does not

establish that inflation will occur.
24 Mark for (h) = 3 out of 6

15 out of 30
12

• (a) The candidate used the incorrect method to calculate a percentage change.
• (b) The candidate needed to identify two variable costs but actually identified one variable cost and one fixed cost.
• (c) The candidate did recognise an appropriate opportunity cost but needed to make it clear that opportunity cost is
not the next best alternative chosen but the next best alternative foregone.
• (d) The candidate identified two relevant external costs but did not explain them. For instance, the candidate could
have explained that the release of harmful gases could cause people living nearby to become ill.
• (e) The diagram drawn was generally good, but it did not show the original and the new equilibrium positions.
When drawing a diagram to show the effects of changes in market conditions, equilibriums should be shown.
The candidate could have saved time in answering this question as a written explanation was not required. When
candidates are asked to ‘Draw a diagram to show …’ , a diagram only is needed.
• (f) The candidate needed to think very carefully about what the data was showing before starting to write their
answer. The candidate was not clear about the nature of GDP per head and HDI rankings.
• (g) The candidate’s answer required more depth. For instance, the candidate might have mentioned that more
people coming to live and work in the country may result in overpopulation or may have recognised that the
country’s population was already increasing. The comments on inflation should also have recognised that both total
demand and total supply could increase with more workers.
• (h) The candidate was not clear about how a fall in the country’s exchange rate would be likely to affect the
demand for tourism.
• (i) The candidate did not provide a convincing case for why inflation might occur.
13
1 This is an accurate calculation.

2 This is a variable cost.

1
3 First cost identified is a fixed
cost.
2
4 Two more costs are given here,
3 one fixed and one variable. Only the
first two costs given are considered.
4
5 5 This is a vague statement.
6 This is not a cost of conserving

6 the forests.
7 It is not clear who ‘they’ are and

7
8 what an external cost may be.
8 This is a relevant cost but the

candidate needs to explain it further.
Mark for (d) = 1 out of 4
9 The demand curve should not be

moved in this case.
9
10 The candidate does not show
what the axes are measuring and
10
omits the original supply curve,
the new supply curve and the two
equilibrium positions.
14
Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments
11 The data does not actually show

economic growth. The answer is
11 vague and does not show a careful
analysis of the data.
12 The candidate identifies a

potential benefit here but should
explain it further.

possible cost but it is not made clear
12
why this may occur.
Mark for (g) = 2 out of 6
13
14 This is a possible reason
why Indonesian tourism may not
increase. The candidate does not
explore this point further.
14
15 It is not clear which country’s
natural beauty is being referred to
here. If it is Indonesia (as suggested
15
by the source material), it might be
a reason why more rather than less
tourists may go to Indonesia.
Mark for (h) = 1 out of 6

6 out of 30
15

• The candidate needed to pay more attention to the stimulus material and to answer the questions in more depth.
• (b) The candidate gave four costs when the question asked for two variable costs. In such a case, only the first two
costs identified are considered. In this case, the first two costs given included one fixed cost and one variable cost.
• (c) The candidate needed to be more precise on the meaning of opportunity cost and to identify an opportunity cost
of conserving forests rather than destroying forests.
• (d) One external cost was identified but it was not explained.
• (e) The diagram produced should have been labelled, to include the original supply curve, a new supply curve to
the left and the equilibriums.
• (f) The candidate should have realised that a measure of pollution is not included directly in GDP per head or
HDI. In examining such data, candidates could consider what relationship they would expect to find and why
the relationship is likely to exist. The candidate should then assess whether the data supports the expected
relationship and provide evidence to support this. Finally, the candidate should have identified any exceptions and
provide evidence for the exceptions.
• (g) Two effects of the immigration of workers to Indonesia were identified but not explained. If a candidate states
that immigration will increase economic growth and cause pollution, they should explain why. Links need to be
provided. For example, immigration may increase economic growth as it may increase the size of the labour force
and so enable a country to produce a higher output.
• (h) The candidate again stated an effect, in this case competition, but did not explain it. In the second part of the
answer, it was not clear whether the candidate was writing about the natural beauty of Indonesia or of Singapore
and Malaysia.

• (a) Numerical errors.
• (b) Listing all the costs mentioned in the source material without separating out two variable costs.
• (c) Not explaining the meaning of opportunity cost and not basing the answer on an opportunity cost that can be
found in the source material. A number of candidates also gave an opportunity cost of producing palm oil rather
than of conserving forests.
• (d) Not exploring the external costs identified. Some candidates confused external cost with private costs and
explained for instance, rent.
• (e) Not recognising from the source material that a ban on stubble would reduce the supply of rice and so shifting
the wrong curve. A number of candidates did not show the equilibriums. A high proportion of candidates provided
a written analysis of the diagram. This was not required as indicated by the command word ‘show’. If candidates
are required to both draw a diagram and to provide a written analysis, they are asked to ‘Analyse, with the use of a
diagram’.
• (f) Confusing what the data showed. A number of candidates thought a ranking of 2 is a low ranking. Understanding
of, for example, the HDI should make this clear. Other candidates just described the data without explaining it. For
example, writing that Luxembourg has a GDP per head ranking of 2 and an HDI ranking of 20 is not providing any
analysis. Some candidates revealed a lack of understanding of the components of HDI and the meaning of GDP
per head.
• (g) Not providing a two-sided answer. A number of candidates explored only the benefits of immigration of workers
into Indonesia. Not all candidates considered the question in the context of Indonesia.
• (h) Writing comments that conflicted with the information in the source material. For example, some candidates
wrote that Indonesia does not have competition in tourism while the source material mentions Singapore and
Malaysia as competitors. Generally, answers tended to be stronger on why Indonesian tourism will increase in the
future than on why it might not.
16
Question 2
1 1 The candidate mentions exports

and imports of goods.
2
2 The candidate picks up on
exports and imports of goods but
3
does not recognise that the term
refers to the relationship between
exports and imports which could be
a deficit, surplus or balance.
4
5 3 Identification of a benefit.
6 4 Explanation of why bigger

7 markets provide an advantage for
producers.
8 5 Identification of a second benefit.

9
6 Explanation of the second
benefit.
7 The original production possibility
10 curve is drawn to the axes.

that unemployment results in
inefficiency.
9 The candidate is mistakenly

shifting the production possibility
curve.
10 It is the actual output rather than

potential output which will fall.
11
11 Strong exploration of why an

increase in income tax may reduce
demand-pull inflation.
12 Strong exploration of the other

side, in this case, why higher
12 income tax increases cost-push
inflation.

16 out of 20
17

• (a) The candidate needed to recognise that the trade in goods balance is the difference between export revenue
and import expenditure. Candidates should ensure definitions are precise.
• (c) The candidate needed to draw a diagram showing a change in the production points rather than in the
production possibility curve. They should have recognised that it is output rather than productive potential that will
fall.
18
1 1 The candidate does not identify

what the trade is in.
2
2 The candidate does not
recognise that the balance will
show the difference between export
revenue and import expenditure.
3
3 A clear link is needed here.
Lower prices or higher quality of raw
materials will increase profits.
4 Higher output is linked to higher

4 revenue.
6 5 The candidate labels the axes

appropriately.
6 There should not be a gap

between the curve and the axes.
7
7 Again, there should be no gap.
8 The candidate recognises output

will fall but is confused on how this
8
will be illustrated.
19
9 The candidate provides limited

9 explanation of demand-pull inflation
here.
10 Fewer people in the country will

also reduce total demand.
10
11 It is not clear why people would

11
want to spend more.
12 There is a reasonable
exploration here of why cost-
push inflation may result from the
increase in income tax.

12 9 out of 20

• (a) The answer provided was too vague. It was not made clear that the trade in goods balance is concerned with
exports and imports.
• (b) The candidate explained the second benefit identified but did not make clear the link between raw materials
and profits in the first benefit.
• (c) The candidate correctly labelled the axes to the diagram. The diagram would have been improved by drawing
one production possibility curve, making sure it touched the axes and including two relevant production points. The
explanation could have recognised that resources are being wasted.
• (d) The candidate provided a two-sided answer but missed some links. For example, it was not explained why
reduced spending may reduce inflation. The candidate did not recognise that workers leaving the country would not
only reduce total demand but also total supply. The candidate stated that people would borrow more to spend more
but it was not explained why. The last paragraph was the strongest part with a link between higher wages and
higher costs for firms and then cost-push inflation.
20
1 1 Not services.
2 2There is no reference to exports

and imports of goods.
3 This shows that the candidate

does not understand the meaning of
3 the term free trade.
4 4 Incorrect labelling.
5
5 A production possibility curve is

drawn accurately but the diagram
does not show a movement inside
the curve.
6
6There is no written analysis.
7
7 Less disposable income would
be stronger.
8
8There is limited explanation on
one side.

4 out of 20
21

• (a) The candidate did not recognise that the trade in goods balance only includes goods. They also did not indicate
that the trades in goods balance is the difference between export revenue and import expenditure.
• (b) The candidate did not understand the meaning of free trade. They appeared to think ‘free’ meant that producers
would not have to pay anything rather than they would not face trade restrictions.
• (c) The candidate drew two production possibility curves but did not label the axes of the diagram. Also, they did
not recognise that the production would move inside the curve and did not provide any written analysis of the
question.
• (d) The candidate provided some limited coverage of why an increase in income tax may reduce inflation by
reducing demand. The other side of the answer, that is why inflation might not fall, was not considered.

• (a) Not paying sufficient attention to the words in the term. They did not always pick up on the word ‘goods’. As
a result, some wrote about both goods and services. A number of candidates did not recognise that the balance
involves the difference between export revenue and import expenditure.
• (b) Not explaining the benefits identified. A small proportion of candidates wrote about the benefits to consumers
rather than producers.
• (c) Shifting the production possibility curve inwards rather than moving a production point inwards. A number of
candidates mislabelled the axes, for example, as price and quantity or unemployment and economic growth. In the
written explanation, some candidates wrote about a fall in productive potential rather than a fall in output and not all
of those who did recognise that unemployment would fall, explained why.
• (d) Not providing sufficient links. Some candidates wrote, for example, that an increase in income tax would reduce
spending without explaining why. A number of candidates showed a confusion between total and average costs by
writing that an increase in income tax would cause unemployment and so lower costs in terms of the total wage bill
rather than the wage rates.
22
Question 3
1 A strong definition.
1
2 The candidate recognises that
an extension in demand is the result
of a fall in price.
3 The candidate gives the contrast

2
here of an increase in demand
being shown by a shift to the right
of the demand curve and gives a
3 reason.

tax revenue will increase.
4
5 5 Such spending may benefit
those on low income.
6 The influence of price elasticity
6
of demand is recognised here.
7
7 The candidate should explain
why elastic demand will result in
lower tax revenue.
8 The overall impact on the gap

between the rich and those on low
8
income needs to be considered.
9 Two relevant reasons for

imposing a maximum price on food
are explored.
9
10 It is not clear here which other

firms are being referred to.
11 This is relevant but more

10 explanation would be useful.

14 out of 20
11
23

• (a) The candidate produced a good answer which not only recognised that a demerit good is harmful but also more
harmful than consumers realise.
• (b) The answer was quite good but needed to recognise that an extension in demand is, for example, shown by a
movement along the demand curve to the right.
• (c) The candidate focused on the effects on tax revenue. It was necessary to also consider how an increase in
indirect tax may affect the poor relatively more than the rich.
• (d) The candidate produced quite a good answer but needed to think through the points more carefully, particularly
on why a maximum price should not be set. The last sentence was clear but too brief on the points. Earlier in the
paragraph, it was not clear why consumers would be able to buy from other firms as those other firms would also
be subject to maximum price.
24
1 1 The candidate gives a limited

definition.

2 an extension in demand is caused
by a change in price.
3 4
3 The candidate makes a relevant
contrast.
4 Examples of the other factors are
5
given.
5 It is not made clear what ‘a

decrease in income distribution’
6 means.
6 The influence of price elasticity of

demand might be considered here.
7 The link to more profits is

7 confused and is moving away from
8
the focus of the question.
8 The candidate notes the idea

that tax revenue may rise but the
point is not developed.
9 The candidate carries out some

limited exploration of the case for
imposing a maximum price on food
here.
10 Understanding of what motivates

10 firms is not strong.
11 This is a reasonable exploration

of why a government should not
impose a maximum price.

11
9 out of 20
25

• (a) The definition given in the answer was limited. The candidate needed to go further by recognising that a demerit
good is not only harmful but also more harmful than consumers realise or that it causes external costs.
• (b) The candidate should have developed the point on an extension in demand by, for example, mentioning that it
is shown by a movement along the demand curve to the right.
• (c) The answer needed to be clearer on what is meant by a decrease in income distribution. It also showed
confusion in thinking that higher prices resulting from higher costs would increase prices.
• (d) The candidate produced a two-sided answer with a reasonable first and third paragraph. The candidate should
have made clear that to have the effects described, the maximum price would have to be set below the equilibrium
price and that demand would then exceed supply.
26
1 This is a partial definition of a

public good.
1
2 This is an example of a demerit

2 good but the question does not ask
for one.
3 The candidate shows no

understanding of either an
extension in demand or an increase
in demand.
4 The references to those on

low incomes being ‘mostly affect’
3
and the vague reference to ‘their
distribution of income (decrease)’
suggests that those on low incomes
will lose more of their income than
4 the rich.
5 The candidate recognises tax

5 revenue may increase.
6 The candidate identifies a reason

6 but does not develop the point.
7 The candidate shows recognition

of the aim of a maximum price to
7 avoid price being too high.

4 out of 20
27

• (a) The candidate confused a demerit good with a public good. An example of a demerit good was given but the
question did not ask for this.
• (b) The candidate needed to show accurate awareness of the terms ‘an extension in demand’ and ‘an increase
in demand’. The candidate provided a confused description of an extension in demand and then confused an
increase in demand with an extension in demand.
• (c) The candidate recognised that those with a low income may be affected more than those with a high income
and that tax revenue would rise. However, these points were not explained and were not developed. For example,
it was not explained why the poor would be affected more or how the government could use the tax revenue
gained to help the poor.
• (d) The candidate again stated the points but did not explain them.

• (a) Confusing a demerit good with a merit good or a public good. Other candidates provided a limited definition,
only recognising that a demerit good is harmful.
• (b) Confusing an extension in demand with an increase in demand. Some candidates did not seem to be aware of
the terms and wrote, for example, about the differences in the length of time a product is being demanded.
• (c) Concentrating on the total tax paid by the rich and those with low income rather than the proportion of tax paid
and not considering how the tax revenue raised may be used to affect income distribution. While those on low
income pay less in total in terms of indirect taxes than the rich, they pay a higher proportion of their income. Higher
indirect taxes can also enable a government to raise more tax revenue which can be spent to make income more
evenly distributed.
• (d) Not answering the actual question set. Some candidates wrote about imposing a minimum price or a tax rather
than a maximum price. Defining the term at the start of the answer may have helped candidates. Some candidates
only stated points and did not support the comments they made with good economics.
28
Question 4
1 The candidate identifies two

1 relevant functions.
2 The reason why higher wages

2 may be a benefit or why they may
be higher in another country needs
explaining.
3 3 Good explanation of why

overpopulation may encourage
people to emigrate.
4 A clear analysis of several

relevant reasons including
4 increased productivity, long working
hours, belonging to a strong trade
union and being in short supply.
5 The candidate makes it clear
5 here that they understand price

6 elasticity of demand (PED) and the
influence of the price of substitutes
on PED.
6 More exploration of whether cars

are or will be luxuries or necessities
by the candidate would be useful.
7 Overall, the candidate shows a

good understanding of PED. More
application to the market for cars by
the candidate would be useful.

7 18 out of 20
29

• (b) Better living standards were explained by the candidate in terms of the home country experiencing pollution and
traffic congestion due to overpopulation. The first reason given, however, was not explained. The candidate should
have mentioned either why wages might be higher in another country or the benefits higher wages could give.
• (c) The candidate produced a strong answer with a number of relevant causes analysed.
• (d) The answer was strong, revealing a good understanding of price elasticity of demand and an ability to apply the
concept. There might have been a little more explanation of some of the points. For example, the candidate might
have explained why cars may become more of a luxury and how taking up a small proportion of income may affect
affordability rather than income.
30

1 The candidate identifies relevant
1
functions.
2
2 It is not clear who the money is
given to and on what conditions.
3 The candidate explains this point

3 on the influence of inflation.
4
4The candidate needs to explain
why more wages would attract
people to emigrate or why wages
may be higher in another country.
5 This point is clearly expressed

5
using relevant economics.
6 Experience, skills and inflation

are relevant causes. Any of these
points could have been explored
6
further to be awarded more marks.
7
7 The candidate does not answer
the question.
8 At this point, the candidate needs

8
to link to change in the price of cars.
9 There is no reference to the

price elasticity of demand for cars.
9 The candidate does not answer the
actual question set.

9 out of 20

• (a) The candidate clearly identified one function. The second function the candidate gave was too vague. The
candidate may have been thinking about lending money, but this was not clear.
• (b) The candidate needed to explain why higher wages may attract emigrants.
• (c) The candidate produced a good answer which just required a little more depth. For example, the candidate
might have explained why workers would need higher wages when there is inflation.
• (d) The candidate did not answer the question set. The candidate made no reference to price elasticity of demand
and instead wrote about why demand for cars may or may not increase. It is important that candidates consider
what a question is asking before they start writing their answer.
31
1 A relevant function.
1
2 2 This statement is not clear. The

candidate may mean that it also
provides loans for firms as well
as individuals. This would still be
lending.
3
4 3 This is a reason for visiting rather

than living in another country.
4 This is a relevant reason but one

which needs explaining.
5There is just some idea that

5
demand for loans may increase.
6 The answer contains vague

statements which do not answer the
question.

6
3 out of 20
32

• (a) The candidate gave one relevant function in their answer. Their attempt at a second function was too vague.
They did not make clear what function a commercial bank may provide for firms. If they intended ‘loans’, this would
have been lending again.
• (b) The candidate identified higher paid jobs but did not explain why this might attract emigrants. Going to buy cars
in another country is unlikely to result in people emigrating.
• (c) The candidate’s answer suggested that demand for loans may increase bank workers’ wages. This could have
been linked to higher profits and more causes could have been considered.
• (d) A number of statements were made in the answer. These were, however, confused and did not answer the
question. For instance, it was not clear what was meant by ‘the more cars increases’ and it was difficult to work out
why demand for cars would not become elastic if they became ‘tired’.

• (a) Confusing the functions of a central bank with the functions of a commercial bank. Some candidates provided
answers that were too vague, for example, ‘to help firms’. A small proportion of candidates wrote about the
functions of money.
• (b) Not explaining the points identified. Also, some candidates did not make clear whether they were referring to
the country emigrated from or emigrated to.
• (c) Not exploring the question in sufficient depth. For example, some candidates wrote that an increase in demand
for bank workers would raise wages without explaining why demand may increase.
• (d) Not paying sufficient attention to the question. A number of candidates wrote about whether demand for cars
will increase or decrease in the future rather than whether demand will become more responsive to a change in
price in the future. Defining price elasticity of demand at the start of the answer might have helped candidates to
focus on the actual question.
33
Question 5
1A clear definition.
1 Mark for (a) = 2 out of 2

possible reason.
2
3 3 The candidate explains the
reason, i.e. inflation.
4 4 The candidate identifies a

second reason.
5
5 The candidate explains the
second reason.
6 6 First link.
7 Second link.
7
8 8 Third link.
9 Fourth link.
9
10 Fifth link.
11 Sixth link.
12 This is a strong answer. There

10
are more links present than are
11
required to be awarded full marks,
e.g. more exports and higher
incomes.
34
13 A good definition.
13
14 This could be explained more.

14
15 15 This is a reasonable explanation

of the benefit of a lower exchange
rate.
16 This is rather confused. A lower

exchange rate would be expected
to increase inflation as total
16 demand may rise and import prices
would increase.
17 This is a relevant advantage of a

fixed exchange rate.
18 The reference to ‘measure of

economic growth’ is confused.
17
19 This sentence links in economic
growth better but the candidate
18
needs to explain how fluctuations
in the exchange rate can reduce
economic growth or the stability of
growth. For example, the effect on
19 investment might be examined.

17 out of 20
35

• (a) The candidate gave a clear definition of wages.
• (b) The candidate provided a good explanation of two reasons why a country’s exports may rise. They linked
higher inflation to demand for and the competitiveness of exports and an increase in the exchange rate to a higher
price of exports.
• (c) The answer showed a good awareness of the nature of investment and economic growth.
• (d) The answer showed an understanding of both a floating and a fixed exchange rate. It was two-sided but could
have been stronger on the effects of a fall in the exchange rate and could have considered more advantages of a
floating exchange rate.
36
1 1 A clear definition.
2 A higher price of exports is

2 a reason. The reference to an
appreciation is not clear. It is not
certain how the government would
stop the appreciation.
3
3 This is a possible reason.
4 4 This shows some confusion.

Economic growth can arise from
selling more products at home or to
other countries.
5
5 First relevant link.
6
6 Second relevant link.

7
7 Third relevant link.
8 Fourth relevant link.
9 A clear answer. Other aspects
8 could be considered, e.g. the effect

of higher investment on advances in
9
technology and productivity and so
on economic growth.
37
10 A relevant definition.
10
11 The candidate does not explain

11 here why it may become expensive
to buy imports under a fixed
exchange rate system.
12 Re-evaluation may reduce export

12 revenue.
13 A relevant definition.
13
14 This is a statement and not

an explanation. It would be good
14 to explain why a higher price of
imports would be harmful and to
consider the effect on exports.

10 out of 20

• (a) The candidate gave a good definition of wages.
• (b) The candidate identified two reasons but did not adequately explain them. More expensive exports are likely to
reduce exports but how a government trying to stop exports being more expensive would result in fewer exports is
not clear. A lack of goods and services could also reduce exports but again the point was not clearly explained.
• (c) The candidate’s answer was quite good but required more on why investment may increase output.
• (d) The candidate made a number of statements and provided definitions but did not develop the points. For
example, the candidate did not explain why a higher price of imports may be a disadvantage.
38

1 1 The candidate recognises that
wages are a payment.
2
2 It is not clear who 'they' are.
3 The candidate identifies but does

3
not explain the lower demand for
exports.
4
4 The candidate gives a second
relevant reason but this needs an
explanation.
5 This sentence by the candidate

5
does not answer the question.
6 It is too uncertain here as to

whether tourists would get more for
their money if the exchange rate
increases or decreases.
6 7 There is the idea here of greater
stability in the case of a fixed
exchange rate.

7 4 out of 20
39

• (a) The candidate needed to state who ‘they’ were.
• (b) Two relevant reasons were identified but not explained. The candidate should have explained why demand for
exports may fall and why not having sufficient resources may reduce exports.
• (c) The candidate wrote one long sentence which stated that higher government investment would increase a
country’s economic growth rate but provided no analysis of the relationship between investment and economic
growth.
• (d) The first sentence of the candidate’s answer needed to be clearer. For example, the candidate should have
decided whether a decrease or an increase in an exchange rate would be likely to encourage tourism in the
country. At the end of the answer, the candidate suggested that a fixed exchange rate is more stable than a floating
exchange rate but did not develop the point.

• (a) Not linking wages to labour. A small proportion of candidates did not state that wages are a payment to workers
(labour).
• (b) Not recognising that the question asks for reasons ‘other than methods of protection’. As a result, a number
of candidates wrote about tariffs and quotas. Some other candidates showed confusion of how a change in the
exchange rate might affect the price of exports.
• (c) Jumping stages in the analysis. For example, some candidates wrote that a rise in investment would cause
consumers to buy more goods and services without providing any links from investment to advances in technology,
higher quality products, lower costs and lower prices and so to higher demand for goods and services.
• (d) Not going beyond definitions of fixed and floating exchange rates. Some candidates did not discuss, for
example, the benefits of greater certainty in the case of a fixed exchange rate and greater flexibility in the case of a
floating exchange rate.
40
Cambridge Assessment International Education
The Triangle Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8EA, United Kingdom
t: +44 1223 553554
e: info@cambridgeinternational.org www.cambridgeinternational.org
Copyright © UCLES June 2021

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Example Candidate Responses – Paper 2

Cambridge IGCSETM / IGCSE (9–1)

For examination from 2020

Copyright © UCLES 2021

Example Candidate Response – high...............................................................................................................................6

Example Candidate Response – high.............................................................................................................................17

Example Candidate Response – high.............................................................................................................................23

Example Candidate Response – high.............................................................................................................................29

Example Candidate Response – high.............................................................................................................................34

0455 November 2020 Question Paper 22

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

4 Two more costs are given

5 This is a vague statement.

6 This is not a cost of con-

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments

3 The candidate should explain

4 The candidate needs to explain

5 The candidate needs to explain

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

7 The expected explanation is

9 Evidence is provided in support

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

10 There is further supporting

11 A relevant exception is identified

12 There is strong consideration of

13 The candidate recognises

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

14 Again, full marks are awarded

15 In the first two sentences, the

16 The last sentence does enable

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Example Candidate Response – middle Examiner comments

2 The first cost identified is a

3 3 It should be foregone (given up)

4 The candidate does identify a

5 The candidate identifies but does

9 6 This is the correct shift in the

8 This is not an equilibrium point.

9 The equilibrium should be here.

11 The axes are correctly labelled.

12 A written explanation is not

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

13 The candidate is not clear about

14 14 There is no interpretation here.

15 15 Again, the candidate is not clear

16 The candidate explores how

17 The candidate recognises

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

18 The candidate recognises a

19 19 The candidate does not establish

20 The candidate should recognise

22 The candidate shows an

23 The fall in the exchange rate

24 Again, the candidate does not

Total mark awarded =

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

1 This is an accurate calculation.