Cambridge International AS & A Level: Economics 9708/22
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Economics 9708/22
ECONOMICS 9708/22
Paper 2 AS Level Data Response and Essays February/March 2025
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 f or
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes f or the February/March 2025 series f or 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
descriptions 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 s hown.
• 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 an d 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.
Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to
one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use
annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standard isation and monitoring processes
and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team.
The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood
by all examiners who mark the component.
We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may
see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of
annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an
indication of the quality of the response.
The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series.
Annotations
Knowledge & Indicates knowledge and understanding of the concepts and issues
understanding relating to the question.
Benefit of Used when the benefit of the doubt is given in order to reward a
doubt response.
Not answered Used when the answer or parts of the answer do not answer the
question question asked.
Noted but no Indicates that the page or content has been seen by examiner, but
credit given no credit given.
Too vague Used when parts of the answer are considered to be too vague to
be given credit.
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 clearly addresses the requirements of the question and explains
economic issues, and fully develops these explanations.
Analysis is developed and detailed and makes accurate and relevant use of
economic concepts and theories. Where necessary, there is accurate and
relevant use of analytical tools such as diagrams and formulae, and these are
fully explained.
The response addresses the general theme of the question and the relevant
economic issues, with limited development.
Analysis is generally accurate with some development but little detail. Uses
analytical tools such as diagrams and formulae where necessary. Use of
these tools is partially accurate or not fully explained.
Responses are generally logical and coherent but are sometimes lacking in
focus or organisation.
1 A small number of relevant knowledge points are included, and the response 1–2
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
Section A
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme.
1(a) Using Fig. 1.1, calculate the percentage change in the world price of 2
olive oil between May 2022 and January 2023.
Guidance: Accept any figure between 43 and 44 Note: as the question refers
to the ‘percentage change’ the % sign can be inferred if missing.
Explain how economists would measure the impact of rising olive oil
prices on the demand for sunflower oil.
For recognition that they would use cross elasticity of demand / accept the
formula (1) for recognition that as the two goods will be substitutes, the
coefficient value will be positive (1).
1(c) With reference to Fig 1.2 and the help of a demand and supply diagram, 4
consider the possible impact of increased olive oil prices in 2023 on
consumer surplus.
Up to 1 mark for valid evaluation e.g., the impact on consumer surplus will
depend on the ped for olive oil including some explanation
1(d) Assess the likely impact of increasing stocks of olive oil on the price 6
and quantity of olive oil traded in the future.
For an explanation that e.g., stocks will initially reduce supply in the market (1)
raising the price (1) and reducing the equilibrium quantity (1); the increase of
stocks will allow for an increased supply when olive harvests are low ( 1) and
reduce equilibrium price (1) This will reduce volatility in the market (1) and
stabilise incomes for producers (1).
If the cost of storing the olives is significant then olive producers may still
need to increase prices (1). Consumers may perceive the quality of ‘stored’
olives of a lower quality/ the quality of the olives may deteriorate over time (1)
and may reduce demand and switch to alternatives which may reduce the
quantity traded (1).
4 marks max for analysis
Evaluation
That clearly assesses the likely impact on both the price and quantity of olive
oil e.g. by considering the extent of any price change being dependent upon
that which sufficient stocks can be held – reserve 1 mark for a justified
conclusion.
1(e) Assess the extent to which a fall in the value of the US dollar against the 6
euro is likely to affect US imports of olive oil from the EU.
The impact on the import of olive oil from the EU may be limited if PED is
inelastic (1) due to a lack of substitutes (1) because of the situation in the
Ukraine influencing the supply of sunflower oil (1). It may be limited depending
on the time period of the fall in the exchange rate if olive oil is easily stored
and can be used to smooth out fluctuations in the exchange rate (1)
Section B
EITHER
2(a) With the help of a production possibility curve (PPC) diagram, explain 8
the terms scarcity and choice and consider the extent to which every
choice has an equal opportunity cost.
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
AO3 Evaluation 2
2(b) Assess whether the allocation of resources by the free market is always 12
desirable for an economy.
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
Level 2 responses may contain some inaccuracies and may be one sided.
Analysis will be explained at least in part and will be largely relevant to the
question.
Level 3 responses will consider alternative policies / concepts etc. and will
be balanced. Explanations of points raised will be offered and will be accurate
and relevant to the question.
AO3 Evaluation
Consideration that fully assesses the extent to which the allocation of
resources in the free market is always desirable.
AO3 Evaluation 4
OR
3(a) Explain what is meant by a public good and a private good (economic 8
good) and consider the extent to which a beach could be described as a
public good.
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
AO3 Evaluation 2
3(b) Assess whether a subsidy is likely to be the best method to increase the 12
consumption of merit goods.
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
Accept any valid policies but the analysis must focus on how they may
increase the consumption of merit goods and discuss their advantages and
disadvantages.
Level 2 responses may contain some inaccuracies and may be one sided.
Analysis will be explained at least in part and will be largely relevant to the
question.
Level 3 responses will consider alternative policies / concepts etc. and will
be balanced. Explanations of points raised will be offered and will be accurate
and relevant to the question.
AO3 Evaluation
Consideration that fully assesses the relative effectiveness of subsidies with
at least one other method and arrives at a reasoned conclusion - for example,
the relevance of elasticities of demand
AO3 Evaluation 4
Section C
EITHER
4(a) With the help of a formula, explain two reasons for an improvement in 8
the terms of trade and consider the extent to which an improvement in
the terms of trade will 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.
AO2 Analysis 3
AO3 Evaluation 2
4(b) Assess whether the consequences of free trade are always positive for 12
an economy.
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
Level 2 responses may contain some inaccuracies and may be one sided.
Analysis will be explained at least in part and will be largely relevant to the
question.
Level 3 responses will consider both the potential positives and negatives
and will be balanced. Explanations of points raised will be offered and will be
accurate and relevant to the question.
AO3 Evaluation
Consideration that fully assesses the consequences of free trade and arrives
at a reasoned conclusion concerning whether it is always positive – this may
include reference to availability of factor endowments, how ‘open’ an economy
is, stage of development etc.
AO3 Evaluation 4
OR
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
AO3 Evaluation 2
5(b) Assess whether supply-side policy is the best method to reduce the rate 12
of inflation.
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and
Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
Indicative content
Level 2 responses may contain some inaccuracies and may be one sided.
Analysis will be explained at least in part and will be largely relevant to the
question.
Level 3 responses will consider alternative policies / concepts etc. and will
be balanced. Explanations of points raised will be offered and will be accurate
and relevant to the question.
AO3 Evaluation
Consideration that fully assesses the relative effectiveness of supply side
policy to reduce the rate of inflation compared with at least one other policy
and arrives at a reasoned conclusion concerning whether the supply side
policy is the ‘best’ policy.
AO3 Evaluation 4