Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Markscheme
November 2022
Economics
Standard level
Paper 2
21 pages
–2– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
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–3– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
1. Use the question-specific markscheme together with the markbands. Award up to the
maximum marks as indicated.
2. Whenever relevant, carry over marks must be awarded. If a candidate makes an error in
calculation, but then uses the incorrect figure appropriately and accurately in later question
parts, then the candidate may be fully rewarded. This is the “own-figure rule” and you should put
OFR on the script where you are rewarding this.
3. A candidate may be penalized for not rounding correctly, failing to give answers correct to 2
dp or, in some cases, for not including the appropriate units. However, a candidate may only be
penalized ONCE for each type of error across all subparts of (b) questions.
1. (a) (i) Define the term absolute poverty indicated in bold in the text (Text A,
paragraph 1). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition 1
The idea that people are very poor.
2 Accurate definition 2
An understanding that it is when people have an income: (one
of the following)
(i) below $1.90/$2.15 a day (or any income level set by the
United Nations/World Bank)
(ii) below the level required to meet basic physical needs
(food, clothing, shelter)
(ii) Define the term informal economy indicated in bold in the text (Text A,
paragraph 1). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition 1
An understanding that it is one of the following:
● economic activity that is not officially recorded
● economic activity that is not regulated
● economic activity that is not taxed.
2 Accurate definition 2
An understanding that it is two of the following:
● economic activity that is not officially recorded
● economic activity that is not regulated
● economic activity that is not taxed
–4– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(b) (i) Using information from Table 1, calculate the unemployment rate for
Bangladesh in 2019. [2]
2.96
Unemployment Rate = x 100 [1]
70.1
For full marks to be awarded, the response must provide valid working and
include correct units.
(ii) Using information from Table 1, calculate the price of this shirt in US$
in 2019. [2]
1
US dollar price = 400 x = 4.7337…. [1]
84.5
For full marks to be awarded, the response must provide valid working.
Units ($) need not be provided since they are stated in the question.
(c) Using a demand and supply diagram, explain why falling demand will reduce
Bangladeshi firms’ revenue (Text A, paragraph 5). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct demand and supply diagram with appropriate
labelling, showing the demand curve shifting left and with the
change in revenue shown OR for an explanation that a reduction
in demand will lower the price and the quantity, leading to lower
revenue.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct demand and supply diagram with appropriate
labelling, showing the demand curve shifting left and with the
change in revenue shown AND for an explanation that a
reduction in demand will lower the price and the quantity,
leading to lower revenue.
For a demand and supply diagram, the vertical axis should be price or P. The
horizontal axis should be quantity or Q. A title is not necessary.
Candidates may indicate the decrease in (total) revenue with shaded areas or
numbers/letters in the diagram (eg a loss of total revenue of P1Q1-P2Q2 on the
diagram below).
–6– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(d) Using an international trade diagram for the US market, explain how the
imposition of a 15 % tariff on imported garments from Bangladesh would affect
the revenue earned by Bangladeshi producers (Text B, paragraph 2). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct tariff diagram with appropriate labelling, showing a
shift upwards of the world supply curve (world price line) and a fall
in imports to the US, and showing a fall in revenue earned by
Bangladeshi producers OR for providing an explanation that the
tariff causes (higher prices for imports and therefore) imports to
decrease, leading to lower revenue for the Bangladeshi producers.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct tariff diagram with appropriate labelling, showing a
shift upwards of the world supply curve (world price line) and a fall
in imports to the US, and showing a fall in revenue earned by
Bangladeshi producers AND for providing an explanation that the
tariff causes (higher prices for imports and therefore) imports to
decrease, leading to lower revenue for the Bangladeshi producers.
(e) Using an exchange rate diagram, explain how the change in imports of goods
and services from 2010 to 2019 is likely to have affected the exchange rate of the
Bangladeshi taka (Table 1). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct exchange rate diagram with appropriate labelling,
showing the supply curve shifting right and the equilibrium
exchange rate falling OR for an explanation that increasing
imports leads to a higher supply of the Bangladeshi taka, as
importers need to sell Bangladeshi taka and buy foreign
currencies, which causes a depreciation of the exchange rate.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct exchange rate diagram with appropriate labelling,
showing the supply curve shifting right and the equilibrium
exchange rate falling AND for an explanation that increasing
imports leads to a higher supply of the Bangladeshi taka, as
importers need to sell Bangladeshi taka and buy foreign
currencies, which causes a depreciation of the exchange rate.
For an exchange rate diagram, the vertical axis may be exchange rate, price (or
P) of taka in other currencies, other currency/taka or other currency per taka. The
horizontal axis should be quantity or Q or quantity of taka. A title is not necessary.
–8– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(f) Using a Lorenz curve diagram, explain what happened to the distribution of
income in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2019 (Table 2). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct Lorenz curve diagram with appropriate labelling,
with 2 curves showing a shift away from the line of
(perfect/absolute) equality OR an explanation that an increase in
the Gini coefficient implies that the distribution of income has
become more unequal.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct Lorenz curve diagram with appropriate labelling,
with 2 curves showing a shift away from the line of
(perfect/absolute) equality AND an explanation that an increase
in the Gini coefficient implies that the distribution of income has
become more unequal.
For the vertical axis, the label may be cumulative percentage of income or
percentage of income (GDP and GNI are valid alternatives to income, but wealth
is not acceptable). For the horizontal axis, the label may be cumulative
percentage of population/people/households or percentage of
population/people/households. The diagonal line need not be labelled. A title is
not necessary.
The shift of the Lorenz curve can be shown by labelling each curve (e.g. ‘2010’
and ‘2019) or by an arrow.
–9– N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(g) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, discuss
the extent to which the ready-made garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh
contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal: “Promote sustained,
inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and
decent work for all”. [15]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which,
if appropriate, should be rewarded.
0 ● The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1–3 ● The response indicates little understanding of the specific demands of the question.
● Economic theory is stated but it is not relevant.
● Economic terms are stated but they are not relevant.
● The response contains no evidence of synthesis or evaluation.
● The response contains no use of text/data.
4–6 ● The response indicates some understanding of the specific demands of the question.
● Relevant economic theory is described.
● Some relevant economic terms are included.
● The response contains evidence of superficial synthesis or evaluation.
● The response contains limited use of text/data.
7–9 ● The response indicates understanding of the specific demands of the question, but
these demands are only partially addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is partly explained.
● Some relevant economic terms are used appropriately.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included.
● The response contains evidence of appropriate synthesis or evaluation but
lacks balance.
● The response includes some relevant information from the text/data.
10–12 ● The specific demands of the question are understood and addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is explained.
● Relevant economic terms are used appropriately.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included and explained.
● The response contains evidence of appropriate synthesis or evaluation that is
mostly balanced.
● The use of information from the text/data is generally appropriate, relevant, and
applied correctly.
13–15 ● The specific demands of the question are understood and addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is fully explained.
● Relevant economic terms are used appropriately throughout the response.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included and fully explained.
● The response contains evidence of effective and balanced synthesis or evaluation.
● The use of information from the text/data is appropriate, relevant, and is used to
formulate a reasoned argument supported by analysis/evaluation.
– 10 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Command term
“Discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review that
includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions
should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Positive consequences of the RGM sector towards achieving SDG #8 may include:
• Provides opportunities for women to get employment (Text A, paragraph 2;
Table 2)
• Reduces the wage gap between men and women (Text A, paragraph 2)
• Both the above will lead to more equality and result in better health and
education for families (Text A, paragraph 1; Table 2)
• Facilitates the movement of the economy towards the manufacturing sector,
which promotes growth and reduces poverty (Text A, paragraph 2; Table 2)
• Despite high GDP growth and rising GNI per capita, unemployment is
increasing due to the rising labour force (which is rising faster than the
population). Therefore, the sector is needed to provide jobs (Table 1)
• Can take advantage of preferential trade agreements because Bangladesh is
a designated Economically Least Developed Country (ELDC) (Text B,
paragraph 2)
• Rising exports will increase AD and real GDP (Text B, paragraphs 1 and 2;
Table 1)
• As wages in China increase, there is the possibility that exports, providing
revenue and foreign exchange, will increase significantly (Text B, paragraph 1)
• Could attract FDI from China, which will provide funds, possibly helping to
break the poverty cycle (Text C, paragraph 2)
• FDI will provide foreign exchange to buy imports, which exceed exports and
are growing faster than exports. Imports (eg of capital and raw materials) are
essential for growth (Text C, paragraph 3; Table 1)
• As more “green” firms are established, they will improve the environment and
promote more exports (Text A, paragraph 6)
• If the sector can market itself more effectively (eg with more branding) and
diversify, it can compete better globally (Text C, paragraph 2).
– 11 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
2. (a) (i) Define the term budget deficit indicated in bold in the text (Text D,
paragraph 3). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition 1
The idea that the government is spending too much OR that the
government goes into debt.
2 Accurate definition 2
An understanding that it occurs when government spending is
greater than government revenue/taxation revenue.
(ii) Define the term portfolio investment indicated in bold in Table 6. [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition 1
The idea that it is using money to gain a return
2 Accurate definition 2
An understanding that it is savings and/or the purchase of
financial assets/investments (such as shares/bonds/bank
deposits) (to gain a return in a given year).
(b) (i) Using information from Text E and Table 3, calculate the income elasticity
of demand for health care in Uruguay between 2010 and 2018. [3]
1590−1031
= 0.5422 (or 0.54) (or stated from text) (or 54.22% or 54%) [1]
1031
15910−10440
= 0.5239 (or 0.52) (or 52.39% or 52%) [1]
10440
0.5422
YED = = 1.03 [1]
0.5239
OR
0.54
YED = = 1.04 [1]
0.52
(ii) Using information from Table 6, calculate the current account balance in 2019. [2]
An answer of 0.75 or 750, without workings or without units, is sufficient for [1].
– 13 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(c) Using an externalities diagram, explain why the government should subsidize health
care (Text E). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors below. 0
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct externalities diagram with appropriate labelling, showing
MSB higher than MPB and the divergence between the quantity of
healthcare at the market equilibrium (where MPB=MPC) and social
optimum (where MSB=MSC)
OR for an explanation that because health care has positive
(consumption) externalities (is a merit good) and that government
intervention (the provision of subsidies) is required to achieve one of
the following:
● reduce the misallocation of resources
● reduce inefficiency (achieve a socially efficient outcome)
● reduce/remove the welfare loss
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct externalities diagram with appropriate labelling, showing
MSB higher than MPB and the divergence between the quantity of
healthcare at the market equilibrium (where MPB=MPC) and social
optimum (where MSB=MSC)
AND for an explanation that because health care has positive
(consumption) externalities (is a merit good) and that government
intervention (the provision of subsidies) is required to achieve one of
the following:
● reduce the misallocation of resources
● reduce inefficiency (achieve a socially efficient outcome)
● reduce/remove the welfare loss
The vertical axis may be price, but could be costs or benefits. The horizontal axis is
quantity. P and Q are sufficient. The supply curve can be labelled S and/or MSC
and/or MPC. A title is not necessary.
– 14 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
A diagram may additionally show the supply curve shifting downwards due to
subsidies being given. This is acceptable.
(d) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain how climate-related shocks, such as droughts,
could affect real GDP growth (Text F, paragraph 1). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct AD/AS diagram with appropriate labelling, showing
the AS curve shifting leftwards (upwards) leading to a fall in real
GDP OR for an explanation that the drought will reduce AS
through reduced production (or higher costs) and reduce (the
growth of) real GDP.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct AD/AS diagram with appropriate labelling, showing
the AS curve shifting leftwards (upwards) leading to a fall in real
GDP AND for an explanation that the drought will reduce AS
through reduced production (or higher costs) and reduce (the
growth of) real GDP.
For an AD/AS diagram, the vertical axis may be Average (General) Price Level,
or Price Level. The horizontal axis may be real output, real national output, real
income, real national income, real GDP or real Y. Any abbreviation of the
previous terms is acceptable. A title is not necessary.
– 15 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(e) Using an international trade diagram, explain the effect on consumers in Uruguay
if a quota is imposed on cheese imports from the EU (Text F, paragraph 2). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct quota diagram with appropriate labelling, showing the
quota, the rise in price and the fall in quantity demanded OR for an
explanation that the quota causes the price for consumers to rise
and the quantity that they demand (or the consumer surplus) to
decrease.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct quota diagram with appropriate labelling, showing
the quota, the rise in price and fall in quantity demanded AND for an
explanation that the quota causes the price for consumers to rise
and the quantity that they demand (or the consumer surplus) to
decrease.
The use of P and Q on the axes is sufficient for an international trade diagram. The
world supply curve must be labelled Sw, or Sworld or SEurope, Pworld, PW, PEurope or any
similar label indicating the horizontal line is the world (European) price/supply. ‘Domestic’ can be
omitted on the other curves. The vertical line to Qs2 can be omitted or differently
positioned (ie at the intersection of Domestic S+quota and Sw). A title is not necessary.
– 16 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
– 17 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
The explanation and/or the diagram may alternatively indicate the loss of
consumer surplus. This is acceptable.
(f) Using an exchange rate diagram, explain how the central bank in Uruguay can use
reserve assets to prevent the depreciation of the peso (Text F, paragraph 3). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
For a correct exchange rate diagram with appropriate labelling,
showing the demand curve shifting right and the equilibrium
exchange rate rising OR for an explanation that the central bank
can sell its reserves to buy pesos which causes the exchange rate
to rise.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
For a correct exchange rate diagram with appropriate labelling,
showing the demand curve shifting right and the equilibrium
exchange rate rising AND for an explanation that the central bank
can sell its reserves to buy pesos which causes the exchange rate
to rise.
For an exchange rate diagram, the vertical axis may be exchange rate, price (or
P) of peso in other currencies, other currency/ peso or other currency per peso.
The horizontal axis should be quantity or Q or quantity of peso. A title is not
necessary.
– 18 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
The diagram may show that the peso is depreciating initially, due to a decline in
demand (or an increase in supply). The depreciation is then reversed by the
demand curve shifting right. If appropriately explained, this can be fully rewarded.
– 19 – N22/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(g) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, evaluate
the effectiveness of the government’s macroeconomic policies in achieving
economic growth and economic development in Uruguay. [15]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which,
if appropriate, should be rewarded.
0 ● The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1–3 ● The response indicates little understanding of the specific demands of the question.
● Economic theory is stated but it is not relevant.
● Economic terms are stated but they are not relevant.
● The response contains no evidence of synthesis or evaluation.
● The response contains no use of text/data.
4–6 ● The response indicates some understanding of the specific demands of the question.
● Relevant economic theory is described.
● Some relevant economic terms are included.
● The response contains evidence of superficial synthesis or evaluation.
● The response contains limited use of text/data.
7–9 ● The response indicates understanding of the specific demands of the question, but
these demands are only partially addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is partly explained.
● Some relevant economic terms are used appropriately.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included.
● The response contains evidence of appropriate synthesis or evaluation but
lacks balance.
● The response includes some relevant information from the text/data.
10–12 ● The specific demands of the question are understood and addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is explained.
● Relevant economic terms are used appropriately.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included and explained.
● The response contains evidence of appropriate synthesis or evaluation that is
mostly balanced.
● The use of information from the text/data is generally appropriate, relevant, and
applied correctly.
13–15 ● The specific demands of the question are understood and addressed.
● Relevant economic theory is fully explained.
● Relevant economic terms are used appropriately throughout the response.
● Where appropriate, relevant diagram(s) are included and fully explained.
● The response contains evidence of effective and balanced synthesis or evaluation.
● The use of information from the text/data is appropriate, relevant, and is used to
formulate a reasoned argument supported by analysis/evaluation.
Command term
“Evaluate” requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the
strengths and limitations. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly
and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.