Cambridge A Level Economics 9708 — 2019 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 3
9708/13/O/N/19 · 30 questions · 30 marks · ≈34 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper12 pages












Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.



Questions as text
Q1 · Which is a positive statement?
1 Which is a positive statement? A A fall in the value of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar will make Chinese goods more price competitive in the USA. B Direct taxes are the best fiscal instrument to redistribute income in a developed economy. C The most important macroeconomic objective of the government is to reduce unemployment. D The UK government should not renationalise the railway infrastructure.
Mark scheme: A
Q2 · Which is closest to being a public good?
2 Which is closest to being a public good? A electricity B health services C street lighting D water supply
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · An individual has an appointment with his dentist
3 An individual has an appointment with his dentist. He has a choice between travelling to the appointment by car, or leaving the car at home and travelling by bus and then by train. The costs of the journey are given below. $ bus fare 2 train fare 3 car parking charge 4 petrol 2 car wear and tear costs 1 Given this information, what is the opportunity cost to the individual of travelling by car rather than by bus and train? A $2 B $4 C $7 D $12
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · In the diagram the original production possibility curve is LM
4 In the diagram the original production possibility curve is LM. L consumer N goods O P M capital goods What could cause the curve to shift to NP? A a fall in the working population B a reallocation of resources from consumer goods to capital goods C an increase in output per worker D an increase in unemployment
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · The diagram shows the supply curve for bananas
5 The diagram shows the supply curve for bananas. price S ($ per kg) 6 5 0 100 150 quantity (kg) What is the price elasticity of supply when there is a rise in price from $5 to $6? A –2.5 B +0.4 C +2 D +2.5
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · What causes an inelastic market supply curve for an agricultural crop such as wheat?
6 What causes an inelastic market supply curve for an agricultural crop such as wheat? A a government decision to import crops at times of shortage B an efficient use of fertilisers causing crop production to rise C the storage of excess production for future sale D the very long time required to produce additional output
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · Travellers can cross the English Channel either by the Channel Tunnel or by a sea journey
7 Travellers can cross the English Channel either by the Channel Tunnel or by a sea journey. The table gives details of the passengers, in thousands, using these services between 2005 and 2015. Between 2005 and 2015 the price of the Channel Tunnel fell and the price of sea journeys rose. Channel Tunnel sea journey year passengers passengers 2005 17 005 23 693 2010 18 303 21 883 2015 20 864 21 000 What does the data suggest? A The cross elasticity of demand between the two services is positive. B The market for crossing the English Channel grew continuously over the period. C The rate of decline in sea journeys accelerated over the period. D The two services for crossing the English Channel are complementary.
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
Q8 · The diagrams represent the demand curves for three goods X, Y and Z
8 The diagrams represent the demand curves for three goods X, Y and Z. They are drawn to the same scale and can be used to represent the price elasticity of each good. The three goods are lamb only, all meat and all food. price price price O quantity O quantity O quantity good X good Y good Z Which combination of goods is likely to represent lamb only, all meat and all food? good X good Y good Z A food meat lamb B lamb meat food C lamb food meat D meat lamb food
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
Q9 · The diagram shows the European market for diesel fuel and the original equilibrium is at M
9 The diagram shows the European market for diesel fuel and the original equilibrium is at M. S1 price M G H N J D1 D2 O R T quantity Europeans want low-emission cars and therefore the demand for diesel fuel has decreased from D1 to D2. Which area represents the new producer surplus for companies supplying diesel fuel? A GMNH B JGM C JHN D JNR
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · A US study, published in July 2014, warned teenagers to reduce the amount of fizzy drink…
10 A US study, published in July 2014, warned teenagers to reduce the amount of fizzy drink they consume. One can of fizzy drink contains an adult’s entire daily sugar allowance. If the advice were accepted, how might the effect be illustrated on demand and supply diagrams for fizzy drinks and for sugar? diagram for fizzy drinks diagram for sugar A demand curve moves to the left movement up the supply curve B demand curve moves to the left movement down the supply curve C movement up the demand curve supply curve moves to the right D movement up the demand curve supply curve moves to the left
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · A government decides to put a tax on a good
11 A government decides to put a tax on a good. Which price elasticity conditions would result in most of the tax being paid by the consumer? demand supply elasticity elasticity A elastic elastic B elastic inelastic C inelastic elastic D inelastic inelastic
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand
Q12 · The diagram shows the income tax system adopted by a country
12 The diagram shows the income tax system adopted by a country. tax paid ($) O Y1 Y2 personal income ($) What are the average and marginal rates of tax as incomes rise from Y1 towards Y2? average rate marginal rate of tax of tax A constant constant B constant decreasing C decreasing constant D decreasing decreasing
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · What is most likely to decrease if the government pays a subsidy to the producers of a…
13 What is most likely to decrease if the government pays a subsidy to the producers of a product? A government spending B output of the product C price of the product D rates of taxation
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
Q14 · The government introduces a new transfer payment, to help people on low incomes afford…
14 The government introduces a new transfer payment, to help people on low incomes afford housing. What will be the effects of this in the housing market? effect on the demand curve effect on the supply curve A a movement along demand a movement along supply B a movement along demand a shift in supply C a shift in demand a shift in supply D a shift in demand a movement along supply
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
Q15 · A specific tax is placed upon each bottle of perfume sold
15 A specific tax is placed upon each bottle of perfume sold. In the diagram, SS is the supply curve before tax, StSt is the supply curve after tax. D St price S W R U Q X P T St D S O Y Z quantity Which area represents that part of the tax revenue paid by producers? A ORWY B PQUT C PRWT D QRWU
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
Q16 · In each diagram the initial supply is S1 and the new supply after subsidy is S2
16 In each diagram the initial supply is S1 and the new supply after subsidy is S2. The subsidy is identical in each case. Which diagram shows the greatest incidence of the subsidy on the consumers? A B S1 S1 price S2 price S2 P3 P3 P1 P1 P2 P2 D D O Q1 Q2 quantity O Q1 Q2 quantity C D price price P3 S1 P3 S1 P1 P1 S2 P2 S2 P2 D D O Q1 Q2 quantity O Q1 Q2 quantity
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
Q17 · Which statement is not correct?
17 Which statement is not correct? A A progressive tax usually improves the distribution of income. B A regressive tax benefits the rich more than the poor. C An ad valorem tax causes a parallel shift left of the supply curve. D Some consumers can avoid paying indirect tax.
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · The diagram shows the market supply and demand curves for wheat
18 The diagram shows the market supply and demand curves for wheat. D S price P2 P1 O K L R output What should a government do to maintain a minimum price of OP2? A buy quantity KL B buy quantity KR C sell quantity LR D sell quantity KR
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Methods and effects of government intervention in markets
Q19 · Singapore imports almost all of its raw materials and its exports are a high percentage…
19 Singapore imports almost all of its raw materials and its exports are a high percentage of its GDP. The price elasticity of demand for exports and the price elasticity of demand for imports are each less than 1. What would be the likely impact of a depreciation of the Singapore dollar? A The domestic inflation rate would fall. B The government’s budget deficit would move to surplus. C The price of imports would fall. D The value of exports would fall.
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · The diagram shows the original aggregate demand curve, AD1, and the original aggregate…
20 The diagram shows the original aggregate demand curve, AD1, and the original aggregate supply curve, AS1. The original equilibrium is at X. What would be the new equilibrium if there is an increase in private sector investment and an increase in government spending on training courses? price AS2 level AS1 A AS3 D X B C AD1 AD2 AD3 O real GDP
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis
Q21 · The graph shows the rate of inflation for seven countries for 2015 and 2016
21 The graph shows the rate of inflation for seven countries for 2015 and 2016. 7 6 5 4 3 key 2015 2 2016 1 0 Costa Ecuador India Japan Malaysia Mauritius Thailand Thailand Thailand Rica –1 –2 What can be concluded from this graph? A Prices in Costa Rica rose in 2015 but remained constant in 2016. B Prices in Ecuador and Mauritius were lower in 2016 than in 2015. C Prices in India and Malaysia remained constant in 2016 and 2015. D Prices in Thailand and Japan were lower in 2016 than in 2015.
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · The diagram shows the effect of a tariff on a product
22 The diagram shows the effect of a tariff on a product. price domestic supply P2 world supply plus tariff P1 world supply domestic demand O quantity From this diagram, what determines the gain the tariff generates for domestic producers? A the price elasticities of domestic supply and demand B the tariff rate and the price elasticities of both domestic demand and supply C the tariff rate and the price elasticity of domestic demand D the tariff rate and the price elasticity of domestic supply
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · The European Union consists of a group of countries with free trade between its members…
23 The European Union consists of a group of countries with free trade between its members and a common external tariff on trade with non-members. What would weaken the operation of this customs union? A devaluation of any member’s currency B differences in wage costs between members C entry tests for seasonal migrant workers D one member country agreeing a trade deal with a non-member country
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · Which change is most likely to result in a worsening of a country’s balance of payments?
24 Which change is most likely to result in a worsening of a country’s balance of payments? A a reduction in remittances from citizens who work abroad B a rise in domestic rates of direct taxation C an expansion in the economy of a major trading partner D an increase in domestic interest rates
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Current account of the balance of payments
Q25 · What must be true if an economy is experiencing inflation?
25 What must be true if an economy is experiencing inflation? A Aggregate demand is increasing. B Aggregate supply is decreasing. C The interest rate is increasing. D The real value of money is decreasing.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · What is the most likely consequence of an appreciation in the value of the Malaysian…
26 What is the most likely consequence of an appreciation in the value of the Malaysian ringgit? A a decline in the level of unemployment in Malaysia B a fall in the rate of growth of the general price level in Malaysia C a reduction in the volume of imports into Malaysia D an improvement in the Malaysian balance of trade in services
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Under which conditions will an appreciation of a floating exchange rate cause the current…
27 Under which conditions will an appreciation of a floating exchange rate cause the current account of the balance of payments to worsen the most? price elasticity of price elasticity of demand for imports demand for exports A 0.4 0.4 B 0.4 0.6 C 0.6 0.4 D 0.6 0.6
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Policies to correct imbalances in the current account of the balance of payments
Q28 · An economy experiences cost-push inflation
28 An economy experiences cost-push inflation. Which combination of policies would be best for the economy to use to reduce cost-push inflation? exchange rate supply-side policy A appreciate lower minimum wage B appreciate raise minimum wage C depreciate lower minimum wage D depreciate raise minimum wage
Mark scheme: A
Q29 · A government reduces the rate of tax firms are charged on their land and buildings
29 A government reduces the rate of tax firms are charged on their land and buildings. How is this likely to affect the economy’s price level and real output? price level real output A fall fall B fall rise C rise fall D rise rise
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · A government adopts a more expansionary fiscal policy and a more deflationary monetary…
30 A government adopts a more expansionary fiscal policy and a more deflationary monetary policy. Which combination of changes in policy instruments is consistent with this? government taxation interest rate expenditure A decrease decrease decrease B decrease increase decrease C increase decrease increase D increase increase increase
Mark scheme: C
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 30 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
5Price elasticity, income elasticity and cross elasticity of demand3Addressing income and wealth inequality2Exchange rates2Price elasticity of supply2Price stability2Protectionism2Supply-side policy2Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply analysis1Classification of goods and services1Consumer and producer surplus1Current account of the balance of payments1Demand and supply curves1Economic methodology1Fiscal policy1Policies to correct imbalances in the current account of the balance of payments1Production possibility curves1Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2019 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.