Economics: PAPER 4 Data Response and Essays (Extension)
Economics: PAPER 4 Data Response and Essays (Extension)
ECONOMICS 9708/4
PAPER 4 Data Response and Essays (Extension)
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER SESSION 2002
2 hours 15 minutes
Additional materials:
Answer paper
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your name, Centre number and candidate number in the spaces provided on the answer paper/
answer booklet.
Write your answers on the separate answer paper provided.
If you use more than one sheet of paper, fasten the sheets together.
Section A
Answer this question.
Section B
Answer any two questions.
Section B
2 ‘In a free competitive market, a shortage causes price to rise, a surplus causes price to fall. In
some markets this does not happen because a minimum price is fixed by producers.’
(a) With the aid of diagrams and examples, explain why prices rise when there are shortages and
fall when there are surpluses. [10]
(b) Discuss the factors that a group of companies might consider when deciding to fix a minimum
price in a market. [15]
(b) ‘A firm should be encouraged to maximise profits because this makes it efficient.’ Discuss
whether this argument is true for a firm operating in an imperfect market. [15]
4 (a) Assume there is an open economy with a government sector. Explain the conditions for
equilibrium in the circular flow in such an economy. [10]
(b) Discuss how an increase in injections may affect the equilibrium level of national income. [15]
5 A government’s macroeconomic aims are low inflation, low unemployment, balance of payments
equilibrium and economic growth. Individuals see their standard of living as more affected by a
well-paid job, low crime rates and a pleasant environment.
Discuss how far the government can meet the desires of individuals by satisfying its
macroeconomic aims. [25]
6 The aim of most developing countries is to become developed. If this aim is achieved, will it always
bring benefit to the population of the developing country? [25]
7 (a) Explain with the aid of examples how price discrimination can operate. [12]
(b) Discuss whether price discrimination can ever be of benefit to consumers. [13]
9708/4/O/N/02