Preface
Preface This second edition of Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics has been specifically produced for the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) AS and A Level Economics syllabus (code 9708). The text is divided into two clearly identified components, Core (AS Level) and Supplement (A Level), both of which are self-contained programmes of study. The Core component also serves as underpinning for students taking the A Level course. This Coursebook and accompanying Student’s CD-ROM have been written by two experienced teachers and authors who hold senior examining positions with Cambridge Assessment. The Coursebook and CD-ROM are the only ones that are officially endorsed by CIE in support of their examinations in Economics at this level. The course has the following important features: • • • • • • •
Each of the components explicitly follows the new CIE syllabus. There is an introductory chapter on the skills students need to study Economics in an effective way and a final chapter that gives valuable advice on how to succeed in examinations. Specimen questions from recent CIE examinations are reproduced at the end of each chapter. A large number of self-assessment tasks are included in the text. Most are new to this edition and are based on countries where students are taking the CIE examinations. Detailed answers to all the self-assessment tasks and exam practice questions are provided on the Student’s CD-ROM. Each chapter contains key terms, including those specified in Section 4 of the CIE syllabus; these key terms and many others are defined in the glossary at the end of the book. A Teacher’s Resource CD-ROM (ISBN 978-0-521-12664-9) is also available to accompany the course. It provides a wealth of additional practice materials including short-answer, multiple-choice, data response and essay questions (all with answers) as well as homework suggestions and schemes of work.
Although the book has been specifically produced for the CIE examinations, it will also be of value to students and teachers of other Economics examinations at these levels. It should particularly appeal to international students, given the emphasis on developing and newly emerging economies. Finally, I would like to record some thanks. First, to my co-author, Susan Grant, for her comments on the draft text and for the production of the excellent CD-ROMs that accompany this edition. Secondly, to my colleagues who contributed to the first edition and who have allowed us to use some of the text they wrote. I should also like to thank my daughter Alice for help with word processing the text; my eldest daughter Emily, whose work in Africa gave me an excuse to get a first-hand insight into some of the problems facing this continent; and, finally, to my wife Elisabeth for her understanding and patience during the many hours I have spent on the computer. Susan Grant and I hope that you find the course that we have produced useful and that it helps you achieve success in CIE Economics. Colin G. Bamford June 2010
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