Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (9708)
Economics About the course
Through the Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics syllabus, learners study how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly. The syllabus covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Learners also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.
Assessment Code
Paper
Duration
Marks
Weighting
AS
A Level
9708/1
Paper 1: Multiple choice, 30 questions.
1 hr
30
33%
17%
9708/2
Paper 2: Data Response and AS Level Essay Section A: one data response question (20 marks) Section B: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on microeconomics; there are two parts to each essay question (20 marks) Section C: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on macroeconomics; there are two parts to each essay question (20 marks) Questions are based on the AS Level subject content.
2 hrs
60
67%
33%
1.25 hrs
30
17%
2 hrs
60
33%
9708/3 9708/4
Paper 3: A Levels, multiple choice. Paper 4 Data Response and Essays Section A: one data response question (20 marks) Section B: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on microeconomics; the essay questions are unstructured with no parts (20 marks) Section C: one essay from a choice of two focusing mainly on macroeconomics; the essay questions are unstructured with no parts (20 marks) Questions are based on the A Level subject content; knowledge of material from the AS Level subject content is assumed.
Characteristics of successful students
Good economists will have a keen interest in the world around them and a genuine desire to understand how the earth’s scarce resources are shared and used. Good reading habits will enable A level economists to develop a good understanding of complex and rapidly-changing world affairs and to successfully evaluate economic information, arguments and policies.
17
