Essay questions on the economic cycle
Case study: In early 2022, Tesla upgraded its Shanghai factory in China. This increased the factory’s
Using a suitable diagram, evaluate the importance of supply‐side policies in promoting economic growth.
Case study: Inflation versus economic growth
Evaluate the extent to which there is a trade-off between the policy objective of economic growth and the other objectives outlined in Extracts H and I.
Case study: Economic growth and inflation in Brazil, 2012–2020
Evaluate the impact of low or negative economic growth upon a developing economy such as Brazil.
Case study: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
With reference to Extract D, evaluate the extent to which being a member of a trade bloc promotes economic growth.
Case study: Relaxed air quality targets are plaguing northern China with air pollution
Evaluate the extent to which there is a trade-off between economic growth and negative externalities for a country such as China.
Case study: Swedish labour market ‘tougher than ever’
Evaluate the policy options the Swedish government might use to reduce unemployment.
Case study: Tax cuts for firms and the rich as President Donald Trump wins a major victory
Evaluate the extent to which a reduction in taxation will increase a country's rate of economic growth.
Case study: Britvic to cut costs amid inflation concerns
Evaluate the impact of rising inflation on UK-based firms such as Britvic.
Case study: The economy of Madagascar
Madagascar specialises in the production of primary commodities such as nickel and vanilla. Evaluate the impact of specialisation as a source of economic growth for developing economies such as Madagascar.
Case study: Spain wakes up to risk posed by long-term joblessness
Using Extract E, evaluate the likely impact of unemployment on the Spanish economy.
Case study: Selection of Economic Development Indicators 2013
Using Extract D, evaluate the effectiveness of GDP per capita in comparing living standards between countries.
Data response questions on the economic cycle
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
Analyse two ways in which high inflation affects individuals.
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
With reference to Extract C, discuss the likely impact of falling attendance in schools on the UK economy.
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
Assess the extent to which poverty exists in Britain.
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
With reference to Extract A, assess the impact of high imported energy and commodity prices on the circular flow of income in the UK.
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
With reference to Extract E, assess the possible impact of income inequality on the UK economy.
Case study: In early 2022, Tesla upgraded its Shanghai factory in China. This increased the factory’s
Using Extract A and an appropriate calculation, discuss the implications for Tesla of September’s production figures.
Case study: In early 2022, Tesla upgraded its Shanghai factory in China. This increased the factory’s
Assess whether a firm should expand during a recession.
Case study: UK restaurant sector in March 2022
With reference to Extract A, assess the likely impact of rising inflation on the UK restaurant market.
Case study: Health and the macroeconomy
Assess the impact of a minimum wage on income inequality.
Case study: Health and the macroeconomy
With reference to Extract B and using a suitable diagram, assess the likely economic impact of the level of investment in Denmark.
Case study: Why is the yuan’s exchange rate with the US dollar important?
Using a suitable diagram, assess the use of fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth.
Case study: GDP Growth Rate of Vietnam 2019–2021
Discuss the possible impact of economic growth on employment patterns in a country such as Vietnam.
Case study: Edinburgh to introduce £2 a day tourist tax
With reference to Extract D, assess the likely impact of foreign-owned firms on the circular flow of income in Scotland.
Case study: Edinburgh to introduce £2 a day tourist tax
Assess whether this increase in GDP per capita is likely to improve living standards for everyone in Scotland.
Case study: Sainsbury’s Asda merger: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocks merger
Using Extract C, analyse how an increase in cost-push inflation may affect economic growth.
Case study: Sainsbury’s Asda merger: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocks merger
With reference to Extract B, discuss the impact of falling real wages on the UK supermarket sector.
Case study: Sainsbury’s Asda merger: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocks merger
Assess the impact of food price inflation on UK living standards.
Case study: UK premium chocolate market and inflation data
Discuss how the economic cycle might affect manufacturers of premium chocolate, such as Hotel Chocolat.
Case study: Selected UK data for May-Nov 2016
Assess the economic benefits of increased investment in the UK rail network.
Case study: India’s Income per Capita (Rupees) 2011-2015
Discuss the possible benefits to Ford of manufacturing cars in India.
Short answer questions on the economic cycle
Case study: UK strikes in 2022–2023
With reference to Extract C, explain one reason why high food price inflation might affect the living standards of low or fixed-income groups.
Case study: Trade Union Congress report on inflation
Using the information in Extract D, calculate, to the nearest whole number, the index for UK bread prices in 2023. You are advised to show your working.
Case study: UK restaurant sector in March 2022
Using the data from Extract C calculate, to 2 decimal places, the rate of inflation in March 2022. You are advised to show your working.
Case study: UK restaurant sector in March 2022
With reference to Extract C, explain in which month there was deflation and in which month there was disinflation.
Case study: Health and the macroeconomy
Using the data from Extract A, calculate to two decimal places the UK GDP per capita for 2017. You are advised to show your working.
Case study: Health and the macroeconomy
Calculate the median hourly wage for the service sector only. You are advised to show your workings.
Case study: Edinburgh to introduce £2 a day tourist tax
With reference to Extract C, explain one reason why the claimant count may be different to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) measure of unemployment in Scotland.
Case study: Top of the class
What is meant by the term ‘income’?
Case study: E-commerce not the reason for UK high street woes
Using Extract A, calculate, to 2 decimal places, the change in real earnings for October 2018. You are advised to show your working.
Case study: Brazil: foreign direct investment and unemployment data
Using Extract C, explain one impact these unemployment rates may have on the Brazilian government.
Case study: Selected UK data for May-Nov 2016
What is meant by the term ‘Consumer Price Index’?
Case study: Selected UK data for May-Nov 2016
Using Extract C, calculate the change in average real earnings for November 2016. You are advised to show your working.
Case study: Selected UK data for May-Nov 2016
Using Extract C, explain one impact of rising inflation on individuals with savings.
Case study: International Comparisons of Productivity – Final Estimates for 2014
What is meant by the term ‘inflation’?
Case study: India’s Income per Capita (Rupees) 2011-2015
What is meant by the term ‘capital intensive’?
Case study: India’s Income per Capita (Rupees) 2011-2015
Calculate, to 2 decimal places, the percentage change in India’s income per capita from 2011 to 2015 (Extract A). You are advised to show your working.
Case study: India’s Income per Capita (Rupees) 2011-2015
Using Extract A, explain one impact on households in India of the changes in income per capita.
