Answering 8-Mark Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Economics)

How do I answer IGCSE economics 8-mark 'discuss' questions?

• To answer IGCSE Economics 8-mark ‘discuss’ questions, consider the following:

  • An 8-mark ‘discuss’ question requires a balanced explanation of arguments on both sides of the issue
  • In the official Cambridge mark scheme, this question is marked using “levels of response”
  • In Save My Exams resources, we demonstrate how easy it is to score your marks using a point-by-point marking process

• Effectively, marks are awarded as follows:

  • Up to 4 marks for logical reasons why yes

  • Up to 4 marks for logical reasons why no

  • A maximum 8 marks total

  • For each reason:

    • (1) for the reason
    • (1) for development (cause → effect → impact)
    • Four developed points in total (two on each side) are enough for full marks
    • No conclusion is required

Conjunctions you can use to strengthen your structure

Conjunctives that help generate a balanced structure

Worked Example **Discuss **whether or not an increase in a surplus on the current account of the balance of payments will increase living standards in a country. [8]

Model Answer

Arguments why it will increase living standards

On the one hand, a rising surplus may increase demand for the country’s exports, raising output and employment (1), giving households higher incomes and enabling them to consume more goods and services (1)

Also, higher incomes from stronger export performance can increase tax revenue for the government** (1)**, allowing increased spending on healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which raises living standards (1)

Arguments why it will not increase living standards

However, more goods and services being exported means fewer are available domestically (1), which may reduce consumer choice or increase domestic prices for some products (1)

Also, strong export demand can deplete natural resources (1), reducing future living standards if extraction is unsustainable (1)

Exam Hint

• Signpost your second chain on the first side by using conjunctives such as 'also'
• Separate the two sides of your argument with a brief heading – or just use the conjunctive 'however'