Answering 6-Mark Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Economics)

How do I answer IGCSE economics 6-mark discuss questions?

How do I answer IGCSE economics 6-mark 'discuss' questions?

• To answer IGCSE Economics 6-mark 'discuss' questions, consider the following:

  • A 6-mark 'Discuss' question requires a balanced explanation of arguments on both sides

  • Examiners award:

    • Up to 4 marks for logical reasons why yes
    • Up to 4 marks for logical reasons why no
    • A maximum 6 marks total

  • For each reason:

    • (1) for the reason
    • (1) for development (cause → effect → impact)
    • Two developed reasons on one side, plus one developed reason on the other, are enough for full marks
    • No conclusion is required

Summary of the 6-mark 'discuss' structure

How to structure a 6 mark discuss question in IGCSE economics

Worked Example **Discuss **whether or not the Algerian Government should impose a carbon tax

Model Answer

Arguments for

A carbon tax puts financial pressure on firms to reduce emissions** (1),** helping to lower pollution and reduce the external costs caused by production (1)

The tax can raise government revenue (1), which can then be spent on public services such as healthcare or renewable energy projects (1)

Argument against

If other countries do not impose a carbon tax, Algerian products may become less internationally competitive (1), reducing exports and potentially causing firms to move production abroad (1)

Mark Scheme & Guidance

• Award up to 4 marks for well-developed arguments in favour
• Award up to 4 marks for well-developed arguments against
• Maximum total: 6 marks
• Each point may only be credited once, but development explaining how/why the effect occurs can gain an additional mark
• No conclusion is required

How do I answer IGCSE economics 6-mark 'analyse' questions?

• To answer IGCSE Economics 6-mark 'analyse' questions, consider the following:

  • A 6-mark ‘Analyse’ question requires you to give two fully developed chains of economic reasoning

  • Examiners award:

    • Up to 3 marks for each analytical chain
    • A maximum 6 marks total

  • For each chain:

    • (1) for the reason
    • (1) for developing the reason
    • (1) for explaining the final impact (cause → effect → consequence)
    • Two well-developed chains are enough for full marks
    • No evaluation or conclusion is required

Worked Example Analyse two reasons why the demand for public transport may increase.

Model Answer

Analytical chain 1

Higher petrol prices make using private cars more expensive (1), so consumers switch to cheaper alternatives such as buses and trains (1), leading to higher demand for public transport at every price level (1)

Analytical chain 2

Additionally, government subsidies can reduce the price of public transport (1), making it more affordable for households (1), which increases the quantity demanded according to the law of demand (1)

Exam Hint

• Signpost the start of your second chain by using conjunctives such as 'additionally' or 'secondly'

How do I answer IGCSE economics 6-mark 'analyse, using a demand and supply diagram' questions?

• To answer IGCSE Economics 6-mark 'analyse, using a demand and supply diagram' questions, consider the following:

  • A 6-mark ‘analyse, using a diagram’ question requires you to:

    • Draw an accurate, fully labelled diagram
    • Explain the economic change shown in the diagram

  • Examiners award:

    • Up to 4 marks for the diagram
    • Up to 2 marks for the written analysis
    • A maximum 6 marks total

  • For diagram marks:

    • (1) correctly labelled axes
    • (1) correct original curves
    • (1) correct shift
    • (1) correct new equilibrium

  • For analysis marks:

    • (1) for explaining the cause of the shift
    • (1) for explaining the impact on price or quantity

  • A full, correct diagram plus a short, clear explanation is enough for full marks

  • No evaluation or conclusion is required

Worked Example Analyse, using a demand and supply diagram, the effect of falling steel prices on the market for cars

Model Answer

Falling steel prices reduce firms’ production costs in car manufacturing (1), shifting the supply curve in the market for cars to the right and leading to a lower market price and higher quantity of cars sold (1)

Mark Scheme & Guidance

• A student can still gain analysis marks even if the diagram is incomplete
• Diagrams must be fully labelled to receive full diagram marks