Paper 2: Structured Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Economics)

What is examined in the CIE IGCSE Economics Paper 2?

• Paper 2 tests your ability to:

  • Use economic concepts in context
  • Explain and analyse economic issues using written answers, calculations and diagrams
  • Evaluate economic arguments and decisions

• Paper 2:

  • Lasts 2 hours
  • Is worth 80 marks
  • Counts for 67% of the total qualification
  • Is divided into Section A and Section B
  • Contains questions on all parts of the syllabus (Topics 1–6)

• Paper 2 assesses:

  • AO1 Knowledge and Understanding
  • AO2 Analysis
  • AO3 Evaluation (only on Paper 2)

Structure of Paper 2

Section A: Data Response (20 marks)

• Question 1 is compulsory

• It is based on a short data extract or description of a real economic situation

• The data may include text, tables, charts or diagrams

• Question 1 is divided into several parts, for example:

  • (a) short definition or description
  • (b) simple explanation or calculation
  • (c) and later parts: longer written answers using the data

• You must:

  • Answer all parts of Question 1
  • Use the information in the extract to support your answers where relevant

• Marks in Section A can be any of the standard mark values used in Paper 2

  • 2, 4, 6 or 8

Section B: Structured Questions (60 marks)

• There are four questions in Section B: Questions 2, 3, 4 and 5

• You must answer three of them

• Each question is worth 20 marks in total

• Each question has four parts: (a), (b), (c), (d)

• A typical Section B question:

  • Starts with a short context paragraph about a country, firm or economic issue

  • Includes parts that may ask for:

    • definitions
    • explanations and analysis
    • use of diagrams
    • discussion of advantages and disadvantages
    • evaluation of an economic decision or policy

• Marks for each part again follow the 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 pattern

  • The total for the four parts adds up to 20 marks

• The official mark schemes use levels of response for the 8-mark “Discuss” questions

• In Save My Exams resources, we break these down into clear, defined marks to show exactly how many developed points are needed

  • This is fully explained in 'Answering an 8-mark question'