Answering 4-Mark Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Economics)

How do I answer IGCSE economics 4-mark questions?

• To answer IGCSE Economics 4-mark questions, consider the following:

  • 4-mark questions appear in both Section A and Section B of Paper 2.

  • The most common command terms used for these questions are:

    • Explain
    • Analyse
    • Draw

1. Explain

• These questions require two explanations, each developed with a cause → effect chain

  • Each explanation can score up to 2 marks:

    • 1 mark for the cause/reason
    • 1 mark for development

• They test AO2 analysis, not evaluation

Worked Example Explain two causes of an increase in the price elasticity of demand for rice.

Model Answer

Consumers may have more substitutes available, such as pasta or potatoes (1), making them more responsive to a price change in rice (1).

Rice may now account for a smaller proportion of consumer income (1), meaning households can more easily change quantity demanded when price changes (1)

Exam Hint

• Each point must be different
• Do not write the same idea twice with different wording

2. Analyse

• These questions test deeper analytical thinking about relationships between variables, economic behaviour, or data patterns

• They require two chains of analysis, each linking cause → effect

  • 1 mark for the analytical point
  • 1 mark for development
  • × 2 = 4 marks

Worked Example **Analyse **the relationship between life expectancy and the net migration rate

Model Answer

Higher life expectancy suggests better healthcare and living standards** (1)**, attracting migrants looking for improved welfare (1)

A higher net migration rate increases the working-age population (1), creating more tax revenue that can improve healthcare and raise life expectancy (1)

Exam Hint

• Always show a directional relationship: “as X increases, Y tends to…”

3. Draw

• These questions assess diagram accuracy and understanding

• You must draw a fully labelled diagram showing the correct economic change

  • No written explanation is required unless explicitly stated

  • The marks allocation is usually as follows:

    • 1 mark for correct axes
    • 1 mark for correct original curves
    • 1 mark for correct shift
    • 1 mark for new equilibrium

Worked Example Draw a demand and supply diagram to show the effect of an increase in vegetarianism on the market for tomatoes

Model Answer

How to score 4 marks for a 'draw' question

• 1 mark for correct axes
• 1 mark for correct original curves
• 1 mark for rightward shift to D₂
• 1 mark for new equilibrium P₂ and quantity Q₂

Exam Hint

• A missing label = a lost mark
• Neatness is not marked; accuracy is – but neatness helps you spot inaccuracies!