Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Economics Paper 2 SL Markscheme
Markscheme
November 2020
Economics
Standard level
Paper 2
23 pages
–2– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
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–3– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Section A
1. (a) (i) Define the term budget deficit indicated in bold in the text (paragraph 2). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is to do with government revenue or spending.
2 Accurate definition. 2
An understanding that it is when government spending is greater
than government revenues.
(ii) Define the term gross domestic product (GDP) indicated in bold in the text
(paragraph 3). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is the output produced in an economy.
2 Accurate definition. 2
An understanding that it is the total value/output of all goods and
services produced in an economy (in a given time period).
NB The term “in a given time period” is not necessary for [2].
–4– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(b) Using an exchange rate diagram, explain how raising interest rates would “stop the fall
in the peso’s value” (paragraph 4). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
An exchange rate diagram showing a shift of the demand curve
of the peso to the right and an increase in the exchange rate OR
for an explanation that an increase in the interest rate could
attract foreign financial investors to buy Argentinian bonds or
save in Argentinian banks, which would increase the demand for
pesos, stopping the fall in the peso’s value.
OR
OR
For an exchange rate diagram, the vertical axis may be exchange rate, price of
pesos in USD, USD/peso, USD per peso. The horizontal axis should be quantity, or quantity
of pesos. A title is not necessary.
A diagram may show demand initially shifting left (and/or supply shifting right)
causing the exchange rate to fall and then demand shifting right (or supply shifting
left) to restore the value of the peso to its original level. If correctly drawn and
explained, this can achieve full marks.
–5– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
–6– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(c) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain how the peso’s weakness is “raising inflation”
(paragraph 6). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
An AD/AS diagram showing a shift of the AS/SRAS curve to the
left and an increase in price level.
OR
An explanation that a weak peso makes imports more expensive
(imported oil prices go up), which increases the costs of
production, shifting SRAS to the left/up, further raising inflation.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
An AD/AS diagram showing a shift of the AS/SRAS curve to the
left and an increase in price level.
AND
An explanation that a weak peso makes imports more expensive
(imported oil prices go up), which increases the costs of
production, shifting SRAS to the left/up, further raising inflation.
For AD/AS the vertical axis may be average (general) price level, or price level. For
the horizontal axis, real output, real national output, real income, real national
income, real GDP or real Y. Any abbreviations are acceptable. A title is not
necessary. “AS” is a valid label for the SRAS curve.
–7– N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(d) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, discuss
the view that Argentina should keep its floating exchange rate system. [8]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which,
if appropriate, should be rewarded.
Do not award beyond Level 2 if the answer does not contain reference to the
information provided.
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Few relevant concepts are recognized. 1–2
There is basic knowledge/understanding.
2 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in reasonable 3–5
depth.
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is some attempt at application/analysis.
3 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in depth. 6–8
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is effective application/analysis.
There is synthesis/evaluation, supported by appropriate theory
and evidence.
Command term
“Discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review that
includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions
should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
2. (a) (i) Define the term tariff indicated in bold in the text (paragraph 2). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is a barrier to trade.
2 Accurate definition. 2
An understanding that it is a tax on imports.
(ii) Define the term trade war indicated in bold in the text (paragraph 3). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is trade that is seen as unfair by one country,
leading to protectionism OR the idea that it is rising
protectionism.
2 Accurate definition. 2
An understanding that the imposition of a trade barrier by one
country can trigger off a series of retaliations by (a) trade
partner(s).
– 10 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(b) Using an international trade diagram, explain the outcome on US producers of the
introduction of a tariff on imports from China (paragraph 2). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
A tariff diagram showing a shift upwards of the world supply
curve OR for providing an explanation that the tariff causes the
price to rise (world supply curve shifts upwards), and therefore
the US producers will produce more (receive a higher revenue).
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
A tariff diagram showing a shift upwards of the world supply
curve AND for providing an explanation that the tariff causes the
price to rise (world supply curve shifts upwards), and therefore
the US producers will produce more (receive a higher revenue).
The use of P and Q on the axes is sufficient for an international trade diagram. The
world supply curve must be labelled Sw, or Sworld or SChina. A title is not
necessary.
– 11 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(c) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain the desired impact of China’s “eased monetary policy”
on its economic growth (paragraph 5). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
An AD/AS diagram, showing a shift of the AD curve to the right
with an increase in real GDP OR for an explanation that
China’s “eased monetary policy” (decreasing interest rates
and/or increase in the money supply) should increase C and/or I
and hence AD, creating economic growth.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
An AD/AS diagram, showing a shift of the AD curve to the right
with an increase in real GDP AND for an explanation that
China’s “eased monetary policy” (decreasing interest rates
and/or increase in the money supply) should increase C and/or I
and hence AD, creating economic growth.
For AD/AS, the vertical axis may be average (general) price level or price level. The
horizontal axis may be real output, real national output, real income, real national
income, real GDP or real Y. Any abbreviations are acceptable. A title is not
necessary. “AS” is a valid label for the SRAS curve.
– 12 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(d) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, discuss the
arguments for and against the trade protection measures imposed by the US on China. [8]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which,
if appropriate, should be rewarded.
Do not award beyond Level 2 if the answer does not contain reference to the
information provided.
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Few relevant concepts are recognized. 1–2
There is basic knowledge/understanding.
2 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in reasonable 3–5
depth.
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is some attempt at application/analysis.
3 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in depth. 6–8
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is effective application/analysis.
There is synthesis/evaluation, supported by appropriate theory
and evidence.
Command term
“Discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review that includes a
range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions and conclusions should be presented
clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
Section B
3. (a) (i) State two functions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (paragraph 2). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
Any one of the following:
• oversee/monitor the stability of the international monetary
system
• promote international monetary cooperation
• lend money to help members in balance of
payments/financial difficulties
• give advice to member countries on economic policies
• promote economic stability.
2 Accurate definition. 2
Any two of the following:
• oversee/monitor the stability of the international monetary
system
• promote international monetary cooperation
• lend money to help members in balance of
payments/financial difficulties
• give advice to member countries on economic policies
• promote economic stability.
(ii) Define the term human capital indicated in bold in the text (paragraph 5). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is the quality of labour or that it is a factor of
production (labour).
2 Accurate definition. 2
Any two of the following:
• factor of production (labour)
• skills
• abilities
• knowledge/qualifications
• level of health (that make a labour force productive).
– 15 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(b) Using a poverty cycle diagram, explain how the government of Pakistan could intervene to
“break out of the poverty cycle” (paragraph 3). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
A poverty cycle diagram OR an explanation of one of:
• government may (collect more tax and) spend on investment
projects such as education/infrastructure to increase level of
human and physical capital and therefore break the cycle
• government may attract FDI which may supplement low
savings as it could increase incomes and therefore break the
cycle
• any valid government policy which would attract FDI and/or
encourage economic growth.
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
A poverty cycle diagram AND an explanation of one of:
• government may (collect more tax and) spend on investment
projects such as education/infrastructure to increase level of
human and physical capital and therefore break the cycle
• government may attract FDI which may supplement low
savings as it could increase incomes and therefore break the
cycle
• any valid government policy which would attract FDI and/or
encourage economic growth.
Example of poverty cycle (any cycle, including investment and starting and ending
with an indicator of poverty, is acceptable).
– 16 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(c) Using an externalities diagram, explain how “greater access to education” for girls in
Pakistan could reduce market failure (paragraph 5). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
An externalities diagram showing MSB higher than MPB and
indicating under-consumption of education and/or welfare loss
(potential welfare gain) OR for an explanation that greater
access to education for girls could reduce the under-
consumption in the market (reduce the welfare loss) and
therefore reduce market failure.
The vertical axis may be price, but could be costs or benefits. The horizontal axis is
quantity. P and Q is sufficient. A title is not necessary.
– 17 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(d) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, evaluate the
potential impact of the IMF and the World Bank on economic development in Pakistan. [8]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which,
if appropriate, should be rewarded.
Do not award beyond Level 2 if the answer does not contain reference to the
information provided.
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Few relevant concepts are recognized. 1–2
There is basic knowledge/understanding.
2 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in reasonable 3–5
depth.
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is some attempt at application/analysis.
3 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in depth. 6–8
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is effective application/analysis.
There is synthesis/evaluation, supported by appropriate theory
and evidence.
Command term
“Evaluate” requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths
and limitations. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and
supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
Above points should link to how these impacts will reduce poverty, increase living
standards, reduce income inequalities and/or increase employment opportunities,
improve health and education indicators, ie achieve economic development.
4. (a) (i) State two functions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) (paragraph 1). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
One function is stated OR two functions are partially stated.
2 Accurate definition. 2
A clear understanding demonstrated by listing two of the
following functions of the WTO for its member countries:
• to set and enforce rules for international trade
• to provide a forum for negotiating trade liberalization
• to monitor further trade liberalization
• to resolve trade disputes
• to increase the transparency of decision-making processes
• to help developing countries benefit fully from the global
trading system.
(ii) Define the term inflation indicated in bold in the text (paragraph 2). [2]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Vague definition. 1
The idea that it is an increase in prices.
2 Accurate definition. 2
An understanding that it is a sustained increase in the
(average/general) price level.
– 20 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(b) Using a Lorenz curve diagram, explain the possible impact on the distribution of income in
the Philippines when “the income tax for the highest income earners has been raised from
30% to 35%” (paragraph 4). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
A Lorenz curve diagram with 2 curves showing a shift closer to
the line of perfect income equality OR an explanation that an
increase of the tax rate in the highest income tax bracket makes
it more progressive/reduces the disposable income of highest
income earners/shifts the curve closer to the diagonal, thereby
achieving greater income equality/resulting in greater equity in
the distribution of income (decreasing inequality).
2 There is a correct diagram AND an accurate written response. 3–4
A Lorenz curve diagram with 2 curves showing a shift closer to
the line of perfect income equality AND an explanation that an
increase of the tax rate in the highest income tax bracket makes
it more progressive/reduces the disposable income of highest
income earners/shifts the curve closer to the diagonal, thereby
achieving greater income equality/resulting in greater equity in
the distribution of income (decreasing inequality).
For the vertical axis, the label may be cumulative percentage of (national) income or
percentage of (national) income (GDP and GNI are valid alternatives to income but wealth is
not acceptable). For the horizontal axis, the label may be cumulative
percentage of population/people/households or percentage of
population/people/households. A title is not necessary.
– 21 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(c) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain the impact on the potential output of the Philippines
of the government increasing its “spending on new airports, roads and bridges”
(paragraph 4). [4]
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 There is a correct diagram OR an accurate written response. 1–2
An AD/AS diagram showing an increase in LRAS OR for
explaining that increasing spending on infrastructure means that
it
• increases (the quantity and quality of) factors of production
OR
• increases efficiency/productivity
For AD/AS the vertical axis may be average (general) price level, or price
level. The horizontal axis may be real output, real national output, real income, real
national income, real GDP or real Y. Any abbreviations are acceptable. A title is
not necessary.
– 22 – N20/3/ECONO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
(d) Using information from the text/data and your knowledge of economics, evaluate
the use of export promotion as a means of achieving economic development in
the Philippines. [8]
Examiners should be aware that candidates may take a different approach which, if
appropriate, should be rewarded.
Do not award beyond Level 2 if the answer does not contain reference to the information
provided.
Level Marks
0 The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors 0
below.
1 Few relevant concepts are recognized. 1–2
There is basic knowledge/understanding.
2 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in reasonable 3–5
depth.
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is some attempt at application/analysis.
3 Relevant concepts are recognized and developed in depth. 6–8
There is clear knowledge/understanding.
There is effective application/analysis.
There is synthesis/evaluation, supported by appropriate theory
and evidence.
Command term
“Evaluate” requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and
limitations. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with
appropriate evidence and sound argument.
• If more is exported, then more can be imported and the tariffs on rice can be lowered,
benefitting low-income families (paragraph 1).
Candidates may argue that export promotion may lead to economic growth. As long
as they have established a clear link between economic growth and economic
development, such arguments should be fully rewarded.