Economics: University of Cambridge International Examinations International General Certificate of Secondary Education
Economics: University of Cambridge International Examinations International General Certificate of Secondary Education
Economics: University of Cambridge International Examinations International General Certificate of Secondary Education
1 hour 30 minutes
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1 European recession
In 2003 Germany, Italy and the Netherlands were in a period of recession. GDP in Germany fell by
0.2% between January and April, and by 0.1% between April and June. The recession spread to
Italy, which is dependent on Germany as a market for its exports. The weakest of the three was
the Netherlands, where output fell by 0.5% between April and June following a fall for the previous
eight months. The German government planned to encourage consumer spending by introducing
cuts in both indirect and direct taxation. It also approved measures to increase employment
opportunities.
(a) Why does the article refer to the Netherlands as the weakest economy? [2]
(c) Using examples, describe the difference between direct and indirect taxes. [4]
(d) How might a reduction in taxation help any two macro-economic aims of a government? [6]
(b) Explain, using a demand and supply diagram, what effect would be likely to occur in a market
if the government introduced a subsidy on the production of a good. [5]
3 A major computer company announced in 2003 that its profits had fallen.
(b) There are some very large computer companies. How might a firm become large? [5]
4 Some workers work long hours but earn little because the rate they receive for each hour worked
is very low.
(a) Why do you think a worker would be prepared to work for very low wages? [5]
(b) What reasons might make a worker decide to move to another job at the same rate of pay?
[5]
5 Changes in the rate of exchange meant that exports of goods from Egypt decreased as they
became more expensive in other countries.
(b) If exports from Egypt became more expensive, how might that affect production and
employment both in Egypt and in countries importing Egyptian goods? [7]
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