CAIE O level Economics 2281 Tips and Tricks

Understanding the keywords

• It’s very important to understand the keywords in the question paper, when it says;

IDENTIFY , NAME , LIST;

• Give the correct term.

• Sentences are not required

Example:-1, Identify the factors that determine the population growth in a country.[3marks]

Possible answer

• Birth rate (1) , Death rate (1) , Net migration rate (1).

Example:-2, List out any three causes of a change in demand for a good. [3marks]

Possible answer

• Income of the people(1) , Advertising (1) ,Taste and preference (1).

State;

• Give the required answer.
• Sentences are not required

Example:- State any three functions of a commercial bank. [3marks]

Possible answer

• Accepting deposits (1) , Making payments (1) , Lending money (1).

Define;

• Give the exact meaning
• Nothing else is required

Example 1; Define inflation. [3marks] Possible answer

• A persistent (1) , rise in the (1) , general price level (1). Example 2:-, Define price elasticity of demand. [3marks] Possible answer
• A change in quantity demanded (1) in response (1) to change in price (1).

Explain;

• Use complete sentences and say how the subject works.
• Give important features and try to analyze the cause.

Example :-, Explain the concept of opportunity cost by using an example. [5marks]

Possible answer

• The meaning (2) , why and how (1) , An example (2).
• Opportunity cost is a next best alternative forgone in order to obtain the best choice.Waleed wants to see a football match starting at 7pm. And this time is the time for his extra class. He choose to cancel the extra class and saw the football match. Here , the opportunity cost of watching the football match is the missed extra class. Because he forgoes the extra class in order to see the match.

Describe;

• Use complete sentences and give as much details as possible about the characteristics of the subject.

Example:– Describe the likely population structure to be found in a developing country. [5marks]

Possible answer

The meaning developing country(2) , A brief explanation of three characteristics of developing country such as high birth rate , high death rate , low life expectancy, more younger age group, low working age group, low ageing population etc.;(3).

Discuss;

• Explain fully both sides of the arguments or questions and then state a

conclusion.

Example:-Discuss whether economic growth is always advantages?.[8 marks]

Possible answer

• Meaning of economic growth.
• An important government aim.
• Explain any three advantages.
• Make a conclusion with the explanation of any two or three disadvantages of economic growth.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THE EXAMINATION

Diagrams

• Diagrams may be used in any questions but are not necessarily required

unless the question asks for them.

• If diagrams are used, you need to be aware that they should correctly label all the aspects.
• Curves, axes and direction of any movement of curves.
• Unless the question asks for a diagram without an explanation, candidates should provide a narrative explanation of the diagram.
• They should not just draw a diagram that is unexplained.

Calculators

• You will be required a calculator to calculate the RPI.
  

TIPS FOR EACH PAPER

PAPER 1

• Make sure you have practiced at least 10 years of past papers as questions do repeat

in P1.

• Manage your time effectively

• Take calculators with you to solve a numerical question

• If you’re unsure about the answer, don’t spend too much time on one question,

simply just make a guess.

• You should NOT leave any topic and cover the whole contents of the syllabus

PAPER 2

• Read all the questions carefully and plan your answer accordingly
• Make sure you don’t write IRRELEVANT stuff.
• Be sure that you have answered all the parts of the question.
• Time management is very important manage your time effectively
• Practice at least 10 years of past papers from latest to oldest.
• Do not forget to go through the ‘Example Candidate Response Booklet’.