IB Economics HL 2.8.4 Common pool resources Question Bank
Practise IB Economics SL/HL 2.8.4 by applying common pool resources concepts to exam-style questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2022
- Course
- Economics HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Economics SL/HL 2.8.4 by applying common pool resources concepts to exam-style questions.
Define the term common pool resources (common access resources).
Level
Marks
0
The work does not meet a standard described by the
descriptors below
1
Vague definition
For the idea that they are rivalrous
OR non-excludable
2
Accurate definition
For an understanding that they are rivalrous
AND non-excludable
The phrase "tragedy of the commons" is associated with examples of common pool resources (common access resources). Using a production externalities diagram, explain the meaning of this phrase.
The following information is about Portugal's gross national income (GNI) and European seabass* consumption.

Table 1

Table 2
* European seabass: fish native to Europe's western coast
Level
Marks
0
The work does not meet a standard described by the
descriptors below.
1
The written response is limited.
1-2
For a negative production externalities diagram in which the MSC curve lies above the S, MPC curve and shows that the market output is greater than the socially optimum level of output
OR
that explains that the use of common pool resources is responsible for negative externalities due to depletion (or unsustainable use) of resources which leads to overproduction/overuse (free market equilibrium is greater than the socially optimum level of output).
2
The written response is accurate.
3-4
For a negative production externalities diagram in which the MSC curve lies above the S, MPC curve and shows that the market output is greater than the socially optimum level of output
AND
that explains that the use of common pool resources is responsible for negative externalities due to depletion (or unsustainable use) of resources which leads to overproduction/overuse (free market equilibrium is greater than the socially optimum level of output).

NB If a response draws a consumption externality diagram, it cannot be rewarded. However, if the explanation refers to the depletion/overconsumption of a resource, the response may receive [2] with the stamp ECF (error carried forward).
Candidates who incorrectly label diagrams can be awarded with a maximum of [3]. The y axis may be labelled price but could be costs or benefits and the x axis is labelled quantity.