Question 1
Explain the concepts of consumer surplus and producer surplus.
Answers may include:
- definition of consumer surplus, producer surplus
- diagram to show consumer surplus and producer surplus
- explanation that consumer surplus is above equilibrium price and below the demand curve, and that producer surplus is below equilibrium price and above the supply curve
- examples of consumer surplus and producer surplus.
Assessment Criteria
Part (a) 10 marks
Level 0 (0 marks): The work does not meet a standard described by the descriptors below.
Level 1 (1-3 marks): There is little understanding of the specific demands of the question. Relevant economic terms are not defined. There is very little knowledge of relevant economic theory. There are significant errors.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): There is some understanding of the specific demands of the question. Some relevant economic terms are defined. There is some knowledge of relevant economic theory. There are some errors.
Level 3 (7-8 marks): There is understanding of the specific demands of the question. Relevant economic terms are defined. Relevant economic theory is explained and applied. Where appropriate, diagrams are included and applied. Where appropriate, examples are used. There are few errors.
Level 4 (9-10 marks): There is clear understanding of the specific demands of the question. Relevant economic terms are clearly defined. Relevant economic theory is clearly explained and applied. Where appropriate, diagrams are included and applied effectively. Where appropriate, examples are used effectively. There are no significant errors.