Edexcel IGCSE Economics 2.1.1 macroeconomic objectives
Use macro-objective questions to interpret indicators, calculate data and explain costs or benefits for countries and households.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Economics 4EC1
Use macro-objective questions to interpret indicators, calculate data and explain costs or benefits for countries and households.
Figure 1 shows imports and exports for a country in €bn.

Figure 1
Calculate the visible trade balance in €bn for the country. You are advised to show your working.
A02 2 marks
Award 1 mark for export of goods - import of goods
€150bn - €120bn (1)
Award 1 mark for the correct answer
= € 30 bn (1)
Award 2 marks if the correct answer is € 30 bn even if no calculations are shown
Award 1 mark if the answer given is 30 bn even if no calculations are shown
Do not award marks for the formula.
(2)
In February 2024, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the Greek economy was entering the recovery phase of the economic cycle.
With reference to the data above and your knowledge of economics, analyse the impact of a recovery on unemployment for a country such as Greece.
AO2 (3 marks)/AO3 (3 marks)
- Firms might start hiring more people because they need more workers to meet the demand for their products or services reducing unemployment levels in
- Economic recovery often encourages entrepreneurs to start new businesses
- These new firms will need employees, creating more jobs and increasing overall employment levels in
- When the economy is doing well, both firms and consumers feel more confident
- Firms are more likely to invest in new projects or expand, needing more workers
- Consumers spend more which can lead to more jobs in retail, services and other sectors
(6)
Level
Mark
Descriptor
0
No rewardable material.
Level 1
1-2
- Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Limited application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will lack selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be limited, with a lack of analysis of issues (AO3).
Level 2
3-4
- Demonstrates partial knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Partial application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will demonstrate some selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be good, with some analysis of issues (AO3).
Level 3
5-6
- Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Appropriate application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will demonstrate excellent selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be excellent, with a thorough analysis of issues (AO3).
2(a)
With reference to the data above and your knowledge of economics, analyse the possible impact of rising inflation on shoe leather costs for consumers in the UK.
Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in France is forecast to remain low over the next two years. Consumer spending is expected to improve as inflation reduces. However, a weak outlook for the German economy, France's main trade partner, and low growth in China are expected to limit any increases in growth.
As a result, unemployment levels are expected to remain high. The interest rate in France (as set by the European Central Bank) was 4.5% in December 2023, but may change in the future.

Figure 4
Indicative content
Mark
3(d)
AO2 (3 marks)/AO3 (3 marks)
- Rising inflation reduces the purchasing power of consumers
- As prices increase, consumers are likely to spend more time shopping around for better deals and discounts to stretch their budgets
- This involves visiting multiple stores or browsing various online retailers thereby increasing shoe leather costs
- With inflation rising to 4% in December 2023, consumers may find themselves making more frequent trips to banks
- The effect of rising inflation on shoe leather costs is particularly significant for low-income consumers
- These individuals may not have easy access to banking
- This makes them more vulnerable to the negative impacts of inflation and significantly increases shoe leather costs for consumers
(6)
Level
Mark
Descriptor
0
No rewardable material.
Level 1
1-2
- Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Limited application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will lack selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be limited, with a lack of analysis of issues (AO3).
Level 2
3-4
- Demonstrates partial knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Partial application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will demonstrate some selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be good, with some analysis of issues (AO3).
Level 3
5-6
- Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding by developing relevant points. Appropriate application of economic terms, concepts, theories and calculations (AO2).
- Information presented will demonstrate excellent selectivity and organisation. Interpretation of economic information will be excellent, with a thorough analysis of issues (AO3).
What is the main cause of frictional unemployment?
People choosing not to work
People having the wrong skills
People changing jobs
People employed at certain times of the year
C