Assessment Overview & Difficulty Verdict
The May/June 2026 series presents a fair and accessible pair of papers (Paper 11 and Paper 21) that adhere closely to Cambridge International 9708 syllabus standards. Paper 11 tests fundamental definitions, graphical interpretations, and core calculations across micro and macroeconomics. Paper 21 features a relevant data response context on Japan's monetary policy and growth dynamics, followed by structured essay choices contrasting classical intervention tools.
Where the Marks Are Distributed
Marks are evenly distributed across the major syllabus sections:
- The Macroeconomy & Policy Interventions: Significant marks are concentrated in Section A data response (monetary transmission mechanisms, exchange rate mechanics, and economic growth evaluation) alongside Section C options on unemployment and macroeconomic policies.
- Government Micro Intervention & Market Failure: Section B questions reward rigorous grasp of public vs merit goods, demerit good taxation, and income redistribution instruments (progressive tax vs minimum wage).
- International Economics: Core testing of trade protectionism (tariffs, embargoes, subsidies) and floating exchange rates.
Key Pitfalls and Mark Traps
Examiners consistently note mark loss when candidates provide one-sided answers to 12-mark 'Assess' questions, which caps the response in lower levels and forfeits all AO3 evaluation marks. In data response 1(c), candidates frequently omit clear axis labelling for exchange rate diagrams (e.g. failing to explicitly show the comparison currency such as Price of Yen in USD). In Section B, conflating the strict definitions of public goods (non-rival and non-excludable) with merit goods remains a recurring error.
High-Scoring Strategy
To access Level 3 (AO1/AO2) and Level 2 (AO3) on 8-mark and 12-mark essay questions, students should establish precise, textbook definitions at the start, construct well-annotated diagrams (such as \(AD/AS\) or exchange rate curves), explore both sides of the economic argument with balanced real-world examples, and conclude with a justified final judgment.