Paper 2
Paper 2 - Structured Questions
The Paper 2 exam is a written response paper consisting of structured questions, which is externally assessed. Features of the Paper 2 assessment are outlined here.
- Duration = 2 hours.
- Total number of marks = 80 marks (equivalent to an average of 1.5 minutes per mark).
- Students must answer the one compulsory question in Section A.
- Questions assess students' knowledge and understanding, analysis, and evaluation of economic issues related to the contents of the syllabus.
- The compulsory question in Section A is worth 20 marks. It is based on unseen information about a real economic situation, including written text and data, and may include diagrams and tables. Students must use this information in their answers.
- Students must also answer three questions from a choice of four in Section B.
- Each Section B question is worth 20 marks, meaning the total is 60 marks in this section.
- All answers for Paper 2 must be written in the answer booklet provided in the examination.
- The number of marks available for each part of a question is indicated on the question paper.
- Students should use the mark allocation as a guide to the amount of detail and length of the written response expected. This should also help them to manage their examination time effectively.
- Calculators are allowed in both sections of the Paper 2 examination.
- Weighting = approximately 70% of the overall qualification.
- More precisely, Cambridge weights the 80 raw marks by 1.1875, producing 95 weighted marks out of 135 across the qualification (approximately 70.4%).
Note to teachers regarding changes to the new syllabus for Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455), first examination from 2027:
- Paper 2 is reduced from 90 to 80 marks
- The duration of the exam falls from 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours
- Its weighting changes from 70% to approximately 70.4% (95 of the 135 weighted marks).
- Section A is now worth 20 marks, not 30 marks.
- Section B remains 60 marks, giving the new total of 80 marks.
Please be aware of this if/when referring to resources for the legacy syllabus.
There are two sections in Paper 2, as outlined in the table below.
| Section A | Section B |
|---|---|
| Answer the one compulsory question (with sub-parts). | Answer three questions from a choice of four. |
| Based on interpreting and analysing source material relevant to a real economic situation. | Each question is worth 20 marks and consists of four parts: (a) 2 marks, (b) 4 marks, (c) 6 marks, and (d) 8 marks. |
| Each question part is based on one or more topics drawn from the IGCSE syllabus content. | Each question part is based on one or more topics drawn from the syllabus content. |
| The source material contains written information and may include diagrams and tables. Students should use relevant information from the source material in their answers. | Each question is introduced by stimulus material that provides a context. Students should refer to this context and/or use other relevant examples they have studied, where appropriate. |
| Calculations and diagrams may be required. | Calculations and diagrams may be required. |
| Assessment objectives examined: AO1 (Knowledge and understanding), AO2 (Analysis), AO3 (Evaluation). | Assessment objectives examined: AO1 (Knowledge and understanding), AO2 (Analysis), AO3 (Evaluation). |
| 20 marks | 60 marks |
Keep this page bookmarked for regular updates with more Paper 2 practice questions being added to support students in preparation for their exams.
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