Frequently Asked Questions

O Level Economics (2281)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the course book?

There is no single course book for the O Level Economics syllabus. The resource list gives a

number of alternative books designed for similar courses, which we think will be helpful.

Do I need to teach the course in the order given in the syllabus?
No, the order in which you teach the course is entirely up to you.


Sometimes the questions start with a statement, e.g. about India and Kenya. Do the

candidates have to know about these economies?

No, they do not. The introductory quotation or statement is intended as stimulus material

only. Sometimes, particularly in the multiple choice papers, candidates will have to work with

the data given, but they are not expected to have prior knowledge of a specific economy.

Does this mean that there is no point in the candidates knowing about their own

economy?

No, it does not mean that. Candidates will receive credit for illustrating their answers, where

relevant, with examples from their own economy or any economy that they have studied.

Is the use of calculators allowed?

Yes. For details of the restrictions on graphic display, data banks etc, which apply to all CIE

examinations, see the Handbook for Centres.

Are marks deducted for wrong answers in the multiple choice?

No. The candidate’s mark is the total number of questions answered correctly.

Are the multiple choice questions arranged in any particular order on the paper?

They are broadly arranged in the same order as the topics appear in the syllabus booklet.

Where can I find the keys to the multiple choice questions?

They are in the published ‘Report on the Examination’, which is on the Teacher Support

website and the CIE Publications CD-ROM.

Are there any changes to the syllabus?

There are no changes to the syllabus for 2008. However, from June  2009 the syllabus has

changed in terms of content revision and updates.  Also 2013 syllabus also changed and from 2014 there are changes to the scheme of assessment. Please refer to the 2009 syllabus for further details.