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This question paper consists of 12 pages.

GRADE 12

ECONOMICS P2

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRAAD 12

Economics/P2 2 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2016 NSC


INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. Answer FOUR questions as follows in the ANSWER BOOK:

SECTION A: COMPULSORY SECTION B: Answer TWO of the three questions. SECTION C: Answer ONE of the two questions.

2. Answer only the required number of questions. Answers in excess of the

required number will NOT be marked.

3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this

question paper.

4. Write the question number above each answer. 5. 6.

Read the questions carefully. Start EACH question on a NEW page.

7. Leave 2–3 lines between subsections of questions. 8. Answer the questions in full sentences and ensure that the format, content

and context of your responses comply with the cognitive requirements of the questions.

9. Use only black or blue ink. 10. You may use a non-programmable pocket calculator. 11. Write neatly and legibly.



SECTION A (COMPULSORY) QUESTION 1 30 MARKS – 20 MINUTES 1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–C) next to the question number (1.1.1–1.1.8) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.9 C.

1.1.1 The supply curve of a perfect competitor is represented by that part

of the MC curve that is above the … curve.

A

B C

total cost average variable cost average cost

1.1.2 The most likely barrier for a firm wanting to compete with firms in

the cellphone industry, such as Vodacom, is …

A

B C

licensing. capital. technical superiority.

1.1.3 Oligopolies do not have as much control over prices as monopolies

because of …

A

B C

policies. advertising. competition.

1.1.4 The perfect competitor charges a price that is equal to the … A

B C

average cost. marginal revenue. average variable curve.

1.1.5 A combination of high inflation and high unemployment is known

as …

A

B C

deflation. hyperinflation. stagflation.

1.1.6 The index that refers to headline inflation is called the … A

B C

consumer price index. index of export prices. producer price index.



1.1.7 Which ONE of the following is an example of a negative effect of

tourism?

A

B C

Poverty Unemployment Pollution

1.1.8 The main focus of the Johannesburg Summit was on … A

B C

hazardous waste. sustainable development. pollution. (8 x 2)

(16) 1.2 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the item in COLUMN A.

Write only the letter (A–I) next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.8) in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 1.2.5 1.2.6 1.2.7 1.2.8

Economic loss Duopoly Community goods Heterogeneous Inflation targeting Cultural tourism Marketable permit Conservation

A B C D E F G H I

police and defence a licence to pollute to a certain degree taking care of the environment so that present and future generations will benefit average revenue is less than average cost two firms that dominate an industry products that are not the same excludes items with high volatile prices a policy used by the Reserve Bank to stabilise prices visiting museums and art galleries

(8 x 1) (8)



1.3 Give ONE term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next

to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.6) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.3.1 A wage rate set by the government below which no employer may

pay his/her workers

1.3.2 The period of production where only the variable factors of

production can change

1.3.3 The value of the next best alternative 1.3.4 Causes damage to the environment by dumping waste material 1.3.5 Worldwide interfacing and interaction of economies with trade as

the main aim

1.3.6 Tourists travelling within their own countries (6 x 1) (6) TOTAL SECTION A: 30



SECTION B Answer any TWO of the three questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK. QUESTION 2: MICROECONOMICS 40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES 2.1 Answer the following questions. 2.1.1 Name TWO characteristics of monopolistic competition. (2 x 1) (2) 2.1.2 What will the effect be if one firm in a perfect market decides to

increase the price of a product? (1 x 2)

(2) 2.2 Study the pictures below and answer the questions that follow. MARKET FAILURE

[Adapted from Internet Google Images]

2.2.1 Name the causes of market failure as depicted in pictures 2 and 3. (2 x 1)

(2)

2.2.2 Explain the term market failure. (2) 2.2.3 How will a lack of information as a cause of market failure influence

consumers?

(2) 2.2.4 Explain how government can intervene in markets that are affected

by externalities (pictures 1 and 4). (2 x 2)

(4)

4

1 2

3



KINKED DEMAND CURVE

2.3 Study the graph below and answer the questions that follow.

0 2.3.1 To which market structure is the kinked curve related? (1) 2.3.2 What is the output level in the graph above? (1) 2.3.3 What would the effect be on total revenue if the oligopolist

increased his price from R50 to R60? Show calculations.

(4) 2.3.4 Advise the oligopolist on how to increase his market share in this

particular industry.

(4) 2.4 Distinguish between price leadership and cartels as forms of collusion. (2 x 4) (8) 2.5 Analyse productive inefficiency with the aid of a production possibility curve.

(4 x 2)

(8) [40]

60

20

D

D

50

50 B

Quantity

Pric

e (R

)



Inflation is a continuous process that never ends.

QUESTION 3: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES 3.1 Answer the following questions. 3.1.1 Give TWO examples of prices that are controlled by the South

African government. (2 x 1)

(2) 3.1.2 What is the effect of climate change on weather patterns? (1 x 2) (2) 3.2 Study the picture below and answer the questions that follow. FUEL, THE FOUNDATION OF ALL COSTS!

[Adapted from Internet Google Images] 3.2.1 What has happened to the fuel price since 2010? (1) 3.2.2 What will happen to employment when the cost of production

increases?

(1) 3.2.3 What is meant by 'Fuel, the foundation of all costs'? (2 x 2) (4) 3.2.4 Why is inflation regarded as a never-ending process? (2 x 2) (4)

2015 = R12

2010 = R5



3.3 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. BETTER MEDICAL FACILITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA CONTINUE

TO INFLUENCE MEDICAL TOURISM GROWTH

There is a general increase being recorded in the number of people visiting South Africa in search of medical treatment from the country's many healthcare institutions, which are considered to have superior facilities and high levels of medical expertise. Medical tourists are received mostly from other African countries which may lack the appropriate medical facilities with proper equipment to perform challenging surgical procedures. Inbound medical tourists from overseas often travel to South Africa for surgical procedures which are considered relatively expensive in other countries such as the USA and the UK.

[Source: www.euromonitor.com]

3.3.1 What, according to the extract, is the reason for the growth in the

tourism industry?

(2) 3.3.2 Explain the term tourism. (2) 3.3.3 Why is South Africa such a popular holiday destination? (2 x 1) (2) 3.3.4 How will the economy benefit from an increase in the number of

medical tourists coming to South Africa? (2 x 2)

(4) 3.4 Explain how wages and exchange rates can lead to cost-push inflation. (2 x 4) (8) 3.5 What is the impact of indigenous knowledge within the South African context

on tourism? (4 x 2)

(8) [40]



QUESTION 4: MICROECONOMICS AND CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

4.1 Answer the following questions. 4.1.1 Name TWO World Heritage Sites in South Africa. (2 x 1) (2) 4.1.2 What is the effect on a business if the average cost is more than

the average revenue? (1 x 2)

(2) 4.2 Study the data below and answer the questions that follow.

[Adapted from Financial Mail, August 2013] 4.2.1 Identify ONE private cost and ONE external benefit from the data

above. (2 x 1)

(2) 4.2.2 Explain the term cost-benefit analysis. (2) 4.2.3 What alternative measure could the government consider instead

of building a new road?

(2) 4.2.4 Should the government proceed with the building of this road?

Motivate your answer.

(4)

COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Due to floods, many roads were washed away. The government is considering building a new road which would cost R100 million. A tollgate will be installed to offset some of the cost. In addition, external costs and benefits would have to be taken into account in making a final decision.

BENEFITS AND COSTS

Employment during construction

Road construction equipment

Establishment of new businesses

Pollution



4.3 Study the extract below and answer the questions that follow. INFLATION TARGETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has successfully pursued an inflation targeting monetary policy since February 2000. The policy has ensured a stable and sustainable economy. It is important to understand that the South African Reserve Bank was created as an autonomous body, but this independent body has been mandated to keep inflation within a target range to encourage long-term growth in the economy. With the inflation rate breaching the upper end of the range in 2014, a generally unpopular interest rate hike has placed the Reserve Bank's governor and the Monetary Policy Committee under increased pressure. Unions advocate the abandonment of inflation targets for the sake of short-term job creation.

[Source: Inflation Targeting SARB 2004]

4.3.1 What is the current inflation target range? (2) 4.3.2 What is the main purpose of the South African inflation targeting

policy?

(2) 4.3.3 How can lower interest rates benefit the South African economy in

the short term?

(2) 4.3.4 How successful, in your opinion, was the Reserve Bank in meeting

its inflation target? (2 x 2)

(4) 4.4 Distinguish between economic profit and normal profit in the perfect market.

(2 x 4)

(8) 4.5 What is the impact of inflation on investors and savers? (4 x 2) (8)

[40]

TOTAL SECTION B: 80


Copyright reserved

SECTION C Answer any ONE of the two questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK. Your answer will be assessed as follows:

STRUCTURE OF ESSAY MARK ALLOCATION

Introduction Max. 2 Body Main part: Discuss in detail/In-depth discussion/Examine/Critically discuss/Analyse/Compare/Evaluate/Distinguish/Differentiate/Explain/ Assess/Debate Additional part: Give own opinion/Critically discuss/Evaluate/Critically evaluate/Draw a graph and explain/Use the graph given and explain/ Complete the given graph/Calculate/Deduce/Compare/Explain/ Distinguish/Interpret/Briefly debate/How?/Suggest

Max. 26

Max. 10

Conclusion Any higher-order conclusion should include: • A brief summary of what has been discussed without repeating facts

already mentioned • Any opinion or valued judgement on the facts discussed • Additional support information to strengthen the discussion/analysis • A contradictory viewpoint with motivation, if required • Recommendations

Max. 2

TOTAL 40 QUESTION 5: MICROECONOMICS 40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES The existence and survival of any business depend on how they are conducting themselves.

• Compare the market structure of a monopoly with that of a perfect competitor. (26 marks)

• Draw a clearly labelled graph indicating the shut-down point for the perfect competitor. Briefly explain why a business will stop producing goods at this point.

(10 marks)

[40]

QUESTION 6: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES The current levels of pollution and environmental degradation are too high. This affects the ability of the environment to survive its use for economic activities.

• Discuss government's attempts (interventions and control) to ensure the sustainability of our environment. (26 marks)

• In your opinion, how effective are pollution control measures in South Africa? (10 marks)

[40]

TOTAL SECTION C:

GRAND TOTAL: 40

150


MARKS: 150

This memorandum consists of 17 pages.

ECONOMICS P2

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

MEMORANDUM

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

1 GRAAD 12

GRADE 12

Economics/P2 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2016 NSC – Memorandum


2

SECTION A (COMPULSORY) QUESTION 1 1.1 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS 1.1.1

1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5 1.1.6 1.1.7 1.1.8

B (average variable cost) 33 A (licensing) 33 C (competition) 33 B (marginal revenue) 33 C (stagflation) 33 A (consumer price index) 33 C (pollution) 33 B (sustainable development) 33 (8 x 2)

(16)

1.2 MATCHING ITEMS 1.2.1

1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 1.2.5 1.2.6 1.2.7 1.2.8

D - average revenue is less than average cost 3 E - two firms that dominate an industry 3 A - police and defence 3 F - products that are not the same 3 H - a policy used by the Reserve Bank to stabilise prices 3 I - visiting museums and art galleries 3 B - a licence to pollute to a certain degree 3 C - taking care of the environment so that present and future generations will benefit 3 (8 x 1)

(8)

1.3 GIVE THE CONCEPT 1.3.1

1.3.2 1.3.3 1.3.4 1.3.5 1.3.6

Minimum wage 3 Short run 3 Opportunity cost 3 Pollution 3 Globalisation 3 Domestic tourism 3 (6 x 1)

(6)

TOTAL SECTION A: 30



3

SECTION B Answer any TWO of the three questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK. QUESTION 2: MICROECONOMICS 2.1.1 Name TWO characteristics of monopolistic competition.

• Existence of large number of firms 3 • Product differentiation 3 • Price setter 3 • Downward sloping demand curve 3 • Firms are acting independently 3 • Non-price competition (exploited largely by advertising) 3 • Free entry and exit from the market 3

(Accept any other relevant answer) (Any 2 x 1)

(2)

2.1.2 What will the effect be if one firm in a perfect market decides to increase

the price of a product? Firm will make a loss, because all firms in the perfect market are price takers and cannot influence the market price 33 (Accept any other relevant response) (1 x 2)

(2)

2.2 Study the pictures and answer the questions that follow. 2.2.1 Name the cause of market failure as depicted in pictures 2

and 3 Picture 2 - Unequal distribution of income – Unemployment 3 Picture 3 - Demerit goods – Cigarettes 3 (2 x 1)

(2)

2.2.2 Explain the concept market failure.

A situation where market equilibrium fails resulting in the ineffective allocation of resources 33

(2)

2.2.3 How will a lack of information as a cause of market failure

influence consumers? They would not know where to access certain goods and where those goods and services are affordable 33 (Accept any other relevant response)

(2)

2.2.4 Explain how government can intervene in markets that are

affected by externalities (pictures 1 and 4). Picture 1: Subsidise financially disadvantaged students 33 Picture 4: Charge environmental taxes 3 (Accept any other relevant response) (2 x 2)

(4)



4

2.3 Study the graph and answer the questions that follow. 2.3.1 Which market structure is the kinked curve related to?

Oligopoly/imperfect market 3

(1)

2.3.2 What is the output level in the graph above?

50 3

(1)

2.3.3 What would the effect be on total revenue if the oligopolist

increased his price from R50 to R60? Show calculations. At the price of R50 and quantity 50, the total revenue will be R2 500 3 (50 x 50 = 2 500) At the price of R60 and quantity 20, the total revenue will be R1 200 3 (60 x 20 = 1 200) The net effect on income = R2 500 – R1 200 = R1 300 33

(4)

2.3.4 Advise the oligopolist on how he can increase his market

share in this particular industry. The oligopolist should consider using the following: • Non-price measures to attract customers increase their market

share 33 • Build brand loyalty, product recognition and product

differentiation 33 • Advertising and marketing 33 Examples of non-price competition include: • extended shopping and business hours 3 • doing business over the internet 3 • after-sales services 3 • offering additional services 3 • loyalty rewards for customers 3 • door-to-door deliveries 3 (Accept any other relevant response) (Allocate the max of 2 marks for examples)

(4)

2.4 Distinguish between price leadership and cartels as forms of collusion

Cartel • When collusion occurs openly it is referred to as a cartel 33 • A cartel can be defined as an organisation of oligolistic businesses that

comes into existence in an industry with the specific aim of forming a collective monopoly 33 (2 x 2)

Price leadership • This type of price determination is tacitly 33 • A firm will announces its intention to increase prices and hope it's rivals

will follow 33 • The price leader is usually the largest or dominant business in the

industry 33 (2 x 2)

(8)



5

2.5 Analyse productive inefficiency with the aid of a production possibility

curve.

3 PRODUCTIVE INEFFICIENCY

Production possibility curve (AA), above, shows a combination of goods that can be produced using all the available resources. 33 • Any point on the curve shows a combination of goods where resources

will be used efficiently (B). 33 • Therefore any point on the curve indicates productive efficiency. 33 • Any point within the curve shows combinations of goods where resources

are used inefficiently (D) 33

(8) [40]

Mark allocation 1. Naming of axes 1 mark 2. Indicating production levels (A) 1 mark 3. Indicating Point B as a

disequilibrium point 1 mark 4. Indicating D as an under

production point 1 mark

A

Che

ese3

A

zB3

zD3

Milk



6

QUESTION 3: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 3.1.1 Give TWO examples of prices that are controlled by the South African

government.

• Fuel prices 3 • Assessment rates 3 • Property taxes 3 • Sanitation levies 3 • Refuse removal levies 3 • Water levies 3 • Electricity tariffs 3 • Postal stamps 3 (Accept any other relevant example) (2 x 1)

(2)

3.1.2 What is the effect of climate change on weather patterns?

It can cause irregular weather patterns: floods/droughts 33

(2)

3.2 Study the picture and answer the questions that follow. 3.2.1 What happened with the fuel price since 2010?

It increased from R5 per litre to R12 per litre 3

(1)

3.2.2 What will happen to employment when the cost of production

increases? Employment will decline 3

(1)

3.2.3 What is meant by 'Fuel, the foundation of all costs'?

• Transport is the bloodline of all economic activities 33 • If the petrol price increase, than all other products are likely to

increase 33 • Business will off-set this extra cost by increasing the price 33 (Accept any other relevant answer. (2 x 2)

(4) 3.2.4 Why is inflation regarded as a never-ending process?

• When consumers/workers feel that their earnings are not

enough to sustain their livelihood, they will demand higher wages 33

• If their demand are successful, wages will increase 33 • Businesses will increase their prices to compensate for the

higher input cost 33 • This will result in higher prices 33 • Once prices increase, workers will be in the same financial

predicament and will demand higher wages once again 33 (Accept any other relevant response) (Any 2 x 2)

(4)



7

3.3 Study the extract and answer the questions that follow. 3.3.1 What, according to the extract, is the reason for the growth in

the tourism industry? Tourist are flocking for medical treatment in South Africa 33

(2)

3.3.2 Explain the term tourism.

Activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for no more than one year for leisure, business and other purposes. It does not relate to any work done for money in the place visited.33 (Accept any other alternative definition) (1 x 2)

(2)

3.3.3 Why is South Africa such a popular holiday destination?

• Higher disposable income33 • Favourable exchange rates33 • Improved transportation33 • Improved communication33 • Marketing campaigns33 (Accept any other relevant answer) (Any 2 x 1)

(2) 3.3.4 How will the economy benefit from an increase in the number

of medical tourists coming to South Africa?

• Increased tourists stimulate these services as well as other related industries. 33

• They normally stay for a few weeks after the procedure to recover and for treatment.33

(Accept any other relevant answer) (2 x 2)

(4)

3.4 Explain how wages and exchange rates can lead to cost push inflation.

Wages • Trade unions (workers) is successful in negotiation better wages, the

wages will increase leading to an increase in production cost33 • Businesses will increase the selling price to compensate for the higher

input cost 33 (2 x 2)

Exchange rate depreciation • If the Rand depreciates against the dollar, all imported goods and

services become more expensive 33 • It cost more to import goods and this will increase the price of the

imported goods 33 (2 x 2)

(8)



8

3.5 What is the impact of indigenous knowledge within the South African

context on tourism?

• Tourists seek authenticity and uniqueness when they visit places 33 • To understand the indigenous culture, history and

environment 33 • In South Africa, several World Heritage sites are attractions for

tourists and they want to know how local people live and work 33 • The wide range of indigenous cultural groups offer a wide variety of

activities which can be developed through the country to ensure a positive impact on tourism 33

• More foreign tourists are attracted to visit and experience South Africa's indigenous sites 33

• (Accept any other relevant facts) (4 x 2)

(8)

[40]



9

QUESTION 4: MICROECONOMICS AND CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 4.1.1 Name TWO world heritage sites in South Africa.

• Mapungubwe 3 • Sterkfontein Caves 3 • Robben Island 3 • Vredefort Dome 3 • Richtersveld and Botanical Landscape 3 (Any 2 x 1)

(2) 4.1.2 What is the effect on a business if the average cost is more than the

average revenue? The business will suffer losses (economic losses) 33 (1 x 2)

(2)

4.2 Study the data and answer the questions that follow. 4.2.1 Identify ONE private cost and ONE external benefit from the

data above. Private cost: road construction equipment 3 External benefit: establishment of new businesses 3 (2 x 1)

(2)

4.2.2 Explain the term cost-benefit analysis.

Project evaluation that need to be done in order to find conclusive answers/procedure used to measure total cost of a project against its total benefits 33 (Accept any other relevant response)

(2)

4.2.3 What alternative measure could the government consider

instead of building a new road? Maintenance of existing roads 33 Measures to prevent flooding in future e.g. dams 33 (Accept any other relevant response)

(2)



10

4.2.4 Should the government proceed with the building of this

road? Motivate your answer.

Yes 3 • Flooding will not be a problem for road users, tourists and the

local community (farmers) 33 • Income derived from toll gates will ensure future maintenance,

and will cover the investment made in the construction of toll roads 33

• The final decision will be determined by the positive difference between total benefits from this project over total costs 33

No 3 • Floods only exist during the rainy season and other measures

could be taken to prevent flooding e.g. dams 33 • Pollution will harm the local community (especially farmers and

the environment) on a permanent basis 33 • Social cost will exceed social benefits due to temporary job

creation 33 (Accept any other relevant response)

(4)

4.3 Study the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 4.3.1 What is the current inflation target range?

3%–6 % 33

(2)

4.3.2 What is the main purpose of the South Africa's inflation

targeting policy? To ensure a stable and sustainable economy 33 (Any 1 x 2)

(2)

4.3.3 How successful, in your opinion, was the Reserve bank in

meeting its inflation target? • Increase consumer expenditure 33 • Increase production 33 • Lead to new job opportunities 33 • Lead to a higher standard of living for more people 33 (Accept any other relevant response) (Any 1 x 2)

(2)

4.3.4 How in your opinion can the Reserve Bank reduce the inflation

rate? • The Reserve Bank was successful – The bank manage to pin

down inflation between the target range of 3%–6% 33 • They has successfully increase the repo rate at the right time

to prevent inflation to increase above the 6% target range 33 (Accept any other relevant response) (2 x 2)

(4)



11

4.4 Distinguish between economic profit and normal profit in the perfect

market. Normal Profit: • A firm makes normal profits when total revenue (TR) equals total

costs/when average revenue (AR) equals average cost (AC) 33 • Normal profit is the maximum return the owner of a firm expects to

receive to keep on operating in the industry 33 • The minimum earnings required to prevent an entrepreneur from leaving

the industry 33 • When average revenue equals average cost the firm makes a normal

profit 33 (2 x 2)

Economic profit:

• Profit that is made in addition to normal profit 33 • When average revenue is greater than average cost the firm makes an

economic profit 33 • When the average cost per unit is lower than the price 33

(Accept tabular format) (Accept any other relevant response) (2 x 2)

(8)

4.5 What is the impact of inflation on investors and savers?

• Assets with fixed nominal values remain constant, the purchasing power of the nominal values increase, the real value decrease 33

• Assets with flexible market value: The holders of shares and fixed property usually gain by price increases because the nominal value of these assets tend to increase at least proportionately to the rate of inflation 33

• Often the prices of these assets increase more rapidly than the increase in the general price level 33

• In this case, inflation creates wealth, to the advantage of the share holders 33

• People who save are disadvantaged by inflation due to the fact that interest earned will be less than the current inflation rate 33

• (Accept any other relevant fact) (Any 4 x 2)

(8)

[40] TOTAL SECTION B: 80



12

SECTION C Answer any ONE of the two questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK. Your answer will be assessed as follows:

STRUCTURE OF ESSAY MARK ALLOCATION

Introduction Max. 2 Body Main part: Discuss in detail/In-depth discussion/Examine/Critically discuss/Analyse/Compare/Evaluate/Distinguish/Differentiate/Explain/ Assess/Debate Additional part: Give own opinion/Critically discuss/Evaluate/Critically evaluate/Draw a graph and explain/Use the graph given and explain/ Complete the given graph/Calculate/Deduce/Compare/Explain/ Distinguish/Interpret/Briefly debate/How?/Suggest

Max. 26

Max. 10

Conclusion Any higher-order conclusion should include: • A brief summary of what has been discussed without repeating facts

already mentioned • Any opinion or valued judgement on the facts discussed • Additional support information to strengthen the discussion/analysis • A contradictory viewpoint with motivation, if required • Recommendations

Max. 2

TOTAL 40 QUESTION 5: MICROECONOMICS The existence and survival of any business depends on how they are conducting themselves. • Compare the market structure of a monopoly with that of a perfect

competitor. (26 marks) • Draw a clearly labelled graph indicating the shut-down point for the perfect

competitor. Briefly explain why a business will stop producing goods at this point. (10 marks)



13

INTRODUCTION A perfect competitor has many sellers while a monopolist only has one seller. 33 (Accept any suitable introduction) (Max. 2) BODY MAIN PART

Perfect Competitor Monopoly Price:

- Price taker 33 - The market determines the price for the individual firm 33

- Is regarded as a price maker 33 - Have some control over price 33 - Prices not determined by market forces of supply and demand but by the business itself 33

Output:

-The demand curve for the perfect competitor is horizontal 33

-The demand curve for monopolist is downward sloping 33

Profit:

- The perfect competitor can realise economic profits in the short term 33 - Abnormal profits will attract new entrants into the market for both structures 33 - Both perfect and monopoly can only realise normal profits in the long term 33 -The price for the product for both market structures equals the average cost 33 - The perfect competitor does produce the ideal production quantity and has no surplus capacity 33

- The monopolist also realise economic profits in the short term 33 - The monopolist will charge a higher price than the perfect competitor 33 - The monopolist will not produce at the lowest point of the LAC, like the perfect competitor, the output will be less than the perfect competitor 33 - Both perfect and monopoly can only realise normal profits in the long term 33 - The monopolist's production will be less than the ideal production quantity where LAC is the minimum and has surplus capacity 33

Number of busi-nesses

So many that no single business can influence the market price 33

One business 33

Nature of product

Homogeneous e.g. maize 33 Unique product without any close substitutes 33

Infor-mation

Complete 33 Complete 33

Entry Completely free 33 Blocked 33 (Accept any other relevant fact) (Max 26)

(Accept essay format)



14

ADDITIONAL PART

Briefly explain why a business will stop producing goods at this point.

• A firm will shut down if it cannot meet its average or total variable costs 33 • The firm will not produce here because AR < AVC 33 • The firm will not keep on producing from the shut-down point down because the

firm cannot meet its operational cost 33 • Below the shut-down point, the firm will not sell any goods. A firm will sell goods if

the price is above the shutdown price level(supply curve) 33 (Max 10) CONCLUSION Although it is not completely possible to compare the monopoly market with the free market, a comparison can give us insightful information about the profit maximising quantity and price 33 (Accept any other relevant conclusion) (Max. 2)

[40]

Mark allocation Axes 1 mark Correct intersection of MC and AVC 1 mark Cost curves 1 mark P=AR=MR 1 mark Indication MR=MC 1 mark Indication of shut-down point 1 mark 6 marks

Short-term shutdown point MC=AVC

0 Q1 Quantity

MC

AC

P=AR=MR

AVC

Maximum profit MR=MC

P1

Cos

t/Rev

enue



15

QUESTION 6: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES The current levels of pollution and environmental degradation are too high and this affects the ability of the environment to survive its use for economic activities. • Discuss government's attempts (interventions and control) to ensure the

sustainability of our environment. (26 marks)

• In your opinion, how effective is pollution control measures in South Africa? (10 marks)

INTRODUCTION Environmental sustainability can be defined as development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 33 (Max. 2)

BODY MAIN PART • Public sector intervention 3

- Because it is difficult to enforce measures to ensure sustainability the government has to intervene 33

* Environmental taxes 3

- Environmental taxes (green taxes) can be added to the cost of goods and services for the negative impact they have on the environment 33

- The government uses the income generated through these taxes to protect the environment 33

- Taxes can be imposed on petrol, paper, emission gases etc. 33 - In 2003 the government has legislated the use of biodegradable plastic

bags which consumers had to pay for 33 - The hope is that they will use fewer bags and ensure a litter free

environment 33

* Charging for dumping of waste 3 - A monthly fee as part of municipal accounts is charged for collection of

waste, sewage and garbage. - Households already pay for the collection of rubbish 33 - The factory owner might clean up his waste if it cost him to dump it 33 - Industries might also pay for emitting gases that can be harmful to people

and the environment 33

* Subsidies 3 - Subsidies can be awarded to businesses that are willing to reduce

pollution and waste. 33 - Waste can also be reduce by using new techniques or equipment such

as solar energy33 - Emission gases from factories can be reduced using new technology. 33



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* Granting property rights 3 - Normally owners of properties tend to be more protective over their

resources than users who are only interested in the profits the resources offer33

- For this reason the government might grant property rights over a specific area. 33

- Property rights empowers owners to negotiate contracts with businesses who wish to exploit the area's resources33

* Marketable permits 3

- A government can decide on the maximum desired level of pollution in an area 33

- It then distribute pollution rights (marketable permits) to factories within that area 33

- This means that each factory can pollute to a certain limit 33 - It means that marketable permits are licenses that polluters can buy or

sell to meet the control levels set by government 33 * Education 3

- Incorporating topics into the curriculum of school fosters awareness 33 - The public is gradually been made aware of this rising problem 33 - Plastic, bottles and cartons can be recycled or made biodegradable (13)

• Public sector control 3

- If the government's intervention does not attain the desired results, then it has to intervene more directly by setting and enforcing limits 33

* Environmental Impact Assessment 3

- In SA every projected construction, mining or similar development has to undergo an assessment by qualified environmental professionals 33

- To prove that it will not cause unwarranted environmental damage and that the damage can be repaired after construction 33

- The cost is built into the project 33

* Command and control 3 - Regulations that are set and enforce environmental limits or standards 33 - Quantity: e.g. set the limit to the amount of fish to catch, or limit the season

catching certain species of fish 33 - Quality: e.g. drinking water quality is carefully monitored and controlled 33 - Air quality in workplace is subject to minimum standards 33 - Social effect: e.g. noxious fumes from factories, dumping of medical waste

near settlements, and noise pollution 33


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* Voluntary agreements 3

- Agreements between government and businesses voluntarily to address negative environmental impacts of industries 33

- Businesses voluntary agree to decrease the emissions of pollutants 33 - Most prefer negotiations so that they can tailor their specific needs and

include it into their planning 33 - Agreements can be formal, which is legally binding contract or informal 33

(13) (Max .26) ADDITIONAL PART In your opinion, how effective are pollution control measures in South Africa? • Government does not exercise effective control over the continuous dumping of

waste because of a lack of coordination between departments 33 • The fines imposed on industries that dump waste are too lenient and they

continue polluting the environment 33 • The minimum standards set for hazardous gas and fuel emissions are not

enforced or adjusted 33 • The recycling of waste materials are not widely encouraged and promoted and

landfill sites are overflowing 33 • Government has various laws that is not really effectively implemented 33 • Poor service delivery also adds to the problem in certain areas 33 (Accept any other relevant answer) (Any 5 x 2) CONCLUSION Each and every individual, business and government needs to stand together to save our planet. (Accept any other relevant conclusion) (Max. 2)

[40]

TOTAL SECTION C: 40

GRAND TOTAL: 150

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