Competitive Market Equilibrium (DP IB Economics: HL)

Exam Questions

17 mins7 questions
12 marks

Case Study

Text A, Paragraph 1

In response to global demand for microchips, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is allocating more resources towards production. Despite efforts, the market often experiences periods of disequilibrium due to fluctuating global demand.

Define the term disequilibrium as indicated in bold (Text A, Paragraph 1).

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22 marks

Case Study

Text B, Paragraph 2

The housing market in the UK has seen rapid changes in recent years. Housing supply has been unable to keep pace with increasing demand, creating shortages and pushing prices upward.

Outline one possible cause of excess demand in the housing market (Text B, Paragraph 2).

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33 marks

Case Study

Text C, Paragraph 1

In Brazil, fluctuations in the coffee industry have led to periods of surplus as supply outpaces demand. This surplus has affected the income of farmers and placed pressure on an industry that is already struggling to survive

Draw a diagram to show the effect of excess supply in the coffee market in Brazil.

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42 marks

Case Study

Text F, Paragraph 2

In response to drought conditions in California, the price of water has risen sharply, acting as a rationing mechanism. The effect has been more dramatically felt in lower income households.

Define the term rationing as indicated in bold in (Text F, Paragraph 2).

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53 marks

Case Study

Text A, Paragraph 2

In the UK, the price of electric vehicles has risen due to growing demand. This price increase is causing producers to allocate more resources to electric vehicle production.

Draw a diagram showing how the price mechanism allocates resources in response to increased demand for electric vehicles.

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62 marks

Case Study

Text C, Paragraph 3

In Vietnam, increased improvements to technology in rice production have led to a higher producer surplus for the farmers. This has led to an improvement in their quality of life.

Define the concept of producer surplus indicated in bold in the Vietnamese rice market (Text C, Paragraph 3).

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73 marks

Case Study

Text E, Paragraph 3

In Australia, the introduction of a subsidy for electric car producers has increased the supply, reducing prices and increasing the consumer and producer surplus.

Draw a diagram showing the impact of the subsidy on consumer and producer surplus.

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