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0455_m26_ms_12 2026 March Economics 0455 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0455_m26_ms_122026 March Economics 0455 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Economics (0455) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0455_m26_ms_12 · 0455/12/f/m/26 ms · 0455/12 Feb/March 2026 ms

Paper 1: Multiple Choice This is Paper 1: Multiple Choice, worth 30 marks with a duration of 45m. 30 multiple choice questions covering the full syllabus. Common traps involve confusing similar concepts (PED vs PES, elastic vs inelastic, shifts vs movements).

This mark scheme corresponds to 0455_m26_qp_12. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Economics (0455), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Same paper, other years

Economics (0455) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

2

PED calculation and interpretation errors — confusing elastic with inelastic

How to fix: PED = % change in quantity demanded ÷ % change in price. If PED > 1, demand is elastic (responsive). If PED < 1, demand is inelastic (unresponsive). Always check: did quantity change by a LARGER or smaller percentage than price? Larger = elastic.

3

Demand vs quantity demanded — confusing shifts with movements along the curve

How to fix: A change in PRICE causes a movement along the demand curve (change in quantity demanded). A change in a NON-PRICE factor (income, tastes, substitutes) causes the whole curve to SHIFT (change in demand). Use the correct terminology — examiners distinguish between them.

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All Economics (0455) Papers — 2026 March

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Economics Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 3 official Cambridge documents