2281_s26_qp_11 2026 May-June Economics 2281 Question Paper 1 Variant 1 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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2281_s26_qp_112026 May-June Economics 2281 Question Paper 1 Variant 1

This is the official Cambridge O Level Economics (2281) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 2281_s26_qp_11 · 2281/11/m/j/26 qp · 2281/11 May/June 2026 qp

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. No penalty for wrong answers — always attempt every question. Requires careful reading of stems that include numerical data, diagrams, and graphs, with special attention to bolded text.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (2281_s26_ms_11). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Economics question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Economics (2281).

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Same paper, other years

Economics (2281) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) 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 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

2

Confusing a movement along a demand curve with a shift of demand

Those candidates who chose option D confused a movement along a demand curve with a shift of demand. When the demand curve shifts, it is referred to as an increase in demand. A movement along a demand curve is referred to as an extension of demand.2281 Paper 11, May/June 2023

How to fix: A SHIFT of demand (increase/decrease) is caused by non-price factors (income, tastes, substitutes, complements, population). A MOVEMENT along the demand curve (extension/contraction) is caused only by a change in the good's own price. If the question says 'increase in demand' it means the whole curve shifts. If it says 'extension of demand' it means price fell and quantity demanded rose along the same curve.

6

Unable to distinguish monetary policy from fiscal policy

Candidates had to distinguish monetary policy measures from fiscal policy measures. Only option B has two examples of monetary policy. Those candidates who did not choose option B may well have omitted to notice that the question referred only to monetary policy.2281 Paper 11, May/June 2023

How to fix: Monetary policy = actions by the central bank affecting interest rates, money supply, and credit (e.g. changing the bank rate, quantitative easing, reserve requirements). Fiscal policy = government decisions on taxation and spending (e.g. income tax rates, government expenditure on infrastructure). Make a two-column list and memorise which tools belong to which policy.

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Economics Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 4 official Cambridge documents