Cambridge 9708, Paper 3 & 4. 1,666 questions, 2020 to 2026.
Paper 3 multiple-choice questions and Paper 4 data-response/essay questions and case studies, retyped from the original Cambridge material; artwork and data tables are reproduced as images. Mark schemes show the official answer key and level-marked indicative content.
A Level questions on utility: total and marginal utility, diminishing marginal utility, the equi-marginal principle, and how utility theory explains the demand curve.
47 past paper questions on this topic since 2020, across 18 exam sessions.
| Year | Paper 3 | Paper 4 | Total | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 3 | 6 | |
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| 2024 | 6 | 1 | 7 | |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2021 | 7 | 2 | 9 | |
| 2020 | 6 | 5 | 11 |
The whole topic on one page, with answers and mark schemes. Printing this page prints just this list.
Marginal utility theory measures consumer satisfaction and concludes that the value of marginal utility a consumer places on a good will determine the price they are willing to pay for that good. The price of a bottle of water, which is vital for human survival, is less than the price of luxuries, such as designer clothing. Which statement is least likely to explain this?
ACorrect answer
When do consumers maximise utility under the equi-marginal principle?
CCorrect answer
What is it called when a consumer’s marginal utility is greater than the price paid for the good?
CCorrect answer
A consumer maximises his total utility by initially buying 10 units of good X and 10 units of good Y. Assuming both goods are normal, what would cause this utility-maximising consumer to purchase more of good Y and less of good X?
ACorrect answer
CCorrect answer
What is the equi-marginal principle?
BCorrect answer
BCorrect answer
2 Evaluate whether the marginal utility theory of demand provides an adequate explanation of market demand for both normal goods and inferior goods. [20]
Evaluate whether the marginal utility theory of demand provides an adequate explanation of market demand for both normal goods and inferior goods. Use TableA: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to thisquestion.
AO1 and AO2 out of 14marks. AO3 out of 6 marks.
Indicative content Responses may include:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
Accept all valid responses.
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
Czechia, a country in the European Union, is experiencing strong growth of its gross domestic product (GDP). Climate change, however, is affecting its agriculture and forestry sectors and people’s health. According to Table 1.1, Czechia currently generates 50% of its electricity using fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), which emit greenhouse gases (GHG) and other air pollutants. Nuclear power plants generate 32% and renewable sources generate 18%. Czechia also has coal‑fuelled heating systems, and industry that emits a lot of GHG, particularly in car production. Despite an increase in the use of renewables and energy efficiency measures, Czechia remains highly dependent on fossil fuels. If Czechia is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, further measures are needed.
Czechia’s relatively low research and development (R&D) spending in the private sector is shown in Table 1.1. Combined with inadequate digital and transport infrastructure, this restricts innovation. However, energy efficiency regulations, such as setting energy efficiency standards for buildings, will incentivise private investment. Increased government spending on renewable energy projects and energy efficiency measures, such as modernising electricity grids, would act as a fiscal injection. There is not enough skilled labour at present to install new technologies in the renewable energy sector, but education and training can be improved.
The government needs to ensure that energy prices do not rise too much, which would add to firms’ costs. If Czechia fulfils its commitment to phase out the use of coal to generate electricity by 2033, the high levels of unemployment and poverty in Czechia’s coal‑producing region could increase.
Since 2000, transport’s use of energy has increased by 64%. As incomes have grown, the use of public transport, such as rail and buses, has decreased from 37% to 18% of all passenger kilometres travelled, while the use of private cars has increased from 63% to 82%. Therefore, policies to improve the quality and availability of public transport are needed. Increasing investment in public transport would also promote worker mobility and productivity growth.
Higher taxes on cars and electricity would raise revenues that could partly finance environmental projects. The structure of vehicle taxes in Czechia encourages the use of hybrid and electric cars, for example electric‑car owners are exempt from road tax and can park for free in cities. But further measures to facilitate the use of electric vehicles, such as providing charging infrastructure, are necessary.
Sources: International Monetary Fund : Enhancing the green transition in Czechia Odysee Mure: European Union: Czechia : Energy profile, March 2024
(b) Goods can be classified as either normal or inferior.
(i) Explain how public transport would be classified in Czechia. [2]
(ii) Explain how private cars would be classified in Czechia. [2]
2 Assess the extent to which marginal utility theory explains the downward sloping market demand curve for a good. [20]
Assess the extent to which marginal utility theory explains the downward sloping market demand curve for a good.
Use Table A: AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis and Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
AO1 and AO2 out of 14 marks. AO3 out of 6 marks.
Indicative content Responses may include:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
Accept all valid responses.
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
2 Evaluate, with the aid of a diagram, whether the diminishing marginal utility theory of demand provides an adequate explanation of the market demand curve for all goods and services. [20]
Evaluate, with the aid of a diagram whether the diminishing marginal utilitytheoryof demand provides an adequate explanationof the market demand curve for all goods and services. Use TableA:AO1 Knowledge and understanding andAO2 Analysis and Table B: AO3 Evaluation to mark candidate responses to this question.
AO1 and AO2 out of 14 marks. AO3 out of 6 marks.
Indicative content Responses may include:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis Assumptions of marginal utility analysis including:
AO3 Evaluation
AO1 Knowledge and understanding and AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
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