Examiners’ Report
June 2018
GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
, Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications come from Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body. We provide a
wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational, occupational and specific programmes
for employers. For further information visit our qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or
www.btec.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at
www.edexcel.com/contactus.
Giving you insight to inform next steps
ResultsPlus is Pearson’s free online service giving instant and detailed analysis of your students’
exam results.
See students’ scores for every exam question.
Understand how your students’ performance compares with class and national averages.
Identify potential topics, skills and types of question where students may need to develop their
learning further.
For more information on ResultsPlus, or to log in, visit www.edexcel.com/resultsplus.
Your exams officer will be able to set up your ResultsPlus account in minutes via Edexcel Online.
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help everyone progress
in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of learning, for all kinds of people,
wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in education for over 150 years, and by
working across 70 countries, in 100 languages, we have built an international reputation for our
commitment to high standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out
more about how we can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk.
June 2018
Publications Code 8EB0_01_1806_ER
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2018
2 GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
,Introduction
A good awareness of economics and business was shown by candidates taking this, the first paper
of the 2018 AS Economics B specification. In general, candidates appeared to be well prepared for
the topic areas covered by theme 1, and more so than in the previous series. The ability of the most
able candidates was shown through relating their knowledge and understanding to the evidence
presented, whereas those struggling with such concepts typically answered questions with a more
generic approach. The levels of response questions required understanding to be developed and
applied to the relevant evidence. Although many adapted this approach there were instances
where a more basic understanding was demonstrated, thus limiting the attainment of higher levels.
There didn't appear to be many issues with the length of time candidates needed to complete all
questions set and responses on the final question appeared to have benefitted from a little more
preparation regarding the time allocation by the candidates.
GCE Economics B 8EB0 01 3
, Question 1 (a)
There were two parts to the explanation of entrepreneur and examiners were looking for
references to organising factors of production with the aim of adding value. Candidates had to
provide both parts to gain 2 marks. Examiners accepted references to 'revenue setting up in
business' as well as 'taking risks' but did not accept vague references to 'making a profit‘. Examples
were occasionally used by candidates but no marks were available for the use of examples. Partial
explanations were awarded 1 mark.
This response was awarded 2 marks as it has both
the required parts in the explanation: 'takes a risk'
and 'organises factors of production'.
This question will always have 2 marks available
for the explanation of 'what is meant by...' so
ensure that your response is fully developed and is
not a vague attempt at explaining the economic
term. There are no marks available for using an
example so do not rely on an example to lift an
imprecise definition.
4 GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
June 2018
GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
, Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications come from Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body. We provide a
wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational, occupational and specific programmes
for employers. For further information visit our qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or
www.btec.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at
www.edexcel.com/contactus.
Giving you insight to inform next steps
ResultsPlus is Pearson’s free online service giving instant and detailed analysis of your students’
exam results.
See students’ scores for every exam question.
Understand how your students’ performance compares with class and national averages.
Identify potential topics, skills and types of question where students may need to develop their
learning further.
For more information on ResultsPlus, or to log in, visit www.edexcel.com/resultsplus.
Your exams officer will be able to set up your ResultsPlus account in minutes via Edexcel Online.
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help everyone progress
in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of learning, for all kinds of people,
wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in education for over 150 years, and by
working across 70 countries, in 100 languages, we have built an international reputation for our
commitment to high standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out
more about how we can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk.
June 2018
Publications Code 8EB0_01_1806_ER
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2018
2 GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
,Introduction
A good awareness of economics and business was shown by candidates taking this, the first paper
of the 2018 AS Economics B specification. In general, candidates appeared to be well prepared for
the topic areas covered by theme 1, and more so than in the previous series. The ability of the most
able candidates was shown through relating their knowledge and understanding to the evidence
presented, whereas those struggling with such concepts typically answered questions with a more
generic approach. The levels of response questions required understanding to be developed and
applied to the relevant evidence. Although many adapted this approach there were instances
where a more basic understanding was demonstrated, thus limiting the attainment of higher levels.
There didn't appear to be many issues with the length of time candidates needed to complete all
questions set and responses on the final question appeared to have benefitted from a little more
preparation regarding the time allocation by the candidates.
GCE Economics B 8EB0 01 3
, Question 1 (a)
There were two parts to the explanation of entrepreneur and examiners were looking for
references to organising factors of production with the aim of adding value. Candidates had to
provide both parts to gain 2 marks. Examiners accepted references to 'revenue setting up in
business' as well as 'taking risks' but did not accept vague references to 'making a profit‘. Examples
were occasionally used by candidates but no marks were available for the use of examples. Partial
explanations were awarded 1 mark.
This response was awarded 2 marks as it has both
the required parts in the explanation: 'takes a risk'
and 'organises factors of production'.
This question will always have 2 marks available
for the explanation of 'what is meant by...' so
ensure that your response is fully developed and is
not a vague attempt at explaining the economic
term. There are no marks available for using an
example so do not rely on an example to lift an
imprecise definition.
4 GCE Economics B 8EB0 01
