0455.4.3.2 — reasons for government spending The main areas of government spending and the reasons for and effects of spending in these areas.: past paper questions

Real questions on 0455.4.3.2 — reasons for government spending the main areas of government spending and the reasons for and effects of spending in these areas.

The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0455/21 · May/June 2023 · Q4c[6]

   how an increase in government spending could increase life expectancy.

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2. 0455/22 · February/March 2023 · Q5d[8]

   Discuss whether or not a government should reduce the amount of money it gives to each state pensioner.

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3. 0455/23 · May/June 2022 · Q1d[4]

   Explain two differences between private sector investment and public sector investment.

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4. 0455/21 · May/June 2020 · Q1f[5]

   the relationship between government spending on education and the percentage of the labour force employed in the tertiary sector.

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5. 0455/22 · October/November 2019 · Q1e[5]

   Using Table 1.1, the relationship between educational spending and the unemployment rate.

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What examiners said

This question was answered well. These answers mainly focused on government spending on education and healthcare, explaining how this would increase life expectancy e.g. spending on healthcare would lead to more hospitals, more availability of medicines and greater accessibility to trained staff. Other acceptable answers included: better sanitation and water supply, better welfare support for thos...

— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0455/21 Q4(c) (Cambridge)

There was a range of responses to this question. The most popular points covered were the possible opportunity cost involved in paying state pensions, the possible encouragement that might be given to working to an older age and the possible adverse effect on the living standard of state pensioners. An example of a Level 2 answer which provided some limited explanation on both sides: If the gover...

— Examiner report, February/March 2023, 0455/22 Q5(d) (Cambridge)

There was good understanding of the difference between the public sector and the private sector displayed in answers to this question. Not all candidates considered the investment featured in the question however. The best answers commented that public sector investment aims to benefit society whilst the chief aim of private sector investment is to make a profit.

— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0455/23 Q1(d) (Cambridge)