Paper 1 Topics: Economics and Equality (Cambridge International AS English)

Paper 1 essay summary

• Paper 1 of the CIE AS English General Paper is the essay component
• You will select one question from a list of ten options to write an essay of approximately 600-700 words
• The questions concern contemporary issues

Here, we will focus on the theme of economics and equality, which falls into the topic area of economic, historical, moral, political and social issues. The theme can include:

• Global structures and economic development
• Economics, society and poverty
• Equity and equality

These questions are designed to promote argument and evaluation rather than mere description.

Why economics and equality matter in Paper 1

Many General Paper essay questions ask you to explore issues of power, economics and equality.

The exam is not testing your specialist knowledge, but rather your ability to think critically, write clearly and use examples effectively, which are all part of the Assessment Objectives.

To achieve a Level 5 essay, you will need to:

• Select and apply relevant information and examples (AO1)
• Analyse and evaluate arguments from more than one perspective (AO2)
• Communicate fluently and accurately in a formal style (AO3)

Remember, your essay on any topic is rewarded for balanced thinking. Avoid one-sided answers, as examiners look for essays that weigh different points of view before drawing a conclusion.

Paper 1 exam-style essay questions on economics and equality

1. Global structures and economic development

blockquote To what extent do international governmental organisations worsen global economic inequalities rather than reduce poverty?

This question invites critical evaluation of the mechanisms of global finance, including the influence of superpowers. It requires you to weigh the goals of international governmental organisations (such as aiding economic advancement and reducing poverty) against criticisms such as increasing the wealth gap, imposing conditions that prioritise payback over social care, or potentially delaying development through debt repayment structures.

Evidence pointing towards a failure to reduce global inequality includes the imposition of conditions on loans by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) that prioritise payback over social care, and the concept of dependency theory, suggesting an unequal relationship between developed and developing countries where profits remain low.

Arguments supporting international governmental organisations can reference the World Bank’s efforts to provide finance for internal investment projects such as infrastructure, health and education, emphasising that these funds support development that otherwise would not happen because the cost is too high for developing countries, helping nations achieve economic development.

You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:

• Geopolitical power
• Patterns of power
• Emerging powers
• Influence of superpowers
• Superpowers and international decision making
• Influence of superpowers on global concerns
• Contesting global influence
• Changing relationships between superpowers and developing nations
• Economic restructuring in superpowers
• Sociological perspectives on power and authority
• Power relationships
• Role of governments and international government organisations

2. Economic systems and social cohesion

blockquote Discuss the view that wealth inequality inherent in capitalist systems is the primary barrier to achieving a truly happy and unified nation.

This question draws on content regarding the inevitable consequences of capitalist economic systems on social stability.

Evidence pointing towards a failure to achieve national unity includes the resulting political instability, strife and social unrest found in less equal societies. You could also explore the concept of an emerging “overclass” that profits from economic problems.

Arguments supporting the capitalist structure can reference the principle that total equality equates to socialism, which removes incentives for workers to be productive. The incentive to acquire income raises productivity and output, helping societies generate the wealth needed for overall economic growth.

You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:

• Income and wealth distribution
• National identity
• Challenges to national identity
• Consequences of disunity
• Wealth, income and poverty

3. Defining fairness and maximising opportunity

blockquote “Equity refers to the idea of fairness, whereas equality describes situations where economic outcomes are similar.” Evaluate which of these concepts is more crucial for improving the life chances of disadvantaged groups.

This question draws on content regarding the distinction between fairness (equity) and equal outcomes (equality) in improving life chances. You can detail the definition of equity as giving help to those who need it, and the reality that life chances are unequally distributed based on factors like class, gender and ethnicity.

Evidence pointing towards a failure of achieving mere “equality of outcomes” includes the fact that absolute equality equates to socialism, which removes incentives for work. This could potentially result in a decline in economic growth.

Arguments supporting the focus on equity can reference policies like state benefits and progressive taxation as ways to redistribute funds. This redistribution process should provide better education and healthcare to the poorest, helping disadvantaged groups improve their human capital and break the cycle of poverty.

You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:

• Income and wealth distribution
• Inequalities based on gender
• Inequalities based on ethnicity
• Inequalities based on age
• Inequalities based on other factors
• Wealth, income and poverty
• Social groups likely to experience poverty
• Sociological perspectives on poverty
• Addressing poverty

4. Causes and solutions to poverty

blockquote “The primary cause of poverty is the failure of global economic systems, not the lack of domestic policies.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

This question draws on content regarding absolute and relative poverty, the inherent inequality of capitalism and the influence of global institutions and domestic policies on alleviating poverty and deprivation.

Evidence pointing towards global systems being the primary cause of poverty include the dominance of superpowers, and dependency theory, which argues that persistent poverty results from the unequal relationship between developed and developing countries.

Arguments supporting the view that domestic factors or individual choice are the root cause can reference the poverty cycle, where low wages prevent access to education and healthcare. You could also argue that an overly generous welfare state provision creates a culture of welfare dependency.

You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:

• Income and wealth distribution
• Influence of superpowers
• Superpowers and international decision making
• Influence of superpowers on global concerns
• Wealth, income and poverty
• Social groups likely to experience poverty
• Sociological perspectives on poverty
• Addressing poverty

For an example of a full, top-scoring model answer for this topic, please see our Economics and Equality Model Answer.