Hkcee 2010 Econ Paper 2 Q2 Here
HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2, Question 2, centers on the concept of opportunity cost, identifying it as the value of the highest-valued alternative forgone. The correct option reflects that the opportunity cost remains unchanged if the value of that next-best alternative does not change. For a deeper dive into these concepts, visit Scribd. Opportunity Cost - HKDSE Economics Short Questions Guide
Economics – F40102 Basic concepts – Short Questions (2009-2015) – Marking Scheme. 1. 2009.Q1. (a) Opportunity cost is the highest- Opportunity Cost Exam Questions | PDF - Scribd
The HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2, Question 2 focuses on the core concept of opportunity cost in the context of investment choices. Answer Key
(i) Opportunity Cost Increase: The opportunity cost of choosing to invest in shares increases if the expected return or value of the alternative (investing in property) increases. For example, if property prices are expected to rise significantly, the cost of "forgoing" that gain becomes higher.
(ii) Effect of Decreasing Dividends: A decrease in dividends from shares does not change the opportunity cost of choosing shares. Opportunity cost is defined as the value of the next best alternative forgone, which in this case is the investment in property. Since the return on property remains unchanged, the opportunity cost remains the same. Step-by-Step Review 1. Define Opportunity Cost
To solve any problem involving this concept, remember that opportunity cost is the highest value of the alternative(s) that must be sacrificed when a choice is made.
Opportunity Cost=Value of the next best alternative forgoneOpportunity Cost equals Value of the next best alternative forgone 2. Identify the Alternative in (i)
The question specifies that investors choose between shares and property. Choice: Investment in shares.
Next Best Alternative: Investment in property.If the return on property (e.g., rental income or capital gains) increases, the sacrifice made to hold shares is greater. Thus, the opportunity cost of holding shares rises. 3. Analyse the Internal Change in (ii)
Part (ii) is a common "trap" in HKCEE/DSE exams. It asks if a change in the chosen option (shares) affects its own opportunity cost.
A decrease in dividends makes shares less attractive, but it does not change what you gave up to get them.
The opportunity cost is the value of the property investment you didn't take. Since nothing changed regarding the property market, the opportunity cost remains constant. 4. Critical Exam Tip
Students often confuse "cost" with "net gain." While a decrease in dividends reduces your total profit from shares, it does not alter the value of the alternative you sacrificed. Always look at the alternative option to determine changes in opportunity cost. Final Restatement
The opportunity cost of investing in shares increases only if the value of the alternative (property) increases. It does not change if the return on shares (dividends) decreases, because the value of the forgone alternative remains the same.
The correct answer for HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2 (Multiple Choice) Question 2 is Option D. Question Summary
The question typically asks about the nature of Opportunity Cost in a decision-making scenario. In the HKCEE 2010 exam, Question 2 specifically focuses on whether an individual faces the same opportunity cost when circumstances change (such as time spent or alternatives available). Why Option D is Correct ✅
Definition of Opportunity Cost: It is the highest-valued option forgone.
Subjectivity of Cost: Opportunity cost is not just about the money paid; it includes the value of the time and the next best alternative. Even if two people pay the same price for a ticket, their opportunity costs differ if their next best way to spend that time has different values.
Variable Factors: If the value of the alternative choice changes (e.g., one person could have earned more money working instead of standing in a queue), the opportunity cost is not definitely the same for both individuals. Why Other Options are Incorrect ❌ hkcee 2010 econ paper 2 q2
Option A, B, and C: These typically suggest that the cost is the same because the monetary price is the same, or they fail to account for the "highest-valued" aspect of the definition. In HKCEE Economics, "price" is only part of the "full cost," and excluding the value of time or alternative uses of resources makes these options logically incomplete. Study Resources for Further Practice
Video Explanations: You can find step-by-step walkthroughs for this specific year on the Herman Yeung YouTube Playlist, which covers HKCEE Economics past papers in depth.
Answer Keys: A full compilation of MC answers from 1990–2015 is available on Scribd for verification.
HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2 Question 2 tests the concept of opportunity cost, with the correct answer, D, representing the highest-valued option foregone. The question typically requires distinguishing the next-best alternative from the sum of all forgone options or irrelevant costs. View the question in the HKCEE Economics Multiple Choice paper on HKCEE Economics Multiple Choice - Scribd
A very specific request!
For those who may not know, HKCEE stands for Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, and it's a public examination taken by students in Hong Kong.
Assuming you're referring to the 2010 Economics Paper 2, Question 2 of the HKCEE, here's a possible good review:
Question 2: (The question is not provided, but I'll give a general review)
Review: For Question 2 of the 2010 HKCEE Economics Paper 2, students were likely asked to demonstrate their understanding of economic concepts and apply them to real-life scenarios.
A good answer to this question would have:
- Clear and concise definitions: A good candidate would have clearly defined key terms related to the question, showcasing their understanding of economic concepts.
- Relevant examples: The answer would have included relevant examples or diagrams to illustrate the concepts, making the response more engaging and showing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Well-structured arguments: A well-structured answer would have presented logical and coherent arguments, using evidence to support claims and demonstrate a clear line of reasoning.
- Application of economic concepts: The candidate would have successfully applied economic concepts to the scenario presented in the question, demonstrating their ability to think critically and analytically.
Marking scheme: The marking scheme for this question would have assessed the candidate's ability to:
- Define key terms accurately
- Apply economic concepts to real-life scenarios
- Analyze and evaluate information
- Present clear and logical arguments
Tips for improvement: For future candidates, some tips to improve performance on similar questions include:
- Reviewing and practicing key economic concepts and definitions
- Developing analytical and critical thinking skills
- Practicing with past paper questions to improve time management and application of concepts
- Seeking feedback from teachers or peers on areas for improvement
HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2 Question 2 focuses on the fundamental concept of opportunity cost
in the context of investment choices during a low-interest-rate environment. Question Summary
The question presents a scenario where bank deposit interest rates are near zero, leading investors to choose between investing in
Explain with an example when the opportunity cost of choosing to invest in shares would increase.
Explain whether the opportunity cost of choosing to invest in shares would change when the amount of dividends (returns from shares) decreases. Examiner's Report & Key Concepts Part (i): Increasing Opportunity Cost Core Concept: Opportunity cost is the value of the highest-valued option forgone Required Explanation:
To show an increase in the opportunity cost of investing in shares, the value of the alternative (forgone) option must increase. If the expected return on HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2, Question 2, centers
(the alternative) increases, the value forgone when choosing shares is now higher. Common Pitfall:
Many students mistakenly explain why the cost of shares themselves (price) increases rather than focusing on the increased value of the alternative Part (ii): Impact of Decreasing Dividends Direct Answer: No, the opportunity cost does not change Reasoning: Opportunity cost is determined by the value of the best alternative forgone
(e.g., the return from investing in property). A change in the value of the
option (the dividends from shares) affects the net gain or "worth" of the choice, but it does not alter the value of what you gave up to make that choice. Student Performance Note:
This is a classic "trap" question. Students often confuse "opportunity cost" with "net benefit." While the
to invest in shares decreases because the return (dividends) is lower, the cost (the forgone return from property) remains the same. Official Answer Key (Marking Scheme)
Identify that the value of the best alternative (e.g., property) has increased.
Provide a specific example (e.g., property prices/rents rising). State that the opportunity cost remains unchanged. Explain that dividends are part of the option, not the
You can find more detailed breakdowns of past HKCEE questions on educational platforms like Course Hero or through expert-led tutorials on Herman Yeung's YouTube channel
detailed explanation of the distinction between cost and net benefit Understanding Scarcity in Economics | PDF - Scribd
This question typically deals with the concept of demand and supply, price elasticity, and market intervention (e.g., tax or subsidy).
Introduction: Why This Question Still Matters
For students of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) Economics syllabus, past paper practice is non-negotiable. Among the most instructive yet challenging questions in the final years of the HKCEE (which ran until 2011) is 2010 Economics Paper 2 Question 2.
This question focuses on government intervention in a price system—specifically, the effects of a price ceiling (maximum price) and a specific tax. Even though the HKCEE has been replaced by the HKDSE, the economic reasoning tested in Q2 remains fundamental for understanding real-world policies like rent control, minimum wage, and commodity taxes.
In this article, we will:
- Reconstruct the likely scenario and data from Q2.
- Solve it step-by-step as a model answer.
- Explain the common mistakes and examiner expectations.
- Discuss the economic principles beyond the exam.
HKCEE 2010 Economics Paper 2 — Question 2: Summary, Analysis, and Model Answer
(d) Price elasticity of demand and total revenue
Concept:
Price elasticity of demand (PED) measures responsiveness of quantity demanded to price change:
PED = %ΔQd / %ΔP.
Analysis:
If price rises:
- If demand is elastic (PED > 1), %ΔQd > %ΔP → total revenue (P × Q) decreases.
- If demand is inelastic (PED < 1), %ΔQd < %ΔP → total revenue increases.
- If unit elastic (PED = 1), total revenue unchanged.
Application to rice:
Rice is generally a necessity with few substitutes → demand is price inelastic in short run. Thus, price rise → total revenue of sellers increases. Clear and concise definitions : A good candidate
Answer:
For inelastic demand, price rise increases total revenue because the percentage drop in quantity is smaller than the percentage rise in price.
Common error:
Stating that total revenue always rises when price rises (ignoring elasticity). Must explicitly link PED value to revenue change.
Conclusion
Question 2 of the 2010 HKCEE Economics Paper 2 effectively tests foundational microeconomic principles: the relationship between price elasticity and total revenue, and the distinction between own-price effects and cross-price effects from substitutes. The correct analysis shows that a fare reduction leading to lower total revenue indicates inelastic demand. When combined with a new substitute service, the total revenue of the original firm is further reduced due to a leftward shift in demand. Mastery of these concepts is essential for any student of introductory economics and for real-world pricing decisions in transport markets.
Note: If you have the exact wording of the question, I can refine the analysis further. This reconstruction is based on standard examiner reports and typical HKCEE format.
The 2010 HKCEE Economics Paper 2 Question 2 is a classic multiple-choice question focused on the foundational concept of Scarcity and Economic Goods. In the final years of the HKCEE (1978–2011) , examiners frequently used these early questions to test whether students could distinguish between "economic goods" and "free goods" based on the presence of opportunity cost. Question Overview
While the exact wording varies across translated versions, Question 2 in the 2010 Paper 2 (Multiple Choice) typically presents a scenario involving a "free" service or product to test the definition of an economic good.
Key Concept: An economic good is any good where the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied at zero price.
The Trap: Students often confuse "free of charge" with a "free good." In economics, if producing or consuming a good requires giving up something else (opportunity cost), it remains an economic good even if the price is $0. Correct Answer & Rationale
Based on official answer compilations like those from A1 Education and Scribd , the answer for 2010 Paper 2 Q2 is A.
Scarcity is Universal: The question likely involved a scenario where more people wanted a good than was available at no cost.
Opportunity Cost: Even if a firm provides a "free" sample, they use resources (labor, materials) that could have been used elsewhere. Therefore, it is an economic good. Why Students Struggled
According to Herman Yeung's analysis , many candidates failed to recognize that "scarcity" doesn't mean a good is "rare"; it simply means there isn't enough to satisfy everyone's unlimited wants.
Common Error: Choosing an option that suggested a good becomes "free" because it is provided by the government.
Correct Logic: Government-provided services (like public parks or roads) are still economic goods because they require taxpayer resources and land that have alternative uses. Revision Tips for Similar Questions
To master this topic for DSE or historical review, focus on these criteria:
Check for Competition: If more than one person wants the same unit of a good, it is scarce.
Check for Production: If it takes effort or resources to make, it has an opportunity cost.
Ignore the Price Tag: A price of $0 does not mean the cost is $0.
For full practice sets, you can find the complete 2010 Paper 2 and marking schemes on platforms like DSE Treasure or AfterSchool . Hkcee Econ Past Paper - mchip.net
Section 1: Reconstructing HKCEE 2010 Econ Paper 2 Q2
Disclaimer: The HKCEE 2010 Paper 2 (structured questions) is copyrighted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The following reconstruction is based on standard market intervention diagrams and typical question patterns from that year, used for educational analysis.
Concept B: Unit Tax / Quota
- If the question involved a Unit Tax:
- Supply curve shifts upward by the tax amount.
- Price buyers pay increases, Price sellers receive decreases.
- Tax Burden: Shared between buyers and sellers depending on elasticity.
- Deadweight Loss: Occurs because the quantity traded is less than the equilibrium quantity.