# Economics Grade 12 P2 NSC June 2017 Question Paper (English)

> Grade 12 Economics Paper 2 question paper from the NSC June Exam 2017 (English), 12 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/economics-p2-may-june-2017-eng/695f9083-05e8-422b-88cd-dd2a1d417b26
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Economics
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2017
- Exam period: NSC June Exam
- Paper: 2
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 12

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Economics · Grade 12 · NSC June Exam · 2017. Question paper, 12 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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                     SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS

                                  ECONOMICS P2

                                         2017

                                                                     MARKS: 150

                                                                    TIME: 2 hours

                        This question paper consists of 12 pages.

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Economics/P2                                2                                  DBE/2017
                                           SCE

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1.        Answer FOUR questions as follows in the ANSWER BOOK:

          SECTION A: COMPULSORY
          SECTION B: Answer TWO of the three questions.
          SECTION C: Answer ONE of the two questions.

2.        Answer only the required number of questions. Answers in excess of the
          required number will NOT be marked.

3.        Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
          question paper.

4.        Write the question number above each answer.

5.        Read the questions carefully.

6.        Start EACH question on a NEW page.

7.        Leave 2–3 lines between subsections of questions.

8.        Answer the questions in full sentences and ensure that the format, content
          and context of your responses comply with the cognitive requirements of
          the questions.

9.        Use only black or blue ink.

10.       You may use a non-programmable pocket calculator.

11.       Write neatly and legibly.

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Economics/P2                                      3                              DBE/2017
                                                 SCE

SECTION A (COMPULSORY)

QUESTION 1                                                  30 MARKS – 20 MINUTES

1.1       Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
          Write down the question number (1.1.1–1.1.8), choose the answer and make
          a cross (X) over the letter (A–D) of your choice in the ANSWER BOOK.

          EXAMPLE:

           1.1.9          A            B          C       D

          1.1.1       The average revenue of a firm in a perfectly competitive market
                      is equal to its …

                      A       selling price.
                      B       total cost.
                      C       marginal cost.
                      D       economic profit.

          1.1.2       The supply curve for a firm in a perfectly competitive market has
                      a … slope.

                      A       negative
                      B       horizontal
                      C       positive
                      D       convex

          1.1.3       Differentiated products are …

                      A       identical.
                      B       heterogeneous.
                      C       homogeneous.
                      D       unique.

          1.1.4       The demand curve that explains oligopolistic behaviour is
                      described by some theorists as …

                      A       kinked.
                      B       vertical.
                      C       horizontal.
                      D       circular.

          1.1.5       The market is unable to protect the environment because it is
                      mainly driven by …

                      A       self-interest.
                      B       social interest.
                      C       social cost.
                      D       the community.

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Economics/P2                                       4                                       DBE/2017
                                                  SCE

          1.1.6        The implementation of inflation targets is the responsibility of
                       the …
                       A     South African Revenue Services.
                       B     Department of Finance.
                       C     South African Reserve Bank.
                       D     Department of Trade and Industry.
          1.1.7        For a trip to be classified as part of tourism, the maximum length of
                       stay should be less than … year(s).
                       A     ten
                       B     one
                       C     five
                       D     two
          1.1.8        Global warming is the result of the emission of … gases into the
                       atmosphere.
                       A     natural
                       B     hydrogen
                       C     greenhouse
                       D     oxygenated                                                   (8 x 2)       (16)
1.2       Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the item in COLUMN A.
          Write only the letter (A–I) next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.8) in the
          ANSWER BOOK.
                      COLUMN A                                     COLUMN B
          1.2.1      Diseconomies of scale    A         duration where at least one factor of
                                                        production is fixed
          1.2.2      Marginal revenue
                                              B         existence of facilities and amenities,
          1.2.3      Short run
                                                        for example roads and bridges
          1.2.4      Shut-down point
                                              C         cost to produce one extra unit of a
          1.2.5      Millennium                         product
                     development goals
                                              D         occurs when inputs increase, while
          1.2.6      Core inflation                     outputs are increasing by less than the
                                                        percentage increase in inputs
          1.2.7      Infrastructure
                                              E         excludes the prices of goods and
          1.2.8      Marketable permit
                                                        services that change frequently
                                              F         extra income the seller earns if one
                                                        more unit of a product is produced
                                                        and sold
                                              G         a business in a perfect market will
                                                        consider closing down if AR = AVC
                                              H         licence for a business to pollute up to a
                                                        specified limit
                                              I         eradication of extreme poverty and
                                                        hunger
                                                                                          (8 x 1)       (8)

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Economics/P2                                    5                                      DBE/2017
                                               SCE

1.3       Give ONE term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next
          to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.6) in the ANSWER BOOK.

          1.3.1       A cash incentive given to a producer to lower the cost of production

          1.3.2       A situation where one firm fixes a price and other firms accept it as
                      the market price

          1.3.3       The spillover effect of an economic activity that affects third parties

          1.3.4       An excessive rise in the general price level, sometimes referred to
                      runaway inflation

          1.3.5       The dumping of waste matter into the environment

          1.3.6       The long-term change in weather patterns which includes changes
                      in temperature, rainfall patterns and wind               (6 x 1)              (6)

                                                                       TOTAL SECTION A:             30

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Economics/P2                                     6                                   DBE/2017
                                                SCE

SECTION B

Answer any TWO of the three questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK.

QUESTION 2: MICROECONOMICS                                      40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

2.1       Answer the following questions.

          2.1.1       Give any TWO examples of community goods.                      (2 x 1)       (2)

          2.1.2       Why is the demand for skilled labour difficult to adjust in
                      South Africa?                                        (1 x 2)                 (2)

2.2       Study the graph below and answer the questions that follow.

                                 TAXES ON CIGARETTES

          Price (R)                                             S1
                             D
                                                                       S

               130                            e1

               100                                    e

                        S1                                  D
                             S

                                          200      260           Quantity

          2.2.1       Identify the price of cigarettes before a tax was imposed on it.             (1)

          2.2.2       What quantity is demanded after the government imposed a tax on
                      cigarettes?                                                                  (1)

          2.2.3       Clearly distinguish between merit goods and demerit goods.                   (4)

          2.2.4       Use the graph above and explain how a tax on cigarettes will
                      reduce market failure.                                                       (4)

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Economics/P2                                   7                                      DBE/2017
                                              SCE

2.3       Study the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

            ARCELORMITTAL'S CARTEL BEHAVIOUR STIFLED SA INDUSTRIES

          ArcelorMittal has agreed to pay a fine of R1,5 billion to the Competition
          Commission after admitting to being involved in anticompetitive behaviour
          through long-steel and scrap-metal cartels. At least five investigative
          complaints were brought against the steel manufacturer dating back as far
          as 2003.

          ArcelorMittal's abuse of market dominance has had a massive effect on trade
          exports, the industrial sector and job creation downstream.

                                                                      [Source: www.702.co.za]

          2.3.1       Name the institution in the extract that investigates anticompetitive
                      behaviour in South Africa.                                                   (1)

          2.3.2       Identify ONE aspect that was influenced               negatively    by
                      ArcelorMittal's anticompetitive behaviour.                                   (1)

          2.3.3       What is the role of the Competition Tribunal?                                (2)

          2.3.4       What is meant by market dominance?                                           (2)

          2.3.5       How will ArcelorMittal's anticompetitive behaviour affect the
                      industrial sector?                                     (2 x 2)               (4)

2.4       Distinguish, without using graphs, between productive inefficiency and
          allocative inefficiency.                                         (2 x 4)                 (8)

2.5       Draw a fully labelled graph to illustrate the economic loss of a monopoly
          market structure.                                                                        (8)
                                                                                                   [40]

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Economics/P2                                                   8                                      DBE/2017
                                                              SCE

QUESTION 3: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES                                       40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

3.1                         Answer the following questions.

                            3.1.1     Name any TWO World Heritage Sites in South Africa.              (2 x 1)       (2)

                            3.1.2     How can people be educated to manage the environment in such a
                                      way that sustainability is ensured?                     (1 x 2)               (2)

3.2                         Study the information below and answer the questions that follow.

                                           ADMINISTERED-PRICE INFLATION

                                          Average price of electricity in South Africa
                                                         2002–2017

  Price in cents per kW.h

                                                              Years
                                                                                             [Source: Nersa]

Eskom monopolises South Africa's electricity sector. The firm generates, transmits
and distributes electricity. Prices changed by Eskom are regulated by the National
Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). In 2016 Eskom requested NERSA's
approval of an increase of 14%. Eventually an increase of 9% was granted, which is
still higher than the inflation target.
                                                                              [Adapted from www.google.co.za]

                            3.2.1     Identify the average price of a kilowatt per hour (kW.h) electricity
                                      in 2002.                                                                      (1)

                            3.2.2     What trend does the average price of electricity show, as
                                      represented in the graph?                                                     (1)

                            3.2.3     Briefly describe the term administered-price inflation.                       (2)

                            3.2.4     Why does NERSA allow Eskom to have price increases above the
                                      inflation rate?                                                               (2)

                            3.2.5     Why is it important that NERSA regulates electricity prices in
                                      South Africa?                                           (2 x 2)               (4)

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Economics/P2                                  9                                      DBE/2017
                                             SCE

3.3       Study the table below and answer the questions that follow.

                    PURPOSES OF DOMESTIC TOURISM IN SOUTH AFRICA
                                      2015 AND 2016
                    Purpose of trips                     Trips made
                                                 2015                 2016
          Visiting friends and family            66%                  70%
          Holidays                               15%                   9%
          Business                                8%                  11%
          Total number of trips               4,6 million          7,3 million
                                                                [Source: www.southafrica.net]

          3.3.1       Identify TWO purposes in the table above why South Africans
                      travelled domestically.                                                      (2)

          3.3.2       Briefly describe the term domestic tourism.                                  (2)

          3.3.3       What is a possible reason for the decline in holiday trips between
                      2015 and 2016?                                                               (2)

          3.3.4       Calculate the number of people who undertook business trips in
                      2016. Show ALL calculations.                                                 (4)

3.4       Briefly discuss the granting of property rights as a measure to sustain the
          environment.                                                        (4 x 2)              (8)

3.5       How can indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) be used to increase tourism in
          South Africa?                                                     (4 x 2)                (8)
                                                                                                   [40]

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Economics/P2                                   10                                      DBE/2017
                                              SCE

QUESTION 4: MICROECONOMICS AND CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES
                                         40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

4.1       Answer the following questions.

          4.1.1       Name TWO environmental problems that affect environmental
                      sustainability.                                    (2 x 1)                    (2)

          4.1.2       How will the producer react if the government implements a
                      maximum price on his product?                       (1 x 2)                   (2)

4.2       Study the information below and answer the questions that follow.

                                THE 'BIG FIVE' IN SOUTH AFRICA
                                                    The current framework of the
                                                    banking industry in South Africa is
                                                    such that the oligopoly enjoyed by
                                                    the bigger banks is extremely
                                                    difficult to break because of high
                                                    barriers to entry for entrepreneurs
                                                    looking to enter the space. A
                                                    significant entry barrier into the
                                                    South African banking industry is
                                                    the large, upfront capital
                                                    requirement of R250 m cash for a
                                                    banking licence.
                                                                [Source: www.bizcommunity.com]

          4.2.1       Identify ONE of the five big banks in South Africa.                           (1)

          4.2.2       What, according to the extract, prevents any entrepreneur from
                      entering the banking industry in South Africa?                                (1)

          4.2.3       Briefly describe the concept oligopoly.                                       (2)

          4.2.4       Explain the nature of the product offered by the banking industry.            (2)

          4.2.5       How do banks compete to increase their market share in
                      South Africa?                                   (2 x 2)                       (4)

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Economics/P2                                   11                                    DBE/2017
                                              SCE

4.3       Study the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

          The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
          agreement is legally binding and aims to ensure that international trade in
          species of wildlife does not threaten their survival.

          More than 2 500 representatives from more than 180 countries attended the
          conference in Johannesburg in September 2016, against the depressing
          background of a 30% decrease in African savannah elephant numbers in just
          seven years, mainly because of poaching driven by Far Eastern syndicates.
          Poaching poses a major threat to the environment. Conservationists also
          worry that ivory poaching is moving through southern Zambia towards
          Botswana's Okavango Delta, location of the world's largest elephant herds.

                                                            [Adapted from www.travel24.co.za]

          4.3.1       In which city was the world wildlife conference held?                        (1)

          4.3.2       Identify the aim of CITES in the extract above.                              (1)

          4.3.3       Briefly describe the term conservation.                                      (2)

          4.3.4       Why is elephant poaching a threat to the environment?                        (2)

          4.3.5       How can CITES contribute to the conservation of elephants?
                                                                                     (2 x 2)       (4)

4.4       Briefly discuss the reasons for growth in the tourism industry.            (2 x 4)       (8)

4.5       Why is a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) necessary for public sector projects?               (8)
                                                                                                   [40]

                                                                        TOTAL SECTION B:           80

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Economics/P2                                     12                                   DBE/2017
                                                SCE

SECTION C

Answer any ONE of the two questions in this section in the ANSWER BOOK.

Your answer will be assessed as follows:

                                                                                        MARK
                            STRUCTURE OF ESSAY
                                                                                     ALLOCATION
Introduction
The introduction is a lower-order response.                                            Max. 2
•    A good starting point would be to define the main concept related to the
     question topic.
•    Do not include any part of the question in your introduction.
•    Do not repeat any part of the introduction in the body.
•    Avoid saying in the introduction what you are going to discuss in the body.
Body
Main part: Discuss in detail/In-depth discussion/Examine/Critically discuss/           Max. 26
Analyse/Compare/Evaluate/Distinguish/Differentiate/Explain
Additional part: Give own opinion/Critically discuss/Evaluate/Critically evaluate/
Draw a graph and explain/Use the graph given and explain/Complete the given
                                                                                       Max. 10
graph/Calculate/Deduce/Compare/Explain/Distinguish/Interpret/Briefly debate/
How/Suggest
Conclusion
Any higher-order conclusion should include:                                            Max. 2
• A brief summary of what has been discussed without repeating facts already
    mentioned
• Any opinion or value judgement on the facts discussed
• Additional support information to strengthen the discussion/analysis
• A contradictory viewpoint with motivation, if required
• Recommendations
TOTAL                                                                                    40

QUESTION 5: MICROECONOMICS                                      40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES

Markets are the backbone of economic activities in any country.

•   Compare the market structure of a monopolistic competitor to that of a perfect
    market.                                                                   (26)
•   Explain, with the aid of a graph, how economic profit is achieved for a perfect
    competitor.                                                                (10)              [40]

QUESTION 6: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES                          40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES

The disadvantage of a market economy is often demonstrated by inflation.

•   Discuss the causes of cost-push inflation.                               (26)
•   Advise the Minister of Finance on how to use taxes as an instrument to combat
    inflation.                                                               (10)                [40]
                                                                         TOTAL SECTION C:        40
                                                                            GRAND TOTAL:         150

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