# Economics Grade 12 P2 NSC June 2021 Question Paper (English)

> Grade 12 Economics Paper 2 question paper from the NSC June 2021 (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-2021-eng/7f537d05-0a0d-4c2a-8889-77ecab4a2605
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Economics
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2021
- Exam period: NSC June
- Paper: 2
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 12

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Economics · Grade 12 · NSC June · 2021. Question paper, 12 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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             SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS/
         NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS

                                  ECONOMICS P2

                                         2021

                                                                    MARKS: 150

                                                                   TIME: 2 hours

                       This question paper consists of 12 pages.

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Economics/P2                                 2                                 DBE/2021
                                          SC/NSC

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.        Read the questions carefully.

5.        Start EACH question on a NEW page.

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

7.        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.

8.        Use only black or blue ink.

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

10.       Write neatly and legibly.

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Economics/P2                                    3                               DBE/2021
                                             SC/NSC

SECTION A (COMPULSORY)

QUESTION 1                                                 30 MARKS – 20 MINUTES

1.1       Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
          Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question
          numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.8) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.9 D.

          1.1.1      Costs of inputs that are owned by an entrepreneur and used during
                     the production process are regarded as … costs.

                     A    explicit
                     B    fixed
                     C    variable
                     D    implicit

          1.1.2      A market structure where there are no barriers to entry is called
                     a/an … market.

                     A    perfect
                     B    monopoly
                     C    oligopoly
                     D    monopolistic competitive

          1.1.3      When one dominant firm changes the price and others follow, it is
                     regarded as price …

                     A    leadership.
                     B    taking.
                     C    differentiation.
                     D    discrimination.

          1.1.4      Collusion is an agreement among firms to … competition.

                     A    promote
                     B    match
                     C    regulate
                     D    limit

          1.1.5      A condition of low economic growth, high unemployment and high
                     rates of inflation, is called …

                     A    hyperinflation.
                     B    headline inflation.
                     C    stagflation.
                     D    core inflation.

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          1.1.6        The site that boasts five different eco-systems:
                       A     Vredefort Dome
                       B     iSimangaliso Wetland Park
                       C     Sterkfontein caves
                       D     uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
          1.1.7        Cost-push inflation could be the result of …
                       A     easy access to credit.
                       B     depreciation of the currency.
                       C     increased government spending.
                       D     reduction in taxes.
          1.1.8        A global problem that impacts the variation in weather patterns,
                       is known as …
                       A     biodiversity loss.
                       B     chemical waste.
                       C     climate change.
                       D     hazardous waste.                                        (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 numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.8) in the
          ANSWER BOOK.

                      COLUMN A                                COLUMN B
          1.2.1      Cost-benefit analysis    A   people travelling through South Africa to
                                                  another country
          1.2.2      Artificial monopoly
                                              B   resources allocated in such a way that
                                                  no one is made better off without
          1.2.3      Economies of scale
                                                  making someone else worse off
          1.2.4      Pareto efficiency        C   an instrument used by the government
                                                  to evaluate public projects
          1.2.5      Transit tourist
                                              D   dumping of harmful substances into
                                                  rivers
          1.2.6      Water pollution
                                              E   occurs when the aggregate demand for
          1.2.7      Productivity                 goods and services exceeds the
                                                  aggregate supply of goods and
          1.2.8      Demand-pull inflation        services, leading to price increases
                                              F   exists because of barriers to entry which
                                                  are not economic in nature.
                                              G   decrease in average cost of production
                                                  per unit as output increases
                                              H   output sacrificed due to underutilisation
                                                  of resources
                                              I   increase in output with the same factor
                                                  inputs
                                                                                    (8 x 1)        (8)
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1.3       Give ONE term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next
          to the question numbers (1.3.1 to 1.3.6) in the ANSWER BOOK.
          Abbreviations, acronyms and examples will NOT be accepted.

          1.3.1      A market structure where firms use different types of packaging to
                     market their products

          1.3.2      A situation where firms are allowed by law to charge prices above
                     the market equilibrium price

          1.3.3      A period where at least one factor of production is fixed

          1.3.4      The direct regulation of an industry or activity through laws that
                     state what is allowed and what is illegal regarding pollution

          1.3.5      Financial support by the government to assist the production of a
                     good or service

          1.3.6      The granting of legal titles to the owners of land so that it can be
                     taken care of                                                                  (6)

                                                                    TOTAL SECTION A:                30

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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   Name any TWO examples of a perfect market structure.              (2 x 1)       (2)

                            2.1.2   How do oligopolists benefit from forming a cartel?                (1 x 2)       (2)

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

                                                                         MC
                                                                                   AC

       Price/Cost/Revenue
                                                                                 AVC
                                                               B
                              50                                                       AR/MR/P
                                                           A
                              30

                               0            20             50 60          85     Quantity

                            2.2.1   Which curve is used to determine the supply of the firm?                        (1)

                            2.2.2   Identify the profit maximisation quantity.                                      (1)

                            2.2.3   Briefly describe the term marginal revenue.                                     (2)

                            2.2.4   When will a firm in a perfect market shut down its operations?                  (2)

                            2.2.5   Use the graph above to determine the type of profit made by this firm.
                                    Show ALL correct calculations.                                                  (4)

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

                  MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION – HYBRID STRUCTURE

       I am the best
        coffee. I am
      covered with a
             lid.
                                                                                   I am the best
                                                                                  coffee. Period!

                                           [Adjusted from Google images, October 2020]

          2.3.1        Determine the nature of the product sold in this market structure.              (1)

          2.3.2        What type of profit is made by monopolistic competitors in the
                       long run?                                                                       (1)

          2.3.3        Briefly describe the term hybrid structure.                                     (2)

          2.3.4        Why does a monopoly fail to achieve productive efficiency?                      (2)

          2.3.5        How do oligopolists maintain their market share?                  (2 x 2)       (4)

2.4       Using TR and TC curves, draw a correctly labelled graph to briefly explain
          how a firm in a perfect market maximises profit.                                             (8)

2.5       Outline the challenges that the competition policy in South Africa face in
          achieving their goals.                                                                       (8)
                                                                                                       [40]

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Economics/P2                                         8                                               DBE/2021
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QUESTION 3: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES                                40 MARKS – 30 MINUTES

3.1       Answer the following questions.

          3.1.1       Name any TWO examples of sites in South Africa that promote
                      cultural tourism.                 .                  (2 x 1)                               (2)

          3.1.2       What is the negative impact of an increase in indirect taxes on
                      goods and services?                                      (1 x 2)                           (2)

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

               MONTHLY CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) FIGURES 2019–2020

                                                                                                 5%

                                                                                                 4,5

                                                                                                 4

                                                                                        3.2      3,5
                                                                            1.2   2.2
                                                                                                 3

                                                                                                 2,5

                                                                                                 2
                     2019                          2020
                     Aug Sept   Oct   Nov   Dec     Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul

                                                                       [Adapted from StatsSA, July 2020]

          3.2.1       During which month in 2020 was the inflation rate outside the
                      target range?                                                                              (1)

          3.2.2       Determine the increase in the inflation rate between June 2020 and
                      July 2020.                                                                                 (1)

          3.2.3       Briefly describe the term production price index.                                          (2)

          3.2.4       Explain the reason for the exclusion of certain items from the
                      CPI basket, when calculating core inflation.                                               (2)

          3.2.5       How will an increase in social and unemployment grants influence
                      inflation?                                               (2 x 2)                           (4)

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

                                STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

          The critical risks of climate change pose a major danger worldwide to
          educational performance. In South Africa all final examinations are written
          when temperatures are as high as 53 degrees – some even written in
          shipping container classrooms.

          On the other hand, many species in need of rescue are forgotten. Species,
          from pangolins to pythons, are being sold by poachers to lucrative markets.
          Mass deforestation threatens tropical forests' biodiversity and ecosystem.

                                                          [Adapted from Mail & Guardian, 2019]

          3.3.1      Identify the concept related to the removal of trees.                          (1)

          3.3.2      Name ONE organisation that campaigns for the sustainable use of
                     the environment.                                                               (1)

          3.3.3      Briefly describe the term hazardous waste.                                     (2)

          3.3.4      Explain the way in which the Convention on the International Trade
                     in Endangered Species (CITES) aims to reduce biodiversity loss.                (2)

          3.3.5      How can the government address the extinction of animal species?
                                                                               (2 x 2)              (4)

3.4       Discuss the negative effects of soil erosion on the environment.            (4 x 2)       (8)

3.5       How would low inflation expectations by the consumer keep inflation within
          the target range?                                                                         (8)
                                                                                                    [40]

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

4.1       Answer the following questions.

          4.1.1        Name any TWO major international agreements on sustainable
                       development.                                        (2 x 1)                     (2)   (2 x 1

          4.1.2        Why do homogeneous products benefit consumers?                     (1 x 2)      (2)

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

                     ELECTRICITY PRICES ARE GOING UP BY 15% NEXT YEAR

          Bulk electricity prices are set to increase by around 15% next year after a
          court victory for Eskom. But that won't necessarily reflect on home bills
          directly. Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
          were battling it out in court over NERSA's decision to deduct a R69 billion
          equity lifeline from Eskom's allowable revenue. Eskom has failed to achieve
          economic profit in both short term and long term.

                                                      [Adapted from Business insider, August 2020]

          4.2.1        Which type of monopoly is discussed in the extract above?                       (1)

          4.2.2        What determines the quantity sold by a monopoly?                                (1)

          4.2.3        Briefly describe the term economic profit.                                      (2)

          4.2.4        Explain the relatively inelastic nature of the demand curve for the
                       monopolist.                                                                     (2)

          4.2.5        Why is it difficult to enter into a monopoly market?               (2 x 2)      (4)

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Economics/P2                                   11                                        DBE/2021
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4.3       Study the information below and answer the questions that follow.

                         MARKETABLE PERMITS CONTROL EMISSIONS

          Regulators have often applied marketable permits to environmental policies.
          They are based on the principle that an increase in emissions must be offset
          by an equivalent decrease elsewhere.
                                                           [Adapted from https://slideplayer.com]

          4.3.1      Which government       department     is   responsible     for    granting
                     marketable permits?                                                              (1)

          4.3.2      Name ONE market-related measure to protect the environment.                      (1)

          4.3.3      Briefly describe the term marketable permits.                                    (2)

          4.3.4      Explain the effect of carbon emissions on agricultural production.               (2)

          4.3.5      How do green taxes contribute to the promotion of a more
                     sustainable environment?                           (2 x 2)                       (4)

4.4       With the aid of a correctly labelled graph, briefly explain why it is advisable for
          oligopolies to sell at market price.                                        (2 x 4)         (8)

4.5       How does the government encourage producers to combat inflation?                            (8)
                                                                                                      [40]

                                                                       TOTAL SECTION B:               80

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Economics/P1                                   12                                   DBE/2021
                                            SC/NSC

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                                                                 Max. 2
 A good start is to define the key concept appearing in the question
 The introduction should never include any part of the question
 Do not discuss any part of the body in the introduction
 Avoid mentioning in the introduction what will be discussed in the
   body.
Body
Main part: Discuss in detail/In-depth discussion/Examine/Critically          Max. 26
discuss/Analyse/Compare/Evaluate/Distinguish/Differentiate/Explain/
Assess/Debate/Draw a graph and explain/Use the graph given and
explain/ Complete the given graph
Additional part: Give own opinion/Critically discuss/Evaluate/Critically     Max. 10
evaluate/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 valued 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

   Discuss the causes of market failure in detail.                      (26 marks)
   How effective has government spending been in addressing market failure?
                                                                         (10 marks)            [40]

QUESTION 6: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES 40 MARKS – 40 MINUTES

   Discuss in detail the benefits of tourism.                                (26 marks)
   Assess the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector.                      (10 marks)       [40]

                                                                      TOTAL SECTION C:         40
                                                                         GRAND TOTAL:          150

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