Unit 1: Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost sit at the heart of economics. This unit builds the core toolkit — the basic economic problem, production possibility curves, the factors of production, and how different economic systems allocate scarce resources.
Practise this unit
📝 MCQ practice
303 past-paper MCQs
Instant feedback and explanations for this unit's questions.
Practise Unit 1 MCQs →✍️ Essay questions
Past-paper essays
Organised by syllabus point, with mark schemes and self-assessment.
Browse essays →📈 Data response
Past-paper case studies
Full case material, figures and per-part mark schemes.
Practise data response →🧪 Mock exam papers
Timed full papers
Assemble a full timed mock from the real bank — printable and shareable.
Open mock exams →Chapters in this unit (1–6)
- Ch 1 · Scarcity, Choice and Opportunity Cost
- Ch 2 · Economic Methodology
- Ch 3 · Factors of Production
- Ch 4 · Resource Allocation in Different Economic Systems
- Ch 5 · Production Possibility Curves
- Ch 6 · Classification of Goods and Services
Key terms
Frequently asked questions
What does Unit 1 of CIE 9708 Economics cover?
Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost sit at the heart of economics. This unit builds the core toolkit — the basic economic problem, production possibility curves, the factors of production, and how different economic systems allocate scarce resources.
How many practice questions are there for Unit 1?
Unit 1 spans chapters 1–6 with 303 past-paper multiple-choice questions, plus essay and data-response questions with official mark schemes.
Is this free?
Yes. All revision notes and past-paper practice are free, bilingual (English / 简体中文) and work offline.
This is a free, unofficial Cambridge 9708 Economics revision resource and is not affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education.