No measure is perfect. A 15-mark answer weighs what each measure shows and misses.
Single indicators
- Simple, widely available, easy to compare.
- Real GDP per capita: data for almost every year.
- But one dimension only: income says nothing about health or fairness.
Composite indicators
- Several dimensions in one number: closer to real development.
- But the weights are a choice, and averages still hide inequality.
- Some data, like schooling, are collected less often.
The points to remember
- Write it like this: "Real GDP per capita is widely available but measures one dimension and hides inequality."
- Composite indicators are broader, but still averages.
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Growth (more output) and development (better lives) are linked, but not the same.
Growth and development
Growth can bring development
More income and tax revenue pay for schools, clinics and clean water.
But not always
If income goes to a few, or into weapons, the poor see little.
Development can bring growth
Healthier, better-educated workers produce more.
The points to remember
- Growth is necessary but not sufficient for development.
- Development can also raise growth: a two-way link.
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Paper 1 asked this in May 2024, as part (b) for 15 marks.
Using real-world examples, evaluate the view that real GDP is the best measure of economic development.
Model answer plan
See the answer broken into clear points, with guidance on how each point earns marks.
How the 15 marks are given
| Marks | What your answer needs |
|---|---|
| 13–15 | Theory fully explained, terms right all the way through, balanced evaluation, real examples fully developed to support the argument |
| 10–12 | Theory explained, terms mostly right, evaluation mostly balanced, real examples developed |
| 7–9 | Theory partly explained, some evaluation but one-sided, examples partly developed |
| 4–6 | Theory only described, evaluation superficial, examples only named |
| 1–3 | Theory stated but not relevant, no evaluation |