Describe the relationship shown on the graph.

State the three components that make up the Human Development Index (HDI).

Suggest two reasons why composite indices (such as the HDI) are used to measure global or regional disparities.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using debt relief to reduce global disparities.

• The relationship is positive/as HDI increases the combined gross enrollment increases [1].
• Use of data to provide evidence of this relationship OR use of data to identify Qatar as an anomaly [1].

• Life expectancy/longevity
• School enrollment/expected years of schooling/education/literacy
• Gross National Income (GNI)/GDP/national income (per capita not essential)

Do not accept income alone. Must have all three for [2], two correct [1]. [0] for only one correct.

Award [1+1] for each valid and distinct reason, provided that it is developed by means of explanation, exemplification and/or detail.

Credit responses based on other valid composite indices.

For example: HDI is better than a single indicator like GDP per capita [1]; gives a broader measure of social development [1].

Possibilities include:

• allows for comparison between and/or within nations
• indicates where aid could be directed
• allows measurement of progress/lack of progress over time.

Award [1+1] for each distinct valid reason, provided that it is developed by means of explanation, exemplification and/or detail.

For example: Reduces the amount of funds leaving a nation as debt repayments [1]; allows nations to redirect funds toward development projects [1].

Possibilities include:

Advantages

• encourages more investment from overseas countries
• infrastructural projects can now be prioritized
• could stem migration out of the country.

Disadvantages

• the same conditions attached to debt relief as attached to loans
• corruption so benefits are not felt by all
• might not be sufficient to make a difference to the total debt
• any reference to dependency must be strongly related to debt relief and not aid.

Most candidates were able to see the positive relationship but were less good at using the data to provide evidence of this or to show anomalies.

On the whole this was well answered although some struggled to accurately identify the third component or they gave rather vague conceptual ideas of what is measured as opposed to the component. 

There were some strong responses with most candidates using the HDI although it was possible to use any composite index in this answer. Occasionally another index, for example, the happy planet index or the gender empowerment index were used. Unfortunately it was clear that some candidates did not know what composite meant and their answers were self-limiting. Also some responses struggled to make their second reason distinct from the first.

One of the weak areas of the paper. If candidates knew what debt relief was they had no problem getting full marks but in many responses there was much confusion with aid/loans going to the nations as opposed to being relieved of debt through the HIPC initiative. There were still a number of candidates referring to personal debt as opposed to national debt. The answers focusing on advantages tended to be stronger than those focusing on disadvantages. Most comments on dependency or corruption were not accurately explained/developed in relation to debt relief.