1. T-A-C Approach

2. Tallness Example: Let’s say you have learned the following in a lesson: Definition of tallness: Having greater than ordinary height. Definition of a male adult: A man who has attained legal age of 18. In Hong Kong, the average or ordinary height of male adult is 1.717m (5’7½”). In France, the average or ordinary height of male adult is 1.756m (5’9”).

3. Let’s consider this questions in an examination … Mr Wong, a man over 18 and is 1.75m tall, so is he tall? Let’s see how we use the TAC approach to answer this question:

4. T for THEORY A for ARGUMENT C for Conclusion

5. Mr Wong is 1.75m tall, is he a tall person? Read again the question to identify the relevant concept(s). This question although mentions about “tall”, it implies that the concept of tallness is involved, right? What other concept is involved? Therefore, using the TAC approach, what should you do first?

6. Right, you begin your answer with theory (definitions, characteristics of the concepts, etc.) first So in your first paragraph or paragraphs, define what “TALLNESS” and “ADULT MALE” are. What’s next?

7. In the question, we know some facts about Mr Wong, so now we should argue if he is tall or not using our knowledge learn about ordinary tallness. Last of all, you make a conclusion based on your arguments.

8. So the overall answer should look like this … A male adult is a man who has attained legal age of 18. Tallness means having greater than ordinary height. In Hong Kong, the ordinary height of a male adult is 1.717m. Mr Wong is a male adult, he is 1.75m, so he is considered tall if he is in HK. However, in France, the ordinary height of a male adult is 1.756m. Mr Wong is only 1.75m and is just about the same height as an ordinary male adult in France, so he is just considered average in France. In conclusion, Mr Wong is considered tall in HK but only average in France. Mr Wong may even be considered short in some countries when his height is lower than their ordainry heights.

11. Now, consider the following question … “Li Ka Shing is so rich that he can satisfy many of his wants. So, he does not face the problem of scarcity.” Explain whether you agree to this statement. (10 marks)

12. Wants are desire for goods and services. They are unlimited, numerous and increasing constantly over time. They can be abstract or concrete. If one want is satisfied, new wants will emerge. Resources are limited and are used to produce the goods and services to satisfy the wants. Scarcity is a situation at which limited resources are not enough to satisfy unlimited human wants. Although Lee Ka Shing is rich and can satisfy most of his wants. He will have new wants whenever one want is satisfied. Resources are still limited to satisfy his unlimited wants. For example, when Mr Lee has bought some all the toys for his grandsons, he will want to spend more time with his grandsons, but time is a limited resource. In conclusion, it is not right to say that rich people do not face the problem of scarcity since limited resources are always not enough to satisfy unlimited human wants. So, the problem of scarcity still exists for them. In other words, I do not agree with the statement.

14. Now, consider another past paper question … Use a production possibility curve to explain the distinction between actual growth and potential growth. (10 marks)