Resources Exam Questions

1) A busy, low income, working mum might save time and energy in the home by getting children to help with tasks around the house, use labour saving equipment when preparing and cooking meals such as a microwave, mixer and food processor and heat up leftover food or ingredients particularly after doing batch baking. All of these are affordable things to do for someone on a low income.
2) Energy consumption can be saved in the average family household by having a kettle with a cut off point when it has finished boiling; Timers or thermostats on things such as the central heating allow it to be turned off and on only when needed so no heat is wasted. Solar panels could be used however they are expensive to install. The hot water cylinder could be lagged to save fuel energy as it is very cost effective to do.
3) The house is semi-detached which means that one side of it will be colder than the other side so more insulation or heating will be needed on the exposed side. This will cost more money. They live in a small village near Manchester so it is likely that the parents will work in Manchester which means they will either have to drive to work or use public transport which will use time, energy and money. Johnny is at school which since it is a 6th form institution, is likely to also be out of the village and nearer to Manchester. This means he will need transport to get to 6th form which takes time, energy and money even if he is getting a lift off his parents. Molly is four which means she could be in nursery, childcare or school. If she is at nursery or childcare, this might cost money. Se might be home earlier than everyone else in the Average household which means that the heating will have to be on longer than it would be if everyone was out of the house working, this uses energy and money. She has diabetes which means she might need hospital appointments which takes time and energy. Because Molly has diabetes, this means either having to use sugar-free food when making meals or making two meals, if the family is making two separate meals then this will take extra time, energy and money. If they are having to source sugar free food to meet Molly’s dietary requirements then this might take time and energy and it could cost more money. As Johnny is 17, he might want to meet his friends at the weekends and to get there will take time, energy and the cost of fuel if he needs transport to see them. As a bank manager, Mr Average will be earning more than Mrs Average who works part time so he is the main ‘breadwinner’ in the family, however since she is only working part time, she might be able to care for Molly more at some point throughout the day which might reduce childcare fees for the family.
4) Methods to buy a car are hire purchase which is where you pay a certain amount over a given period of time and then getting the choice of buying the car or using hire purchase on a newer model. Another method is credit card as you have all the money on the card and can pay in one instalment. Using cash is another method as you can hand over all the money and that’s it. Debit card is another method so long as you have all the money in your account or are willing to use your bank overdraft if you have one. Cheque is another method as you have to have the money ready and it will only take a few days to clear.
5) The advantages of using a credit card are that you can spend what you want out of the fixed amount agreed upon receiving your credit card, most places accept them and they’re moderately easy to get a refund on, eg. If your holiday had to be cancelled. The disadvantages are that there is a high interest rate and it is easy to lose track and overspend therefore getting into debt.
6) The main methods you can receive an income are salaries/wages from your job, working tax credit to boost your income if you’re not earning a lot and job seekers allowance if you’re out of work but are actively