Economics is a social science concerned with the proper use and______

1. Analyze the question The question asks you to complete a definition of Economics: "a social science concerned with the proper use and __." This is a definitional question, so we need the option that best fits the standard textbook wording.

2. Explain the concept Economics studies how people, firms and governments make choices about scarce resources that have alternative uses. Because wants are unlimited and resources are limited, the central issue is how best to allocate (use) resources so as to satisfy needs and promote growth. Common definitions include:

• Lionel Robbins: "the science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses."
• Others describe it as the study of how society uses scarce resources to produce goods and services and distribute them.

3. Work through the options

• A. production of goods and services: Production is one part of economics, but the phrase "proper use and ___" is about resources, so it fits less naturally.
• B. distribution of wealth: This covers only one aspect (distribution), and it is not the standard completion of this sentence.
• C. allocation of resources for growth: "Proper use and allocation of resources" is the natural pairing. Use and allocation of scarce resources is the heart of economics, and "for growth" ties in the aim of development.
• D. creation of utility: This is a narrow idea that relates to production, not a full definition of economics.

4. Answer The best completion is **C. Economics is concerned with the proper use and allocation of resources.

5. Exam tip For "definition of economics" questions, look for the keywords scarce resources, choice, allocation, and alternative uses. An option that mentions resources and allocation is usually the right one. You've got this, keep practising!