To an individual, the term cost will include expenditure on the following EXCEPT

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which item would NOT count as a cost to an individual. Cost here means the expenses a person incurs in meeting their own needs and wants.

Step 2: Explain the concept In economics, the cost to an individual is the money (or resources) a person spends to satisfy personal or household needs. These typically include:

• Basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter
• Education
• Recreation and entertainment

Some obligations belong to the government or the nation as a whole. They are not personal expenses.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Clothing: A personal expense, so it counts as a cost to the individual.
• B. Entertainment: A personal expense (cinema, events, recreation), so it counts.
• C. Housing: A personal expense (rent or building costs), so it counts.
• D. Payment of school fees: A personal or family expense on education, so it counts.
• E. Settling national debts: This is the responsibility of the government, funded through taxes, revenue and borrowing. An individual does not directly pay it as a personal cost.

Step 4: Answer The item that does not count as an individual's cost is settling national debts, which is option E.

Tip: In "EXCEPT" questions, look for the option that belongs to a different level of the economy. Here four options are personal or household spending, and one is a government responsibility. The odd one out is your answer.