business

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Technique
STUDENT GUIDE
EDEXCEL GCSE BUSINESS (9-1)
EXAM ESSENTIALS
A reminder about the papers:
4 You will sit two papers
4 Paper 1 assesses “Theme 1 – Investigating Small Business”
4 Paper 2 assesses “Theme 2 – Building a Business”
4 Each paper is worth 50% of the total GCSE marks
4 Each paper is 90 minutes long and is worth 90 marks
4 Both papers are identical in structure (or just about “an outline question may be
interchanged with a calculate question”) and will have three sections:

Section A No extract 35 marks

Section B Extract: Extract 1 30 marks
Section C Extract: Extract 2 25 marks

4 Questions will consist of a mixture of MCQs, calculation, short answer and extended
response
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student guide

Top tips for success in the exam:

A reminder about the papers:

4 Manage your time effectively – roughly a minute a mark! You should make up some time
on the multiple choice questions, which will help you to gain some time to read the two
“extracts” or case studies in the exam
4 One way of managing your time easily is to break up the paper into 30 minute chunks
and think:
4 after 30 mins, I should have finished all of Section A where there is no extract
4 after 60 mins, as well as Section A, I should have now finished all of Section B that
relates to the first extract
4 which leaves the last 30 minutes to complete Section C that relates to the second
extract
4 Read every question twice – just to ensure that you answer the question that is
specifically asked and not a different question!
4 Don’t forget that Section A is not looking for any context… but the explain questions,
found only in Section A, are worth 20% of the total GCSE marks – so take care in
answering them precisely!
4 Read the extracts very carefully in Section B and Section C. The best marks will be
awarded when answers are written in context; context can only be awarded if you have
read the extract! Mentioning the name of the business or something that is found in the
question is not enough for context to be awarded -­‐your answer has to be embedded in
the case! This means talk about the business in your answer, but don’t just copy bits from
the extract word for word; use the extract to help support your answer!
4 Remember in “Discuss”, “Analyse”, “Justify” and “Evaluate” questions – you need to
include five interconnected points across a maximum of two points to help you reach the
highest levels in the mark scheme
4 Always finish the paper
4 Never leave a question blank
4 Learn all the content and the key terms in the specification carefully – you need to
therefore use the specification as part of your revision!
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type of questions
Remember the ordering and question types should always be the same (or near enough the same) in both paper 1 and paper 2.
Refer to the tracking documents, linked to the specimen papers, to identify the minor differences between papers.

1 mark questions: “MCQs” and “Complete the table”

• Points based marking – 1 mark per relevant point
 • MCQs will be found in Section A only and may require the selection of more than one answer (in this case,
the question would be worth 2 marks)
 • “Complete the table” will only be found in Section A (again two figures may be required, which would
mean, in this instance, the question would be worth 2 marks)

Command word Question example How to answer?

MCQ MCQs:
4 Ensure a cross is put clearly in the appropriate box
for MCQs
4 If you change your mind, put a line through the box
and mark the new answer with a cross
Or
4 If you do change your mind, refer back to the
instructions at the start of Section A to ensure you
are following them precisely; the key is to make
sure your answer is clear

Complete “Complete the table with the Complete the table

the table two missing figures” 4 Ensure the figures are clear and are entered in the
appropriate box(es)
4 Read the question carefully; if two figures are
asked for then ensure that two figures are
included
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type of question

1 mark questions: “State”, “Define”, “Identify” and “Give”

• Points based marking – 1 mark per relevant point
• The different command words that link to one mark are “Define”, “Give”, “State”, “Identify”
• “State” and “Identify” can appear in either Section B or Section C of either paper
• “Give” and “Define” will be found in Paper 2, Section C only and will be used interchangeably i.e. there will
either be a “Give” or a “Define” question in this section of the paper
• When they appear, “Give” and “Define” will be testing knowledge in isolation
• It is important to not over-answer this type of question; writing in full sentences will waste time and may result
in you not finishing the paper
Command word Question example How to answer?

State “State one source of finance 4 One point should be clearly stated in context
that Jim and Sue could use answering the question set; evidence of context
to start up the business”. has to be very specific to the case study; if it is
contentious or just refers to information detailed in
the question, the mark will not be awarded
✘ Avoid including two points, or in this question
sources, just in case one is wrong! This is just
wasting time!
✘ Don’t over answer – a lengthy paragraph will again
just waste time and gain no extra marks; a few
words is sufficient to gain the mark available

Define “Define the term internal 4 Provide a clear, precise and concise definition of
growth” the term, as the question is assessing knowledge only
4 As this type of question is only found in Paper 2,
the question will only ask for definitions taken from
Theme 2
✘ Don’t over answer – a lengthy paragraph will just
waste time and gain no extra marks; a few words
will be sufficient

Identify “Using Figure 4, identify the 4 Will usually be linked to the quantitative skills e.g.
year where GoPro achieved interpreting a chart/diagram; it is therefore
its lowest net profit margin.” important to look at the data carefully
4 Provide a short answer that is sufficient to gain
the mark available e.g. “2015” in this question is
enough to gain the mark

Give “Give one type of social 4 Ensure just one type is given in the response
media that a business could 4 The question is just assessing knowledge;
use to interact with its therefore, there is no need to contextualise the answer
customers”
✘ Avoid over answering; one word or a short phrase
is sufficient to gain the mark available
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type of question

2 mark questions “Calculate” and “Outline”

• Points based marking – 1 mark per relevant point
• “Calculate” questions can be found in any Section of the exam paper
• “Outline” questions will only be found in Sections B and C
• Get straight to the point in the response; do not over-answer
Command word Question example How to answer?

Calculate “Calculate the number of 4 As the question says, clearly show all your
meals the business would LABELLED workings required in the calculation
need to sell each week 4 Ensure the answer is written on the answer
in order for the delivery template inside the workings box
service to break even. You 4 The answer template is the line where the units,
are advised to show your £ sign etc will be given
workings”
4 Answers should be given to two decimal places;
these represent the first two numbers after the
decimal point, no rounding is required
✘ Do not waste time writing the formula, unless it
helps you to complete the calculation accurately;
there are no marks awarded for the formula
✘ Do not write the final answer anywhere else than
on the template line! Examiners are trained to look
at this line for the answer; if a different answer is
given on that line, you may only be awarded one
mark (at best) for workings, despite the correct
answer being written elsewhere!

Outline “Outline one benefit to 4 One reason in context should be given that is then
Niya and Paul of operating explained with one interconnected strand
Chicken & Grill as a 4 Using connectives such as “this means that...” or
partnership” “this is a benefit for Niya and Paul because…”
will help to ensure your points are interconnected
✘ Do not over-answer by repeating the phrasing of
the question; get straight into answering the
question set
E.g. The partners were seeking equal ownership,
which would reduce the stress of running a business
(1) which would be quite high in the fast food market
where there is clearly lots of competition (1).
Remember if an explanation is given but with no
context, the answer will only achieve one mark.
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type of question

3 mark questions: “Explain”

• Points based marking – 1 mark per relevant point
• “Explain” questions will only be found in Section A
• There will be 6 explain questions found in each paper, which will make up 20% of the overall GCSE marks;
these questions are therefore very important to answer correctly

Command word Question example How to answer?

Explain “Explain one disadvantage to 4 Include only one point that answers the specific
a business of an increase in question set
interest rates”
4 No context is required
4 The point given should be explained using two
interconnected strands
4 Using connectives x 2 such as “this means that...”
“therefore…” “as a result…” “in turn …” will
help you to achieve full marks in this type of
question, as it will flag to the examiner that an
interconnected strand has been given in the
response
E.g. Interest payments on business overdrafts are
likely to increase (1), which means expenses increase
(1), which could result in lower profits. (1)
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type of question

6 mark questions: “Discuss” and “Analyse”

• Two different command words that link to 6 marks; “Discuss” and “Analyse”
• Both command words require analysis; the difference between them is the need to write in context
• The examiner is looking for 5 interconnected strands to award the top marks for analysis
• Levels based marking; the level that “best fits” the answer will be awarded

Command word Question example How to answer?

Discuss “Discuss the likely drawback • Only one “Discuss” question in the paper found in
to a start-up business of Section A
setting up and running as a • No context is required
franchise operation” • Assesses understanding and analysis only
• Discuss does not mean look at both sides of the
argument; answer the question set e.g. in this
example just include the likely drawback(s)
4 No definition required
4 State one point that answers the question specifically
4 Explain that point fully using 5 interconnected
strands using connectives such as “this means
that...” “therefore…” “as a result…” “in turn …”
OR
4 No definition required
4 Include two points that answers the question specifically
4 Explain the two points made with 5 interconnected
strands across the two points, again using connectives
(as above)
4 In this instance, a “Discuss” question could be viewed
as 2 x 4 mark “Explain” questions put together; this
would mean that there would be 6 interconnected
strands in the answer, if completed accurately; however,
this method will provide a backup if one of the strands
is either repeated or not strong enough to be rewarded
by the examiner
✘ DO NOT INCLUDE MORE THAN 2 POINTS; the mark
scheme states that “detailed interconnected points with
logical chains of reasoning” are required to achieve
level 3; listed points with no explanation will score
“0” for analysis; the answer will therefore overall only
achieve Level 1, if knowledge and understanding is
shown in the answer
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type of question

Command word Question example How to answer?

Analyse “Analyse the impact on • Two “Analyse” questions will be found in the paper,
Chicken & Grill of using social only in Section B
media to promote the home • Assesses application and analysis only; the answer
delivery service” given must relate to the extract
• A variety of “Analyse” questions will be found in
the exams e.g. “Analyse the impact…”, “Analyse
the benefit…”, “Analyse the drawback…”
4 “Analyse” questions should be answered in much
the same way as a “Discuss” question; the only
difference is the context
4 No definition
4 Maximum one or two points explained with 5
interconnected strands
4 Ideally the points should be taken from the extract
4 The interconnected strands should refer to the
context throughout and demonstrate a logical
chain of reasoning

E.g. One impact on Chicken & Grill is that not all

potential customers will use social media, so its use
might restrict who gets the message about the new
delivery service. (Point) This may mean Chicken &
Grill miss out on potential customers (Strand 1)
resulting in its revenue being restricted (Strand 2), the
main reason for introducing the service and therefore
profit will not be improved. (Strand 3)

Another point in context would need to be included in

order to reach the top levels of the mark scheme, with
two more interconnected strands.
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type of question

9 mark questions: “Justify”

• There will be two 9 mark questions in each paper; one in Section B and one in Section C
• These are important questions, as “Justify” questions represent 20% of the marks in each paper
• “Justify” questions will always involve a choice between two options
• Assesses application, analysis and evaluation; a judgement is therefore required
• Levels based marking; the level that “best fits” the answer will be awarded
The examiner is looking for:
• An answer that shows accurate understanding of business concepts that is written fully in context
• 5 interconnected strands across a maximum of two points, to award the top marks for analysis
• Balance in the two analytical paragraphs
• A clearly justified, thorough judgement that is answering the question set

Command word Question example How to answer?

Justify “In order to increase the • Make a decision at the start as to which option
amount of sales made by you believe is the best for the business in its
Chicken & Grill, Niya and Paul current situation (keep this in mind)
are considering two options: • No definition
Structure your answer as follows to ensure your
Option 1: Reducing average
answer contains balance:
prices by 10%
Paragraph 1: Pro of the option you have chosen
Option 2: Increasing the explained with connectives in context
amount they spend on Reducing average prices by 10% would be good for
promotion Paul and Niya because….. (Point) which means …..
(Strand 1) and therefore…. (Strand 2) resulting in….
Justify which one of these (Strand 3)
two options Niya and Paul Paragraph 2: A pro of the other option explained
should choose” with connectives in context
For example:
However, an advantage of increasing the amount
Chicken & Grill spend on promotion is that … (Point 2)
because….. (Strand 4) which means ….. (Strand 5)
OR
a con of the original option explained with
connectives in context
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type of question

Command word Question example How to answer?

Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Overall I think:
(A) – Answer the question; avoid sitting on the fence
(J) – Justify why you have chosen that option. Use
the phrasing “Not only would it be good because…
refer back to the +ve point(s) you have referred to in
your earlier paragraph, but also it is good because…
(additional evidence to support your judgement IN
CONTEXT)
(I) – “It depends” on factor; what does your judgement
depend upon? Explain at least one depend on factor
that your judgement hinges on; in addition, consider
whether your judgement will differ in the short-term/
long-term? If it does, explain why in this section of
the conclusion
(M) - Explain the most important reason why you have
come to this judgement; this may include reasons
why an alternative argument has been rejected (think
carefully about the situation of the business, its
finances, its aims when making this decision, the risk
involved, impact of external influences)
Remember to:
4 Embed your answer in the extract throughout
4 Convince the examiner your judgement/choice is
correct for the business; write a nice, detailed
chunky paragraph here!
4 Remember balance; you need to ensure that your
answer has clear balance in your analysis
paragraphs i.e. a pro of one option versus a pro
of the other option OR a pro of one option against
a con of the same option
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type of question

12 mark questions: “Evaluate”

• There will be one 12 mark question in each paper found in Section C only
• “Evaluate” questions assess understanding, application, analysis and evaluation
• Understanding of business and the business world is the main difference between a 9 mark question and
a 12 mark question
• Levels based marking; the level that “best fits” the answer will be awarded
The examiner is looking for:
• Accurate use of key terms; thorough knowledge and understanding of business
• An answer fully in context
• 5 interconnected strands across a maximum of two points, to award the top marks for analysis
• Balance in the analysis paragraphs
• A detailed, valid and well supported conclusion that is answering the question set directly, but also links in
other business information that would have an impact on the overall judgement

Command word Question example How to answer?

Evaluate “Evaluate whether Dave has • Define the key term in the question to demonstrate
the entrepreneurial skills knowledge and understanding from the outset of
required to make the business the answer
a success.
• Ensure you accurately demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of business concepts, issues
You should use the
and key terms accurately throughout your
information provided as
answer to gain all the marks for understanding
well as your knowledge of
business” • Link in other factors/knowledge that would be
relevant to the question in its current situation e.g.
Dave is a carpenter who makes made to measure
bedroom furniture; therefore it would be feasible
to include Ikea or other competitors in your answer
if you believe they were relevant to your argument
or judgement
Structure your answer as follows:
Define one key term that is stated in the question
Paragraph 1: Argument agreeing with the statement
On one hand Dave has the necessary skills and
experience to succeed because….. (Point) which
means ….. (Strand 1) and therefore…. (Strand 2)
resulting in…. (Strand 3)
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type of question

Command word Question example How to answer?

Paragraph 2: Counter-argument
However, it could be argued that Dave does not
possess the necessary skills to succeed because
… (Point 2) which means that….. (Strand 4) and
therefore ….. (Strand 5)
Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Use the same approach as described in the “justify”
question linked to AJIM
Ensure that additional and accurate business
information is brought into the conclusion that is
wholly relevant to the context set
Remember to start your paragraph with “Overall
I think…”
It is vital to include depend on factors, short-term/
long-term implications
Remember again to:
4 Embed your answer in the extract throughout
4 Ensure you have balance in your analytical
paragraphs
4 Convince the examiner your judgement is correct
for the business in the extract in its current
situation; bring in additional information and write
a nice, detailed chunky paragraph here!
4 Watch the time; ensure you leave sufficient time
to answer this question fully