Dummies Guide to Business Studies Exam Technique
Identify question (1 mark per point)
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Full sentences not required. Single word answers can be given.
Outline/Define question (2 marks)
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Give a definition, which makes two connected points if possible. + Give an example too, in order to guarantee the 2 marks, as the criteria for the definition is sometimes quite strict.
Describe question (3 marks)
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Either; A - Treat this as an explain question (make 1 point followed by 2 chains of argument
– see below)
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Or B – Make 2 different points & include 1 chain of argument for one of the points (as a
result...)
Explain question NOT based on a case study (3 marks)
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Make your point + give at least 2 chains of argument (eg, therefore....as a result.....)
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Example: Improved motivation leads to lower staff turnover because staff are happier in their roles (point). This leads to more productive workers, which would consequently reduce costs and therefore allow the company to consider reducing prices.
Explain question WITH a case study (3 marks)
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Make your point + 2 chains of argument AND specific reference to the business
(APPLICATION – NB, don’t just include the company name!).
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Example: A survey helps Apple to identify customer needs (your point), as a result, Apple would be better able to differentiate its iPhone to help it stay ahead of competitors such as
Samsung (application AND analysis), in order to maintain customer loyalty and repeat purchases (analysis).
How to get Application marks:
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In general, students find this difficult, so it’s a great opportunity to get a competitive advantage over others!! Refer to the context of the business, for example, the types of products/services it makes, the strengths/weaknesses of the business, it’s size, the types of competitors it might have, the challenges it is likely to face. Don’t just write out the business name, anyone can do that. Say something specific about the business, which builds on (but doesn’t repeat) what you are told in the case study.

Extended Answer Questions
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These take careful planning before attempting. It is crucial that you understand what the question is asking, so that your points/factors are relevant & help you attack the question with confidence.
Discuss Questions (6 Marks)
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These questions require a consideration of the ‘extent’ to which you agree with the question.
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Pick 2 factors to use as the basis of your answer, which give a balanced answer to the question.
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For example; Discuss the importance of pay to increase worker motivation. Your 2 reasons might be: o Yes I think wages are important because workers need money to fulfil their basic needs (refer to Maslows hierarchy of needs) o No wages aren’t an important motivator, because people need to enjoy the job to feel motivated.
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For each factor simply stick to the explain guidance on page 1, ie, make your point + at least
2 chains of argument (analysis) + specific reference to the business throughout the answer
(application).
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Reach a judgement in the final paragraph which takes AIM at the question: o Answers the question o Uses the It depends rule o Justifies the Most important factor
Assess questions (8 - 10 marks)
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Give a balanced view of whatever the question asks Eg, the benefits/advantages AND drawbacks/disadvantages. o Pick 1 factor in support of the question, 1 factor against. More if you feel confident you have the time to do so but 2 balanced points will get you full marks if you analyse & apply your point with 2 chains of argument.
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PLAN YOUR FACTORS BEFORE STARTING THE QUESTION
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Write 3 separate paragraphs
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For each factor simply stick to the explain guidance on page 1, ie, make your point + at least
2 chains of argument (analysis) + specific reference to the business throughout the answer
(application)
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Include a counter argument at the end of each factor using terms such as; however, although etc (evaluation).
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Reach a judgement in the final paragraph which takes AIM at the question: o Answers the question o Uses the It depends rule o Justifies the Most important factor