Page 345 - Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies

27 Exam technique

Now you have learned about all the concepts and terms, you need to be able
to use your knowledge to help you answer a series of questions in your final
exams. Remember the final exams are simply looking to find out what you know
and can do.

This chapter will help you understand how you will be assessed. As well as looking at
the type of questions you could be asked, there are sample answers and guidance to
show you how to approach each question. There is also advice to help you manage

your revision to be as effective as possible.

The layout of the exam

Th ere are two compulsory papers for the Cambridge IGCSE examination. For each
paper, there are 80 marks available. You should try to attempt all the questions on
each paper. If not, you are limiting the number of possible marks you can gain.
Both papers are equally important so you need to try your best in both papers if
you want to do well.

The questions for either paper can be taken from any topic listed in the syllabus
content, so you need to allow time to learn and revise everything. Every topic
covers a range of issues, so be prepared for similar topics appearing on both papers
in the same session.
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Paper 1 – short answer/structured response questions

This paper consists of short answer questions that are used to test your detailed

knowledge and understanding of the concepts. The paper is split into four

compulsory questions, and each question has five parts to it.
Each question starts with a simple business situation. Questions are usually
based on the scenario but some questions can sometimes refer to general
business issues.
Questions are awarded either 2, 4 or 6 marks each. Part (a) and (b) questions

are both worth 2 marks each. These usually assess knowledge or application. For

example you could be asked to define a term or calculate a simple ratio. Part (c)
questions are worth 4 marks and (d) questions are worth 6 marks. Both could
ask you to demonstrate application and/or analysis to be shown, in addition to

knowledge. Th e difference between (c) and (d) is the level of detail needed to be

shown. Part (e) is worth 6 marks. This is the only question on Paper 1 in which
evaluation is assessed.
Paper 2 – case study
A case study is designed to test how well you can apply all your knowledge and
understanding to a realistic scenario. You need to look at and analyse the issues
faced, and make suitable recommendations as to what this particular business
should do.