Page 363 - Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies

27: Exam technique

As the exam approaches, use the following checklist to help make sure you are
ready to do your best.

❑ Good night’s sleep – it sounds obvious but sleep is important especially the night
before an exam. You need to be alert in your exam. Otherwise you might misread
a question, or turn over too many pages and miss a question or be too tired to
remember everything you have learnt.
❑ Keep calm – if you have done your revision, you have nothing to worry about. Being
nervous is not likely to help your performance.
❑ Read and follow the instructions on the front of the paper so you know what you
have to do.
❑ Attempt every question (remember there are no optional ones) – you cannot
achieve any marks if you have written nothing down.
❑ Manage your time – don’t spend too long on the questions with only two or four
marks. Allow yourself enough time to answer the longer ones. If you don’t know the
answer to a question, move quickly on to the next if you can’t think of anything to
write. You can always go back later to answer it.
❑ Read each question carefully – make sure you have the right focus to a question.
For example, if the question asks about advantages for shareholders, don’t discuss

issues which affect the employees. If the question asks for three methods, include
three methods in your answer.
❑ Look for the command word in each question, so you can answer the question
correctly. For example, evaluation is not necessary if the command word says
‘identify’. 361
❑ Write all answers in the answer booklet – use the space provided, don’t write on
the insert of Paper 2, as this isn’t marked. If you need more space, ask the invigilator
for additional paper.
❑ Show all calculations (and formulae) – it’s easy to make a mistake copying out
the answer. If you show your method, your answer may be given some credit.
Remember as well if data is provided, there is usually a question that will require
you to use it.
❑ Write in sentences – a list of bullet points usually shows knowledge, which isn’t
enough to achieve top-level marks. You have to explain each point.
❑ Apply – base your answers on the scenario. Remember don’t just quote the
business name. Think about what it makes or sells, or the issues that this
business is facing. Use the information provided in the question and/or case
study to guide you.
❑ Aim for a balanced answer – try to include both advantages and disadvantages if
the question requires evaluation.
❑ Make a decision or recommendations if asked for one – it doesn’t usually matter
what you decide, as long as you can support your choice.
❑ Check – leave time at the end of the exam to check what you have written. Have
you attempted every question?