Exam Technique

Links from GCSE

Advanced Subsidiary Business Studies builds from GCSE Business Studies. This study guide has been written so that you will be able to tackle AS Business Studies from a GCSE Business Studies background.

What are examiners looking for?

Examiners use instructions to help you to decide the length and depth of your answer.

State, define, list, outline
These key words require short, concise answers, often recall of material that you have memorised.

Explain, describe, discuss
Some reasoning or some reference to theory is needed, depending on the context.
Explaining and discussing require you to give a more detailed answer than when you are asked to ‘describe' something.

Apply
Here, you must make sure that you relate your answer to the given situation (this is always good practice in Business Studies exams).

Evaluate
You are required to provide full and detailed arguments, often ‘for' and ‘against', to show your depth of understanding.

Calculate
A numerical answer is required here.

Dos

Do answer the question.

• No credit can be given for good Business Studies knowledge that is not relevant to the question.

Do use the mark allocation to guide how much you write.

• Writing more than necessary will not result in extra marks.

Do use real-life business-based examples in your answers.

• These often help illustrate your level of knowledge.

Do write legibly.

• An examiner cannot give marks if the answer cannot be read.

Do use correct ‘business language'.

• Marks will be lost if you fail to use terms appropriately.

Don'ts

Don't fill up blank spaces on the exam paper.

• If you write too much on one question, you may run out of time to answer some of the others.

Don't contradict yourself.

• Present reasoned arguments for and against.

Don't spend too much time on a part that you find difficult.

• Exam time is limited, and you can always return to the difficult part if you have enough time at the end of the exam.