Park College Business Studies teacher Jude Walsh looks at the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Business paper.

The Leaving Certificate Higher Level Business exam lasts for three hours (total marks 400). The paper is divided into three separate sections as follows:

Section 1 – Shot answer questions – 80 marks (20% of the paper)

This section is COMPULSORY. This section should be attempted first in the exam. It consists of ten questions, taken from all the units of the course, each worth ten marks. Students are required to answer eight of these. You should try all ten as you are marked out of the best eight. It is important to remember that for each short question you are required to give two points of information (unless you are specifically told otherwise in the question). Your first point should be a definition and a fully explained example can make an excellent second point. If there are numerical questions (ratio analysis, taxation, etc), ensure your workings are clearly shown in the space provided. Always read the question carefully to ensure that you understand what is being asked. The time allocation on this section is 30 minutes or just under four minutes per question. To revise over this section, examine papers from previous years (1999 – 2006). It will become evident that often the same question is repeated over the years, e.g. 'memos', 'arbitration and conciliation', 'abbreviations', etc.

Section 2 –Applied business question (ABQ)– 80 marks (20% of the paper)

This section is COMPULSORY. This section should be attempted next in the exam, when you are fresh. It is the only section of the paper where you have no choice. It comprises a text detailing a business-type scenario and the questions are based on the information in the text. In general, there are three questions based on the scenario, each worth varying marks. You must answer all three questions. For the 2007 exam, students will be examined on units 5, 6 and 7 of the course. You need to know these units really well. However, this is a huge advantage, as these units form a lot of Section 3 of the paper and could possibly count for an additional 30 to 45 per cent of the exam. You have a maximum of 36 minutes on this question (six minutes to read the text, underline and jot down points and 30 minutes to write your answer). In answering this section, always read the questions first. This will allow you to identify what chapters are being asked from the above units. Next read the text of the ABQ. When reading, underline or highlight the main points associated with each question. Answer each question as follows:

• Divide the total marks of each part of the question by five to see how many points the examiner expects you to write.
• State the point you are making.
• Explain the point you are making.
• Link or quote from the text to back up the point you are making, even if you are not requested to do so. It is a good idea to use a different coloured pen to make your quotes stand out.

For example:

If asked a question on the advantages of international trade (20 marks), state the first advantage, explain what it is and take a quote from the text to back up this point. Repeat this procedure for the next three advantages. Types of business forms are frequently examined in this question. Ensure you know the advantages and disadvantages of each form. Ensure that your material follows a logical sequence and is kept brief.