Section 3 – Long questions - 60 marks each (60% of the paper)

This section of the paper is divided into two parts. Students are required to answer one question from Part One, two questions from Part Two and one further question from either part. It is important to remember in answering this section that units one, six and seven are examinable in Part One, and units two, three, four and five are examinable in Part Two. You should spend no more than 25 minutes on each of the four questions. Use the same procedure here for answering questions as used in the ABQ above, only instead of linking or quoting your point to the text, give an example.

There are seven units on the business syllabus covered as follows:

Part One

Question 1-People in Business – questions are asked from Unit 1 (People in Business).
Question 2 – Domestic/International Environment- questions are asked from Unit 6 (Domestic Environment).
Question 3 – Domestic/ International Environment- questions are asked from Unit 7 (International Environment).

Part Two

Question 4 Managing/Enterprise - questions are asked from Unit 2 (Enterprise and Management) and Unit 3 (Managing 1).
Question 5 Managing/Business in Action - questions are asked from Unit 4 (Managing 2).
Question 6 Business in Action – questions in the past contained material from Unit 4 and Unit 5.
Question 7 Business in Action - questions are asked from Unit 5 (Business in Action).

Exam strategy and answer style

• Spend five minutes at the start of the exam. Choose the questions that you are going to answer. Spend five minutes at the end to read over your answers, checking that all sections of the paper are answered, all diagrams are labelled etc.
• Always clearly label each section, question number and parts of the question.
• Read the question carefully. Pay particular attention to what the verb in each question means. For example, define, illustrate, contrast, evaluate do not mean the same thing.

Explanation of these key verbs:

Define - explain the topic with two points.
Illustrate – state each point you are making, explain each point and give an example.
Contrast – show the differences between the two things mentioned in the question.
Evaluate – state each point you are making, explain each point and give your opinion, whether you think it is a good thing or bad thing.

• If you are asked to give your answer in the form of a report, examiners will not be able to give the marks if this is not done.
• In answering questions, state your point, explain it and link to the text for Section 2 ABQ question or give an example for Section 3 Long questions.
• Diagrams must be clearly labelled and given a heading where appropriate.
• Formulae and workings in relation to numerical questions (ratios, taxation etc) should be clearly shown. Ensure that you have a calculator.
• Take the marking scheme into account when you allocate time to each question. Allocate twice as much time on a question with 40 marks than one worth only 20 marks. Divide the total marks of each part of the question by five to see how many points the examiner expects you to write.
• Time management is essential in this exam. Poor time management can easily cost you a full grade. As a guide, ensure that you start a new question every half an hour. When revising practice questions keep this in mind. If you have not completed a question in the allocated time, leave it and begin the next question on a new page. If there is any spare time at the end of the exam, you may be able to go back and complete it.
• Attempt all questions. If running out of time, always write in 'key words'.
• Stay in the examination hall for the duration of the exam even if you have completed all the questions.

Guide to revision for the exam

When revising, always test yourself to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the topic covered through practising answers to past exam papers. This is best done by writing out the main points that you have memorised. Compare them with the points in your notes and circle any words or phrases on the original page that you have forgotten. This will improve the chances of this information being recalled in the exam. It is not too late to start. Good luck to all students sitting this exam!

Jude Walsh