Answering 8-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Business)

• These questions appear in Paper 3 only
• Two marks are available for knowledge, two for application, two for analysis and two for evaluation.

Suggested structure

• Key business skills are highlighted:

Step 1

Start off with a definition of the key term in the question stem This will secure some Level 1 knowledge marks and can help you focus your response

Step 2

In the next paragraph, you should start your analysis by making a strong point Support it with some relevant context from the stimulus material Quoting some data, including a calculation, or remarking on a key business feature or trend are good ways to do this Develop a chain of reasoning that develops the point logically. The X→Y→Z approach is a good way to build a coherent chain: E.g. X leads to Y which results in Z or X and Y lead to Z The best chains of analysis combine points effectively. For example: E.g. X1 and X2 lead to Y, which results in Z or X leads to Y1 and/or Y2, which results in Z or X leads to Y, which results in Z1 and/or Z2

Step 3

In the next paragraph, you need to show balance by providing a counterpoint Make a logical, relevant counterpoint. Make sure that it is relevant to the question A further chain of XYZ reasoning, with context, is also required This is particularly important in 8-mark questions, as a conclusion or recommendation is not required Evaluation marks are, instead, awarded for effective balance

Step 4

Repeat steps two and three with a further point and counterpoint