Answering 8-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Business)

Revision Note

How Do I Answer an Edexcel A Level Business 8-Mark Question?

  • 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:

Highlighted text defines flexible working as arrangements varying work's amount, timing, or location for mutual benefit. Side note: strong definition.

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

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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

Text discusses the benefits of part-time staffing at The Wonky Table, highlighting flexible scheduling. Coloured highlights and marginal comments offer analysis.

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

Text discusses flexible working in a restaurant, highlighting benefits and limitations. Colour-highlighting categorises points, examples, and context links.

Step 4

  • Repeat steps two and three with a further point and counterpoint

screenshot-2024-05-01-151324

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

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Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

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Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.