Answering 10-Mark Questions (Edexcel A Level Business)

Revision Note

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

How Do I Answer an Edexcel A Level Business 10-Mark Question?

  • These questions appear in all three exam papers

  • Two marks are available for knowledge, two for application, three for analysis and three for evaluation.

Suggested structure

  • Key business skills are highlighted

Text depicts four words: Knowledge, Application, Analysis, Evaluation on colourful pastel backgrounds.

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

screenshot-2024-05-03-171051

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

screenshot-2024-05-03-171059

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 stem

    • A further chain of XYZ reasoning, with context, is also required

Text highlighting a fashion retail strategy, with annotations. Phrases are colour-coded to emphasise counterpoints and reasoning chains, focusing on stock levels.

Step 4

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

Annotated text analysis of Zara's logistics with highlights for points, context, reasoning, and counterpoints. Comments on the right evaluate the writing.

Step 5

In the final paragraph, you need to make a supported judgement

  • This should be the most developed section of your response

    • Weigh up both of your arguments, considering their strength and relevance

    • A decision is required, along with the main reasons for your choice, such as:

      • Are there any context-specific reasons for your choice?

      • Do you have all of the information required?

      • Does your answer depend on any factors?

      • Might your decision be different in the long term?

Text about Zara’s success using just-in-time, highlighting its fashion appeal, frequent shopping, and global scale. Coloured annotations provide analysis and context.

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

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

Author: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

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.