Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (AQA A Level Business): Revision Note

How to answer multiple choice questions

Overview

• Multiple choice questions (MCQs) make up Section A of Paper 1

• There are 15 questions, each worth 1 mark

• The 15 marks available make Section A worth 15% of the Paper 1 total

• All 15 questions must be answered — there is no choice

• Only one answer per question is allowed

• Answers are recorded by filling in a circle on the answer sheet

Question formats

• There are three types of MCQ used in AQA A Level Business

Standard multiple choice

• A question or statement is followed by four options labelled A–D

  • Only one option is correct

  • The other three options are designed to be plausible — they will often include common misconceptions or partially correct answers

True/false statement pairs

• Two numbered statements are given

  • Students must identify which combination is correct from four options

• Both statements must be evaluated independently — getting one right does not guarantee the correct answer

Data-based multiple choice

• A short data extract, table or diagram is provided

  • Students interpret or calculate from the data to select the correct answer

  • These questions often test quantitative skills — for example, reading a break-even chart, interpreting labour productivity data, or identifying a financial ratio

Top tips for success in MCQs

• Work through Section A at a steady pace

  • With 15 questions and roughly 15 minutes available, spend no more than one minute per question

• Read the question carefully before looking at the options

  • Form a rough answer in your head first, then check which option matches

• For true/false statement pair questions, assess each statement separately before looking at the options

  • Decide whether Statement 1 is true or false, then do the same for Statement 2 — this avoids being led astray by the options

• Use the process of elimination

  • Even if you are unsure of the correct answer, ruling out one or two clearly wrong options improves your chances significantly

• Watch out for qualifying words in the question, such as "most likely", "always", "never" or "best describes"

  • These are clues about what level of certainty the answer requires

• For data-based questions, write out any working in the rough space provided

  • A mental calculation under exam pressure is easy to get wrong

• If you are unsure, make your best guess and move on

  • You can return to it later if time allows

  • Never leave an MCQ blank

• When changing an answer, cross out the original circle clearly and fill in the new one