Show Questions (AQA A Level Business): Revision Note

How to answer 'show' or 'complete' questions

• These questions occasionally appear in Section B of Paper 1

  • They are worth 2–4 marks each

  • They require you to complete a diagram, chart or graph by adding lines, labels or values, rather than writing a prose answer

  • They test whether you can interpret data and apply it accurately in a visual format

• Different types of diagram can appear in this question format

Common examples

Inventory control charts

• A partially completed inventory chart is provided

  • You are given additional information — for example, a new reorder quantity, a change in daily demand, or a new lead time

  • You must draw the continuation of the inventory line accurately onto the chart, reflecting the new information given

• Marks are awarded for correctly plotting:

  • The rate at which inventory is used (the slope of the line)

  • The reorder level and reorder quantity (the height at which the line restarts)

  • The timing of deliveries (where the line jumps back up)

Break-even charts

• A partially completed or blank break-even chart may be provided

  • You may be asked to add a line (e.g. a new total revenue or total cost line following a price or cost change), label a point or identify a value from the chart

  • Marks are awarded for accuracy of position and correct labelling

How marks are awarded

• Marks are awarded for each correctly plotted element — typically one mark per feature

  • A line drawn at the wrong slope, wrong height or wrong position will not score that mark, even if the rest of the diagram is correct

  • Neatness matters: lines should be ruled where straight lines are required, and should be clearly distinguishable from existing lines on the chart

How to approach these questions

Step 1 — Read the additional information carefully

• All the data needed to complete the diagram is given in the question

• Identify exactly what has changed — for example, a new reorder quantity, a different rate of daily usage, or a changed delivery time.

Step 2 — Work out the values before drawing

• Calculate the key figures (e.g. how many units per day will be used, what level inventory will reach before reorder) before putting pen to paper

• Writing rough working in the margin reduces the risk of drawing a line at the wrong angle or height.

Step 3 — Draw clearly and accurately

• Use a ruler for straight lines

• Start each line from the correct point on the chart — not from where it seems roughly right

• If the question asks for multiple changes, complete them one at a time

Step 4 — Check against the information given

• Once drawn, re-read the question and check that every piece of information provided has been reflected in the diagram.

Common mistakes

• Drawing a line that continues at the same rate as before, rather than reflecting the changed daily usage figure

• Misreading the scale on the vertical axis, leading to lines drawn at the wrong height

• Plotting the reorder quantity from the wrong starting point on the chart

• Drawing freehand curved lines where a straight ruled line is needed

• Forgetting to apply all the changes — the question often gives two separate pieces of new information, both of which must be reflected

Top tips for success in 'show' and 'complete' questions

• Read the question twice before touching the diagram

  • These questions often give two separate pieces of new information, and missing one will cost marks

• Work out the numbers on paper first

  • E.g. For an inventory chart, calculate exactly how many units will be used per day and where the line should restart after delivery — then draw

• Always use a ruler

  • A wobbly freehand line through the correct point will still score the mark, but an inaccurate line will not — precision matters more than appearance

• Check the scale of the axes before drawing

  • A line that looks right visually may be plotted at the wrong value if you have misread the scale

• These questions are worth 2–4 marks and should take no more than four or five minutes

  • Do not overthink them — all the information needed is in the question