Paper 2: Building a Business (Edexcel GCSE Business): Revision Note

What is examined in the Edexcel GCSE Business Paper 2?

• This exam paper is focused on Theme 2: Building a Business

• The paper's duration is 90 minutes

• The total number of marks available is 90, representing 50% of the qualification

• The paper combines multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation, analysis and evaluation questions, often supported by extracts, data or case studies

• You must answer all questions

Structure of the Paper

• The exam is divided into three sections (A, B and C)

• Each section builds in demand, testing knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation skills

Section A: MCQ and short-answer questions

• This section totals 35 marks

• The main skills tested are recall, basic application, simple calculations and short analysis

• Types of tasks include

  • Multiple-choice questions, worth 1-2 marks each, involving selection of correct terms or definitions

  • Simple calculations, worth 2 marks, requiring clear workings and correct application of formulae

  • Short explanations, worth 3 marks, that usually require a valid knowledge point, followed by a suitable development

  • Mini-discussions, worth 6 marks, that usually require chains of analysis and a simple judgement

Section B: Case study-based questions

• This section totals 30 marks

• The main skills tested are application to context, quantitative skills, structured analysis and justification

• Questions are based on a real-world style case study

• You are required to apply knowledge directly to the case and develop these points within the context

• Question styles include:

  • Application questions, worth 2 marks that require you to outline a point by linking it to the case study

  • Analysis questions, worth 6 marks that require you to develop chains of analysis using the case study to support your points

  • Justify questions, worth 9 marks, that require you to choose between options and justify which is better, within context

Section C: Extended case study and evaluation

• This section totals 25 marks

• The main skills tested are higher-order thinking, evaluation, balancing arguments and making supported judgements using context and evidence

• Questions are based on a longer case study and require evaluative responses

• Question styles include:

  • Short responses, worth 1 or 2 marks, that require you to state or identify one or more point

  • Analysis questions, worth 6 marks that require you to develop chains of analysis using the case study to support your points

  • Justify questions, worth 9 marks, that require you to choose between options and justify which is better, within context

  • Evaluate questions, worth 12 marks, that ask you to provide a balanced argument and a fully developed judgement