IGCSEBusinessCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes7. Exam Technique7.3 Structuring Your ResponsesAnswering 12-Mark Questions

Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2018

Last exams

Answering 12-Mark Questions (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business): Revision Note

Exam code: 0450, 0986 & 0264, 0774

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

How do I answer a CIE IGCSE Business 12-mark justify question?

  • These questions only appear in Paper 2

  • You are required to use the case study evidence and develop arguments, reaching a justified conclusion or recommendation

The level of response marking grid

  • 12-mark justify responses are assessed using a marking grid

  • A mark is determined by considering how well, overall, the response demonstrate the skills of knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation

  • The examiner uses the grid to find the best fit for the response

Level

Description

3

(9-12)

Knowledge and Application

  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts using appropriate terminology in context

Analysis

  • Detailed discussion of two or more points

Evaluation

  • Well-justified recommendation

Guidance

  • A top-mark answer discusses a full range of points in detail, in context and includes a well-justified recommendation, including why alternatives were rejected

2

(5 - 8)

Knowledge and Application

  • Good knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts using appropriate terminology in context

Analysis

  • Detailed discussion of at least one point

Evaluation

  • Judgement with some justification / some evaluation of the choice made

1

(1-4)

Knowledge and Application

  • Limited knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts in context

Analysis

  • Limited ability to discuss the points with little or no explanation

Evaluation

  • Simple judgement with limited justification or a limited evaluation of choice made

0

There is no creditable response.

Example

  • The response below would achieve 12 marks as it

    • Discusses a full range of points in detail, in context

    • It includes a well-justified recommendation, explaining why alternatives were rejected

Consider the following three problems for SSM when entering markets in other countries:

  • Cultural differences

  • Lack of knowledge

  • Import restrictions

Which problem is likely to have the most effect on SSM? Justify your answer.

Coloured tabs displaying words: "Knowledge" on yellow, "Application" on blue, "Analysis" on pink, and "Evaluation" on green.
Text analysis on challenges for SSM, highlighting soap powder's cultural differences, import restrictions, tariffs, and inflation's effect on profit margins.
SSM lacks foreign market experience, impacting strategy, relationships, and expansion. Knowledge gaps pose the greatest challenge in international growth.

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Previous:Answering 8-Mark Questions
    Author
    Reviewer
    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

    Reviewer: 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.