Answering 6-Mark Questions (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business): Revision Note

How do I answer a CIE IGCSE Business 6-mark 'explain' question?

Guidance

• In 6-mark explain questions, you achieve your marks as follows:

  • 1 mark for each valid knowledge point [K]—up to a maximum of two

  • 1 mark for relevant application [Ap] made on each point — up to a maximum of two

  • 1 mark for the relevant analytical development [An] of each point — up to a maximum of two

• You must support points with relevant evidence and develop chains of reasoning to develop your points

Example

• Question samples

  • Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Oscar using leaflets to advertise his business

  • Explain two advantages to Raul’s business of selling direct to a manufacturer

• The response below would achieve 6 marks as it

  • Clearly sets out two advantages, with specific references to the business

  • Develops strong chains of reasoning, including relations and how/why points are linked

Raul owns a small farm that grows oranges. His farm is based in country Z. Like all primary sector activities, farming creates external costs and external benefits. Raul sells all 600 tonnes of his oranges directly to a drinks manufacturer in country E. The government of country E plans to introduce either import tariffs or quotas. Raul said: ‘This might help country E’s Government achieve one of its economic objectives but how will it affect companies that export to country E?’ Explain two advantages to Raul’s business of selling direct to a manufacturer.

How do I answer a CIE IGCSE Business 6-mark 'justify' question?

• 6-mark justify questions require you to weigh up contrasting points and make a decision

• These questions do not require you to refer to the case study

• Your marks are awarded as follows:

  • 2 marks for knowledge [K}

  • 2 marks for analysis [An]

  • 2 marks for evaluation [Ev]

Example

• Question samples

  • Do you think the advantages of introducing new production technology are always greater than the disadvantages? Justify your answer.

  • Do you think the benefits to a country of a country hosting a multinational company are greater than the drawbacks? Justify your answer.

• The response below would achieve 6 marks as it

  • Clearly weighs up both the advantages and disadvantages

  • Develops strong chains of reasoning, including relations and how/why points are linked

  • Draws a conclusion, with clear justification

Do you think it is always better for a start-up business to use primary market research, rather than secondary market research, when making decisions? Justify your answer.