IGCSE Business Studies Assessment Criteria
A01 Knowledge
Include definitions of key terms to show the examiner that you have studied that topic
E.g. if the question mentions a sole trader, referring to the definition or characteristics of a sole trader
A02 Application
Referring to the business context in your answers (small, large, retailer, sells shoes, has a lot of capital, is LTD)
Underline the key words specific to the business as you read the case study.
Always go back and review the information about the business before answering each question
If the case study is about a small business, take that into account rather than talking about just any business
Application is required if the question mentions a specific business name or type of business
E.g. In a question about a restaurant, referring to staff as cooks or waiting staff, rather than employees.
A03 Analysis
Explaining the impact of a problem or an issue on the business.
Positives (advantages) and negatives (disadvantages)
Using ‘which means…’, ‘because of this…’, ‘as a result of this…’, ‘and so…’ to explain your point
8 and 12 mark questions require further/deeper analysis (use the above language)
Choose pros/cons that apply rather than just listing all of the pros and cons.
E.g. If the case study mentions that an entrepreneur likes to make their own decisions, you could say, ‘if the company
becomes a PLC, by selling shares they will lose control of their business’ as this is more relevant to that situation.
A04 Evaluation
Making a business decision and justifying why you have made that decision.
Explaining why one option is better than the other option.
You could also refer to the business objectives, if for example option B will connect closely to what the business
wants to achieve in the long-term
E.g. ‘Although option A has a lower short term cost, option B will rapidly increase revenue and allow greater
profitability in the long term’.
2 mark questions: definitions, examples, explanation not usually required
4 mark questions: more explanation, application and/or examples
6 mark question: Definition, 1 pro (advantage) and one con (disadvantage) OR definition, yes because, no because,
OR option 1 is good because…. however…. Option 2 is good because……. however……. usually with a conclusion if
asked to make a choice or justify
8/12 mark questions: Same as 6 mark but with a more detailed analysis / explanation
