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Unlock This CoursePaper 2 is your chance to show off everything you've learned in IGCSE Business Studies. This paper tests your ability to analyse real business situations, evaluate different options and make informed decisions. Unlike Paper 1's short answers, Paper 2 requires longer, more detailed responses that demonstrate your understanding of business concepts in action.
Key Definitions:
Paper 2 lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 80 marks. It contains one compulsory case study with 6-8 questions of varying lengths. Questions progress from simple recall to complex evaluation, testing your ability to apply business knowledge to real situations.
Success in Paper 2 depends on understanding what each question is asking you to do. Different command words require different approaches and levels of detail.
Each command word has a specific meaning that determines how you should structure your answer. Misunderstanding these can cost you valuable marks.
Give a clear, precise meaning. Usually worth 1-2 marks. Keep it short and accurate.
Break down information, examine relationships and explain causes and effects. Show your working and reasoning.
Weigh up advantages and disadvantages, make judgements and reach a supported conclusion. The highest-level skill.
Always underline the command word in each question. This simple technique helps you focus on what's actually being asked and prevents you from writing irrelevant content that won't earn marks.
Successful Paper 2 preparation requires more than just memorising facts. You need to practice applying your knowledge to unfamiliar business situations and develop your analytical thinking skills.
Use this systematic approach to tackle any business case study effectively:
Make your main argument or statement clearly. This should directly answer the question asked.
Explain why your point is valid using business theory and concepts you've learned.
Use evidence from the case study or your own business knowledge to support your reasoning.
Link back to the question and summarise how your evidence supports your argument.
With 90 minutes for Paper 2, effective time management is crucial. You need to balance thorough analysis with completing all questions within the time limit.
Spend roughly 1 minute per mark available. A 6-mark question deserves about 6 minutes. Always leave 5 minutes at the end for checking your work and adding any missed points.
Don't rush into writing immediately. Effective preparation saves time and improves your answers.
Read the entire case study once to understand the business situation and context.
Read all questions and underline command words. Note mark allocations for each part.
Re-read the case study, highlighting information relevant to specific questions.
TechStart Ltd is a small software company facing rapid growth. They need to decide between expanding their current office or relocating to a larger premises. The decision involves considering costs, employee satisfaction, customer access and future growth potential. This type of scenario tests your ability to analyse multiple factors and make justified recommendations.
Evaluation questions are worth the most marks but require the highest level of thinking. You need to consider multiple perspectives and reach a balanced conclusion.
Structure your evaluation answers using this proven approach to ensure you cover all necessary elements.
Identify and explain the positive aspects of the business decision or strategy. Use specific examples from the case study to support your points.
Consider the negative consequences or limitations. Think about costs, risks and potential problems that might arise.
Consider how different groups (customers, employees, shareholders, community) might be affected by the decision.
Make a clear recommendation based on your analysis. Explain why the advantages outweigh disadvantages (or vice versa).
Learning from typical errors can significantly improve your Paper 2 performance. These mistakes are easily avoided with proper preparation and awareness.
Always relate your answers to the specific business in the case study. Avoid writing general business theory without application.
Consider the business size, industry and situation. A solution for a large corporation might not suit a small family business.
Don't just list points. Make clear judgements and explain your reasoning for evaluation questions.
Arrive early and bring spare pens. Read instructions carefully and check you're answering the right number of questions. If you finish early, use the time to add detail to your evaluation answers - these carry the most marks and benefit from additional supporting evidence.