Objective AO1 AO2 AO3 AO4

Key Word Knowledge Application Analysis Evaluation

What does this mean? Ensuring you are using the right theory, definitions and formulas in your answer. This skill requires you to answer the question in context of the given case study. This skill requires you to explain the theory and analyse the consequence on the point you are making. This skill requires you to weigh up your arguments and reach a conclusion. You need to make a clear final judgment which is fully justified. Remember if the question has a * your quality of written communication is being marked!

Chains of Analysis Linking Phrases: This means that, As a consequence, Therefore, As a result, Furthermore, Thus, Consequently, Hence, Because of this, Evaluative Comments: Key sentence starters: On balance, In conclusion, Most significantly, Overall, On the whole

How to show good application (AO2): Quoting the case study information you have been given, e.g./ Since they are a new business The information states there are 7000 competitors Discussing the nature of the business as this business is seasonal, this is particularly important As their product is likely to be given as a birthday present, on time delivery is crucial As a high-tech product, staff knowledge will be key, As this is a luxury product, they should not decrease prices as this would damage their brand image. Discussing the nature of the market they operate in, i.e./ is it highly competitive? Is it online?

3 Mark Model Answers A question which does not require application:

Explain the benefit to a business of improved worker motivation (3 (AO1 = 1 Mark AO3 = 2 Marks). More motivated workers can help increase productivity (1 mark/AO1). Therefore output per employee will increase (1 mark/AO3). This leads to unit costs falling (1 mark/AO3).

A question that does require application:

Explain one reason why a strong brand might be important to Apple (3). Branding allows Apple to differentiate its products in the market (1 mark/AO1). This makes its products, such as the iPod; stand out from its competitors who make cheaper MP3 players (1 mark/AO2) and this can lead to an increase in sales (1 mark/AO3).

Remember a mark a minute!!

In your exam you are most likely to get either 1 mark, 2 mark, 3 mark, 6 mark, 8 mark or 10 mark questions. What these questions require all depends on the wording of the question so it is really important you understand the language of the exam paper. Use this table to help you Question Identify State Describe Explain Analyse What does this require? Only requires a short phrase or sentence. This question is only testing knowledge and understanding (AO1). You may have to extract information from a context. Usually only requires a one worded answer. Testing knowledge (AO1).

GCSE Marking Codes

a) b) c)
d)

e)
Give the main characteristics of a topic or issue (AO1, AO2, AO3). Describe the issue, term, giving reasons, consequences or features. Use at 3 chains of analysis for a 3 marker (AO1, AO2, AO3) Break down the topic or issue into manageable parts to help explain what is going on, how something works, what relationships may exist and the assumptions that could be made. Again explain consequences and features (AO1, AO2, AO3) Analyse both sides of the argument and offer a judgment on the importance, significance, relevance and value of something with reasons why you have made such a judgment (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4). Similar to assess This question is requiring you to make a judgment which requires support and reasons to be given for the judgment (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4).

f) g) h)
i)

Assess

j)

Do you think

k) l) m)

What is the most important..

To what extent

This question also requires you to make a judgment. Create a balanced argument explaining why one factor is more important than the other and why (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4).
Is the issue very, very important/significant, quite important/significant, moderately important significant, not very significant/important al all and why. You have to create analysis judging the extent and then make a judgment on the extent and justify why (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4). Look at both sides of the argument and arrive at a judgment with support for your reasoning (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4). Offer support and reasons for the judgment you have made. Make clear why you have made this judgment (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4). A report might consist of advantages and disadvantages, key features, summaries and judgments about the value of one option against others (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4).

n)

Evaluate Justify Write a report

o) p)

q)

Very good subject knowledge (AO1) Good application to the case study (AO2) Good extended chains of analysis in your question. (AO3) Good conclusion with strong evaluative comments. Your have made a clear final judgment which is fully justified. (AO4) Ensure you learn all subject knowledge correctly. (AO1) Revise key terms on a regular basis. (AO1) Create a key terms glossary (AO1) Make sure you include more key business terminology in your answer (AO1) Ensure you apply your answer to the question; this involves supporting your answer with relevant points relating to the case/business. (AO2) Your answer is not detailed enough, extend through explaining your point thoroughly. Think why? Or how will this relate the business overall? (AO3) You were nearly there! Extent by one more chain of analysis. (AO3) Ensure you create a balanced argument looking at points for and against the question. (AO3) This question required an evaluation. You need to make a clear final judgment on which side you agree on and fully justify your reason why. (AO4) A good clear judgment but why did you decide on this factor in particular? Fully justify using your previous analysis. (AO4) Make your final judgment and justification clearer. (AO4) Improve your time management. Complete past papers in timed conditions at home Come to Business Studies Drop in next Tuesday to go through your answer with your teacher.