GCSE Business Studies
Exam Answering Techniques
Know the rules. Score the marks.
Command words
State / Identify
Just name it — no explanation needed
Define
Give a clear, precise meaning
Outline
Brief explanation, one or two points
Explain
Give a point and say why / how it matters
Analyse
Chain of reasoning — cause and effect
Evaluate / Discuss
Both sides + a justified conclusion
PEEL structure — explain, analyse & evaluate
P
Point
Make your argument clearly
E
Evidence
Back it up with a fact, figure, or example
E
Explain
Why does this matter to the business?
L
Link
Connect back to the question
The analyse chain
Point
→
Because…
→
Therefore…
→
This means…
"Raising the minimum wage increases labour costs because the business pays each worker more. Therefore profit margins may fall, which means the business might reduce staff hours to compensate."
Evaluate questions — always conclude
"Overall, the most significant factor is… because…"
"On balance, I would argue… as…"
"It depends on… however, in this case…"
Don't sit on the fence — pick a side and back it up with context from the question.
Context is king
👑
Always refer back to the business in the question. Generic answers score lower. If the question is about a small bakery, say "Maya's Bakery" — not just "the business".
Mark allocation = time allocation
| 1–2 |
State or define. No explanation needed. State |
| 3–4 |
One developed point with explanation |
| 6 |
Two well-explained points Analyse |
| 9–12 |
Full analysis + balance + conclusion Evaluate |