Last Minute Revision Tips - BUSS2

Our Year 12 & 13 students will be familiar with the online revision clinics which have been run by the Tutor2U team for units BUSS1 & BUSS2 over the past couple of weeks. We’ve spent some time in class looking through the transcripts of these and with each clinic running for an hour and open to all, it’s no surprise that there have been lots of questions, answers, advice and warnings given with regard to tackling the exams effectively.

As a last minute piece of revision for the BUSS2 exam, I’ve summarised the best tips for you below. Please take some time to have a look through. Take note – and good luck!

11+ mark questions:

11+ mark questions test your ability to produce an answer rich in content (knowledge) that has been applied to the case study and is well developed/explained (analysis). Finally you must reach a judgement that is justified (evaluation).

A good structure to follow is:
1. Short paragraph defining the core term in the question and showing you understand what is being asked.
2. One argument for the statement/opinion in the question, which you explain well using connectives (this means, therefore, as a result, consequently). Use four connectives to really explain the logic of your argument. Refer to specific points in the case study to help justify. Try and combine aspects of the case study, or use numbers in it to help you.
3. One argument against/for another point of view with the same approach as above)
4. A conclusion that starts with a statement that directly addresses the question e.g. I think that cashflow forecasting is not a guarantee of success because...

Avoid making lots and lots of points without explaining them well, or just using theory without relating it to the case study.

Calculations: In addition to learning the formulas I gave you on the revision sheet, make sure you know how to work out percentage increases and decreases. The Difference / The Original x 100 Connectives: A connective is a word that joins your points to show chains of analysis: Therefore … which means that ... which might lead to ... consequently … They are your best friend – use them! Time management:

Time is a huge issue in the BUSS2 exam. You need to be strict with 45 minutes on each case, 5 minutes reading time and a mark-a-minute. One tip is to only analyse one point in the 7/8 markers even if it asks for two...saves time and can still get full marks...but your point needs lots of application and analysis.

Knowledge Marks (AO1)

Ensure you define the key terms in questions. Get into this habit. A good definition will gain most of the knowledge marks so you can then concentrate on moving up the skills levels. The first level on the mark scheme is knowledge, if the examiner does not think you understand the theory he/she can’t award you the rest – but keep your definitions brief and focussed.

Application Marks (AO2)

Your answer needs to be rooted in the case study. You should use information in the case study to support your arguments.

Case Study

Use the data tables provided in the case. You will get a very good idea about the business by looking at the table of data - students often leave this or don’t use it enough.

Paragraphs

Leave gaps between your paragraphs (2 or 3 lines) so you can go back and add more information should you need to at a later stage.

Evaluation Marks (AO4)

In addition to evaluating your points as you go (using your connectives), the final paragraph should conclude and answer the question you were initially asked, giving an overall judgement. Prior to writing this, take a minute to re-read the question. Many students lose sight of what they were asked. Read the question and then make sure you answer it in your final evaluation.