Timing
Paper 1 lasts 90 minutes and has a total of 80 marks. That means you have got roughly one minute per mark. Aim to spend a maximum of eight minutes on the eight mark part ‘A’ questions and twelve minutes on the twelve mark part ‘B’ questions.
Structure
There are four questions in total on paper 2. Usually, each question is split into two, with an eight mark part ‘A’ question and a twelve mark part ‘B’ question.
| Question | Marks | Command Words |
| A | 8 | Explain |
| B | 12 | Consider Justify |
| Total | 20 |
Exam Strategy
The biggest difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2 is the allocation of marks for knowledge, analysis and evaluation. Paper 2 has less focus on assessing knowledge and has a higher allocation of marks for analysis and evaluation.
Instead of four small “mini” case studies, you will receive a separate booklet with a longer case study about one fictional business.
Therefore, allow yourself around 5 – 10 minutes to read the case study and underline the key points before you start answering questions. You can also have a quick look at the questions so you know what to focus on when reading the case study.
It can be helpful to have a mental checklist of questions you ask in every case study. For example:
“What are the business’s objectives?”
“What is the size of the business?”
“Is the business in a growth market?”
This will enable greater focus on the most important issues facing the business and lead you to refer to the case study throughout your answers.
You will usually have at least one question where you will be asked to analyse financial information using calculations and make a decision, often between two options for a new product or service. Many students find calculation questions more challenging and time consuming, so you may prefer to complete this question last.
| ⭐⭐⭐Top Tip Paper 2 ⭐⭐⭐ Remember to keep referring to the case study in your answers. As students reach the final questions, they often forget to apply their answers to the case study and miss out on vital marks. |
