Introduction to Paper 1

Paper 1- General Considerations

General information:

• Pre-released statement is given 3 months before the exam. February for May centers and August for November centers
• Pre-released statement is about 180-200 words in length which gives context and background for the business
• The statement includes additional terminology for the students to study to prepare for the exam
• Maximum of 5 hours of in-class preparation
• HL/SL have the same exam
• There are NO HL only topics on the exam

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Paper 1 Breakdown

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total marks: 30

Percentage of course: 25%- HL 35%-SL

Minutes per mark: 2 minutes*

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Section A- short answer

• Answer ALL questions

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Section B- long-answer

- Answer 1 question

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Section A Break-down

What to expect in Section A

Section A: Short answer

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This section focuses on short answer questions ranging from 2 to 6 marks.

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ALL of the questions must be answered. This section is worth 20 marks.

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There are three types of questions that appear in this section:

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1. Two mark questions: define/state
2. Four mark questions: describe/explain
3. Six mark question(s): explain/suggest/distinguish

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We will go into more depth in the following slides.

Section A: 2 mark questions

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The first two question usually asks you to state or define a key term. Each one is worth 2 marks. There could be up to three 2 mark questions in this section.

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Here are two examples:

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1. Define the term capital expenditure (line 17). [2]

2. State two types of above the line (ATL) marketing The Long Tie (TLT) uses. [2]

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Section A: 4 mark questions

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The next questions are 4 mark questions. You should be comfortable and familiar with them. They will have command terms like describe and explain. There will be two or three 4 mark questions depending on the exam.

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These questions are 2 + 2 meaning there is one mark for identification of what is being asked and another for an explanation or description of the issue.

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Here are two examples:

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1. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of The Long Tie (TLT) converting to a publicly-held company. [4]
2. Describe two sources of finance TLT could use for the purchase of their new industrial sowing machines (line 99). [4]

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Section A: 6 mark questions

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The final question is usually a 6 mark question. 6 mark questions are 3 + 3. One mark is gained for identifying what problem/issue/way is being asked for. The next mark is gained for explaining or describing the issue in depth. The final mark is for putting it into the context of the business.

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Remember, this is more marks than a 4 mark question and the length should reflect that. More depth is needed for full marks!

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Here are two examples:

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1. Explain one way in which TLT is achieving its mission statement and one way in which it is not achieving it. [6]
2. Explain one threat and one opportunity facing TLT. [6]

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Section B Break-down

What to expect in Section B

Section B: Long response

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This section focuses on 10 mark questions. You will be given two options and will choose only ONE to answer.

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Common command terms include: discuss, evaluate, recommend, or justify.

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Make sure to follow the guidelines for 10 mark questions and rubric for marking.

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Here are two examples:

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1. Discuss whether TLT should implement the new CSR program that Elijah, the CEO, has proposed. [10]
2. Recommend a new leadership style for Elijah given the ongoing issues facing TLT. [10]

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