Answering 8-Mark Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Business)

Exam board Cambridge International · IGCSEUpdated 2025-09-11

How do I answer a CIE IGCSE Business 8-mark explain question?

'Explain' questions can be asked in one of three different ways
Each type of question requires a slightly different response from you in order to score full marks

Example 1

Question samples
- Explain two ways Gino could increase the number of customers
- Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of TT using environmentally friendly packaging for its products

Guidance

When asked to explain two points, or an advantage and disadvantage:
- You receive 1 mark for each valid knowledge [K] point (max. 2)
- You receive up to three marks for the analytical development [An] of each point
  - One of your points must be applied to the context of the question to receive application [Ap]
The response below would achieve 8 marks as it
- Clearly sets out two ways to increase customers, with specific references to the business
- Develops strong chains of reasoning, including relations and how/why points are linked

Gino owns a fast-food restaurant selling fried chicken and potato fries. He employs 5 full-time chefs and 12 part-time workers to serve the food. Communication is important, and Gino has regular meetings with his part-time employees to keep them informed about any changes to the menu. It took 3 years before Gino’s business was able to break-even. He aims to achieve a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 10%. Gino is always looking for ways to increase the number of customers. Inflation may be a problem for Gino’s business.

Explain two ways Gino could increase the number of customers.

The image features the words "Knowledge," "Application," and "Analysis" on pastel yellow, blue, and pink backgrounds, respectively.

Handwritten business advice on boosting customers, using highlighted keywords: advertise, social media, promotional pricing, two dishes for the price of one.

Example 2

Question samples
- Explain four ways Yasin can advertise MB’s products
- Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of TT being a private limited company.

Guidance

These require you to make four valid points that are supported by information from the case study
- Each valid point is awarded a knowledge [K] marks , up to maximum of four marks
- When a point includes a reference to the case study, a further mark is awarded for application [Ap], up to maximum of four marks
The response below would achieve 8 marks as it
- Clearly sets out four ways to advertise, each with specific references to the business

MB is a small bakery that produces bread. Yasin started the bakery 6 months ago with help from the government. Market research was carried out by Yasin. He asked a small sample of family and friends to fill in a questionnaire.

MB’s bread is freshly-made every day in the bakery, which is located at the back of MB’s small town centre shop. The bread is then sold the same day.

Yasin needs to keep costs low to be competitive. He buys the cheapest ingredients, most of which are imported, and uses packaging that cannot be recycled.

MB’s main competitors advertise that they only use ingredients from local suppliers. Yasin is thinking of changing the suppliers he uses for ingredients and packaging. He wants MB to have a good ethical image which he could use in advertising.

Explain four ways Yasin can advertise MB’s products.

Yellow "Knowledge" next to blue "Application" text, each with handwritten font.

Text outlines advertising methods for Yasin's bakery with highlights on local newspapers, online websites, leaflets, and billboards for promoting bread.

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