IGCSE Business: Exam Papers
Master the structure, timing, and question types for both papers — so you know exactly what to expect and how to score maximum marks.
The Big Picture
The CIE IGCSE Business qualification is tested across two equally weighted papers, each worth 80 marks (50% of your grade). Together they give you 160 marks total.
✓ Key Fact: Both papers are 90 minutes long and test different skills. Paper 1 focuses on knowledge and quick analysis. Paper 2 requires deeper business reasoning using a case study.
The Split
- Paper 1: Short Answer & Data Response — knowledge, quick calculations, and analysis
- Paper 2: Case Study — contextual business decision-making with provided data
💡 Remember: You must answer all questions on both papers. There is no choice — so learn the entire syllabus.
Paper 1: Short Answer & Data Response
Overview
Duration: 90 minutes | Total marks: 80 | Number of questions: 4
This paper tests your ability to recall knowledge, perform calculations, and provide quick analysis. Each question is independent — you don't carry context between them like you do on Paper 2.
Structure: Each of the 4 questions has 5 parts (a, b, c, d, e) with a total of 20 marks per question. This breaks down as: 2 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 20 marks.
Parts (a) and (b) — 2 marks each
What to expect: Two separate 2-mark questions in each question. You'll be asked to do ONE of the following:
- Define a key business term — e.g., "Define cash flow"
- Perform a simple calculation — e.g., "Calculate profit margin if profit is £50,000 and revenue is £200,000"
- State or identify two factors — e.g., "State two factors that affect demand"
⏱️ Time tip: These are quick marks. Spend no more than 2–3 minutes per part. A definition should be one sentence. A calculation should show working. Two factors can be listed as bullet points.
Example 2-mark question (Definition):
Define the term "break-even point".
Example 2-mark question (Simple calculation):
A business has fixed costs of £10,000 and variable costs of £5 per unit. If it sells 2,000 units at £8 each, calculate the total revenue.
Part (c) — 4 marks
What to expect: A slightly deeper question requiring ONE of the following:
- Outline two factors — briefly explain two points (not deep analysis, just outlined)
- Perform a multi-stage calculation — e.g., calculate profit using multiple steps
- State or identify four factors — list four separate points
📝 Writing tip: "Outline" means explain briefly — 2–3 sentences per factor. Don't go into deep analysis yet (that's for Part d). Show your calculation working clearly so you get method marks even if your final answer is wrong.
Example 4-mark question (Outline two factors):
Outline two factors that might affect a company's decision to locate a new factory in a developing country rather than in the UK.
Part (d) — 6 marks (Explain question)
What to expect: A deeper analysis question asking you to explain either:
- Two advantages AND two disadvantages of a given business issue, OR
- Two reasons, ways, or impacts of a given issue
Key difference from Part c: "Outline" (Part c) is brief description. "Explain" (Part d) is deeper — you must link each point to the business context and explain why it matters.
Mark allocation for a 6-mark explain question:
💡 Explain vs. Outline:
Outline:
Explain:
Example 6-mark explain question:
Paper 2: Case Study