5-3-5-answering-20-mark-questions

Step 1

• Start off by defining the key terms in the question stem, likely to be the two options

  • This will secure some Level 1 knowledge marks and can help you focus your response

Step 2

• In the next paragraph, you should start your analysis by making a strong point

  • Support it with some relevant context from the stimulus material

    • Quoting some data, including a calculation, or remarking on a key business feature or trend are good ways to do this

  • Develop a chain of reasoning that develops the point logically. The X→Y→Z approach is a good way to build a coherent chain:

    • E.g. X leads to Y which results in Z or X and Y lead to Z

  • The best chains of analysis combine points effectively. For example:

    • E.g. X₁ and X₂ lead to Y, which results in Z or X leads to Y₁ and/or Y₂, which results in Z or X leads to Y, which results in Z₁ and/or Z₂

Step 3

• In the next paragraph, make a second relevant point for the first option

• Again, ensure that you include some context from the stimulus material

• You need to develop a similarly complex and coherent chain of XYZ reasoning.

Step 4

• Now show balance by providing at least one counterargument for the first option

• Make a logical, relevant counterpoint

• Make sure that it remains relevant to the question stem

• A further chain of XYZ reasoning with context is also required

Step 5

• You now need to move on to the second option

• Support a strong opening point with some relevant context from the stimulus material using the X→Y→Z approach

Step 6

• Make a second relevant point for the second option

• You may choose to use business theories or models to support your analysis

Step 7