Cambridge A-Level Business 9609: Command Words and Keywords
Cambridge A-Level Business 9609: Command words and keywords
Cambridge International A-level Business (9609) uses the standard Cambridge command words. A-level expects more depth and application to case studies. Extended questions use levels-based marking; evaluation requires justified conclusion.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Short answer | Overwriting |
| Identify | Choose from case study | Adding explanation |
| Define | Precise business meaning | Vague |
| Describe | What happens; no “why” | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Why/how; use “because” | Only describing |
| Suggest | Apply to case study | Generic answer |
| Compare | Similarities and differences | Listing separately |
| Analyse | Break down; show relationships | Only describing |
| Evaluate | Judge; conclude with justified decision | No conclusion |
| Assess | Judge importance; conclude | Description only |
| Discuss | Explore aspects; conclude | One-sided |
| Calculate | Work out; show working | Missing working |
| Justify | Support with evidence from case study | Unsupported |
Business keywords
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Working capital | Current assets − current liabilities | ”Cash” |
| Break-even | Output where TR = TC | ”No profit” |
| Fixed costs | Do not vary with output | Variable |
| Variable costs | Vary with output | Fixed |
| Contribution | SP − VC per unit | ”Profit” |
| Cash flow | Movement of cash | Profit |
| Added value | SP − cost of bought-in materials | ”Profit” |
| Stakeholder | Interested party | Shareholder only |
| Market segment | Group with similar characteristics | ”Customers” |
| Elasticity | Responsiveness | ”Sensitive” |
| Economies of scale | Lower average cost as output rises | ”Bigger is cheaper” |
| Diseconomies of scale | Higher average cost as firm grows | Economies |
| Motivation | Willingness to work | ”Pay” |
| Productivity | Output per worker | ”Efficiency” |
Tips for Business 9609
- Link to case study for application and evaluation
- Evaluate—justified conclusion from your analysis
- Define precisely
- Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports Business 9609 with tutors who use past papers and examiner reports. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.
Based on Cambridge International A-level Business 9609 syllabus. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.
Ready to Excel in Your Studies?
Get personalised help from Tutopiya's expert tutors. Whether it's IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or any other curriculum — we match you with the perfect tutor and your first session is free.
Book Your Free TrialWritten by
Tutopiya Team
Related Articles
A Level Grades You Need for LUMS and IBA
A Level grades for LUMS and IBA Karachi in the 2027 cycle: minimum grades, required subjects, SAT, ACT and entry tests, IBCC equivalence and key deadlines.
Cambridge A Level Geography: Case Studies and Exam Technique for Ghanaian Students
Cambridge A Level Geography (9696) for Ghanaian students: the 2027 syllabus, command words, essay technique and sourced Ghana case studies from Volta to Accra.
Cambridge A Level Literature in English: Set Texts and Essay Techniques for Zimbabwean Students
Cambridge A Level Literature in English 9695 for Zimbabwean students: the 2027 set texts, how the four papers work, and essay technique with example paragraphs.