Edexcel International A-Level Business: Command Words and Keywords
Edexcel International A-level Business: Command words and keywords
Pearson Edexcel International A-level Business uses the command words defined in the specification. Extended questions use levels-based marking. Application to case studies is essential.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Recall; short answer | Overwriting |
| 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 evidence | No conclusion |
| Assess | Judge importance; conclude | Description only |
| Discuss | Explore aspects; conclude | One-sided |
| Justify | Support with evidence | Unsupported |
| Calculate | Work out; show working | Missing working |
Business keywords
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Working capital | Current assets − current liabilities | ”Cash” |
| Break-even | TR = TC | ”No profit” |
| Contribution | SP − VC per unit | ”Profit” |
| Cash flow | Movement of cash | Profit |
| Added value | SP − cost of materials | ”Profit” |
| Stakeholder | Interested party | Shareholder |
| Elasticity | Responsiveness | ”Sensitive” |
| Economies of scale | Lower AC as output rises | ”Bigger is cheaper” |
| Productivity | Output per worker | ”Efficiency” |
| Motivation | Willingness to work | ”Pay” |
Tips for Edexcel A-level Business
- Link to case study for application and evaluation
- Evaluate—justified conclusion
- Define precisely
- Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording
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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level Business specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.
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