Past Papers etc - please note you will NOT be examined using AS papers
Revision Resources
Exam technique & using past papers (and examiners reports) is vital! See below for tips & resources on this!
Revision at A level should be throughout the year, as content and notes should be reviewed in study periods. Revision should also not just focus around the content of the course. A huge amount of the marks are for how you write your answers in terms of exam technique, which is taught extensively throughout the course. Therefore we recommend you use the content resources within this area as stage 1 of your revision. Use the hyperlinked resources below and the topic sub pages too.
However, a more important and time consuming stage is attempting past paper and chapter questions in exam timed conditions, using the structure sheets and self/peer marking. You should fully utilise the Past Papers available, particularly the examiners reports, where you can get tips from the lead examiner as well as see student answers to questions which you can compare to yours, mark, then see how accurate your understanding of how marks are awarded by comparing your grade to that given in the real exam.
Stage 1 = CONTENT
Revise content and core content from notes/teacher PPTs, use revision guides, tutor2u packs, create flashcards/quizlets , making audio files, make posters, watching videos on tutor2u/taking the biz/EZY, complete theory questions such as calculations, complete tutor2u quizzes, complete student made quizzes, tutor2u webinars, Lingfield teacher videos (in relevant theme folder)...
Remember, you could work together in small groups to share out some of the revision content prep sources, if this works for you. You can then peer mark each others essays under stage 2 as this is very powerful.
Videos etc a) Tutor2u b) EZY Business c) Taking the Biz d) Two Teachers e) Time2Resources + more!
See links above the 2 pics too.
Stage 2 = REAL EXAM PRACTICE (even more important than stage 1)
LEAVE MANY WEEKS/MONTHS FOR STAGE 2
End of textbook chapter case studies, Past Papers on structure sheets, peer marking using marking grids, exam elements in tutor2u revison packs
Exam technique videos:
{If it differs slightly to what your teacher in class has told you, go with your own teacher!}
SKILL BY SKILL - Taking the Biz video list HERE
EXAM MARKING SHEETS: Use the below (and mark schemes) to mark real student work from examiners reports in past papers. Then see if you were accurate before marking your own timed work.
Top tips for every paper:
1. Use the words from the question to answer the question. Use the words to open each main paragraph, including the decision. So you keep your answer on track
2. Use the phrase 'this is particularly relevant to this business in this industry as...' as this will make you bring in more application/context. But don't use the same generic phrases about 'dynamic/competitive market' each time.
3. Consider doing the 20 markers before the end and make sure you do them in real depth - not just quick counters, a more justified decision ('it depends on' phrase etc). The 20 markers are not usually that hard, so best to take your time on these and rush a 10 marker etc.
4. Keep an eye on the time as this is a major challenge. Just over a minute a mark, but it takes time to read the case studies, so go with 1 min per mark. Skim the questions first too, so you know what best to highlight from the case studies. Hence why it might be best to do the 20 markers earlier. If low on time, don't define first (apart from 4 markers).
5. Make sure you know your exam essay structures. When you need counters and so on. Use the structure sheets to help, plus watch the exam technique videos lower down on THIS page.
6. 10 markers+ need a DECISION. Remember the scales approach. You are explaining WHY you are tipping your decision one way rather than the other, without bringing in new points. You are explaining which point you have made is the most powerful for THIS business in THIS situation. Remember phrases like 'the most convincing argument is, the main issue for this business is, in the long term/short term, it depends on...'. Do NOT sit on the fence, make a clear decision. And make sure you are directly answering the specific question.
7. Consider the cause and effect. A few chains of analysis THAT THEN END IN THE HOOK OF THE QUESTION (if there is a 'hook') e.g. this leads to, which leads to, causing, therefore, the impact being, especially for such a business... ---> which is why this will lead to a HIGHER MARKET SHARE (if that is the 'hook').
8. Direct counters are best. 'it depends on, however'. A direct counter to the point you made, in context of this business/market. If you can't do this, then pick a disadvantage, but don't use the one you were set to focus on in your next paragraph!
9. Think about what is the core theory this essay wants me to use? Give the simple benefits/drawbacks linked to this, rather than trying to show off. Then get some little sprinkles of other theory in if possible, but in context.
10. 4 markers need a definition and 2 LINKS TO THE CASE STUDY/CONTEXT, then an analysis sentence. If it is a calculation 4 marker, then write the formula and do your workings, but don't spend too long on it (unless the next essays rely on the numbers).
REVISION FLASHCARDS - Don't want to make your own? Buy them from Time2Resources on eBay: All 4 themes available. CLICK HERE & HERE {these may expire so please search fresh on eBay}
Make sure you pick Edexcel and GCE (not GCSE).
Tutor2u Revision Booklet - THEORY (Answers available on request)
Tutor2u Calculation Booklet - Theory only (Answers available on request)
Tutor2u Revision Workshop book + Supporting presentation {Themes 1-4} (Suggested answers available on request)
Tutor2u Revision Workbook Theme 1-2 inc exam essays (Suggested answers available on request)
Note: A couple of exercises cannot be done as they need the slides that go with them.
OTHER REVISION RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND HERE - But remember to use ALL of The Revision Lab to the full!
T2u topic blast and other revision webinars HERE but also on the topic pages on Firefly Revision Lab!
Losing marks on advantages and disadvantages evaluative/counterpoints or analysis? Then check out this book: {Non Edexcel specific but this is not an issue:
Guidance = 1) Print the book/download 2) Highlight key parts in each chapter 3) Revise these to bring into essays
General revision webinar - NOT Edexcel:
Course Companion notes - alternative to red revision book:
Paper 2s (apart from 2023) and calculation packs. Mark schemes and examiners reports above.