How to Answer and Structure a 12 Mark Question - Examples for GCSE, AQA, History, RE, Business, and English

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james Brooker

10/28/2022

Business

How to answer a 12 mark question

Subjects

Business

Introduction to Business

Role and Importance of Business

How to Answer and Structure a 12 Mark Question - Examples for GCSE, AQA, History, RE, Business, and English

How to structure a 12 mark question response example for GCSE and A-level Business, History, and Religious Studies

This guide provides a comprehensive structure for answering 12 mark questions in GCSE and A-level exams, covering various subjects including Business, History, and Religious Studies. It outlines a clear framework for constructing well-balanced arguments, incorporating key elements such as knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation.

The structure includes positive and negative arguments, followed by a justified conclusion
Emphasis on using evidence, avoiding assertions, and linking back to the question
Detailed marking criteria provided to help students understand assessment expectations

10/28/2022

12 mark Question
(Knowledge 2, Application 2, Analysis 4, Evaluation 4)
Positive x 1- Argument for
Point: One factor that is important is...

Marking Criteria for 12 Mark Questions

This page provides a detailed breakdown of the marking criteria for 12 mark questions, which is crucial for students to understand how their responses will be assessed. This information is particularly relevant for GCSE and A-level exams in subjects like Business, History, and Religious Studies.

Level 1 (0 marks)

A completely inaccurate response.

Level 2 (1-2 marks)

Isolated elements of knowledge and understanding, primarily recall-based.
Weak or no relevant application to business examples.
May contain generic assertions.

Level 3 (3-4 marks)

Elements of knowledge and understanding applied to the business example.
Chains of reasoning presented, but may be assertions or incomplete.
Generic or superficial assessment.

Level 4 (5-8 marks)

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding, supported by relevant use of business context.
Analytical perspectives with developed chains of reasoning, showing causes and/or effects.
Attempt at assessment using quantitative and/or qualitative information, but may not show significance of competing arguments.

Level 5 (9-12 marks)

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding throughout, effectively using business context.
Coherent and logical chain of reasoning, demonstrating causes and/or effects.
Balanced and well-contextualized assessment, using quantitative and/or qualitative information.
Shows awareness of competing arguments, leading to a supported judgement.

Definition: Chains of reasoning refer to a series of logical connections between ideas or events, showing how one leads to another.

Highlight: To achieve top marks, students must demonstrate a balance between knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation throughout their response.

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Subjects

Business

Introduction to Business

Role and Importance of Business

Business

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Jul 5, 2025

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2 pages

How to Answer and Structure a 12 Mark Question - Examples for GCSE, AQA, History, RE, Business, and English

james Brooker

@jamesbrooker_nfkt

How to structure a 12 mark question response example for GCSE and A-level Business, History, and Religious Studies

This guide provides a comprehensive structure for answering 12 mark questions in GCSE and A-level exams, covering various subjects including Business,... Show more

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Marking Criteria for 12 Mark Questions

Level 1 (0 marks)

A completely inaccurate response.

Level 2 (1-2 marks)

Isolated elements of knowledge and understanding, primarily recall-based.
Weak or no relevant application to business examples.
May contain generic assertions.

Level 3 (3-4 marks)

Elements of knowledge and understanding applied to the business example.
Chains of reasoning presented, but may be assertions or incomplete.
Generic or superficial assessment.

Level 4 (5-8 marks)

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding, supported by relevant use of business context.
Analytical perspectives with developed chains of reasoning, showing causes and/or effects.
Attempt at assessment using quantitative and/or qualitative information, but may not show significance of competing arguments.

Level 5 (9-12 marks)

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding throughout, effectively using business context.
Coherent and logical chain of reasoning, demonstrating causes and/or effects.
Balanced and well-contextualized assessment, using quantitative and/or qualitative information.
Shows awareness of competing arguments, leading to a supported judgement.

Definition: Chains of reasoning refer to a series of logical connections between ideas or events, showing how one leads to another.

Highlight: To achieve top marks, students must demonstrate a balance between knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation throughout their response.

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

12 Mark Question Structure

This page outlines the essential components of a 12 mark question response for GCSE and A-level exams, particularly focusing on subjects like Business, History, and Religious Studies. The structure is designed to help students demonstrate knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation skills effectively.

Positive Argument

Begin with a clear point supporting the question.
Explain the reasoning behind your point.
Analyze the consequences or effects of your argument.
Link your analysis back to the question and the specific context.

Example: "One factor that is important is... Because... This will lead to... Therefore, the effect on the business may be..."

Negative Argument

Use a transition word like "HOWEVER" to introduce a counterargument.
Follow the same structure as the positive argument: point, explanation, analysis, and context.

Highlight: Always consider both sides of the argument to demonstrate balanced thinking.

Judgement

Provide a longer, justified conclusion.
Explain the most important factor to consider.
Assess the importance, consequences, impact, or effects of your arguments.

Vocabulary: "Assess" means to evaluate the significance, impact, or value of something.

Final Checks

Avoid assertions by using phrases like "could" instead of "will".
Include quantitative and/or qualitative data to support your arguments.
Ensure you've directly answered the question by referring back to it.

Quote: "A LONGER justified conclusion is required in addition to your two paragraphs for a 12 Marker."

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