State & Identify Questions

For 'State' Questions

• Step 1: Focus on the Keyword: Determine exactly what business term is required (e.g., an aim, a cost, or a benefit).
• Step 2: Scan the Content: Look for the specific concept within the case study that matches the requirement.
• Step 3: Precise Delivery: Write the name or phrase clearly. Avoid adding 'because' or 'which means' as these are not required for mark attainment.

For 'Identify' Questions

• Step 1: Locate the Evidence: Find the relevant paragraph, table, or graph mentioned in the prompt.
• Step 2: Extract the Data: Highlight the exact figure or fact needed (e.g., the sales total for June).
• Step 3: Standardise: Present the found information exactly as it appears in the text, ensuring any units (like USD or %) are included if they represent part of the identification.

• Naming vs. Showing: While both are 1-mark tasks, 'State' often allows for some theoretical knowledge to be applied to the context, whereas 'Identify' is purely about finding what is already written or drawn in the evidence.

• Watch the Clock: These questions should take no more than 30-45 seconds. If you find yourself writing for two minutes, you are providing too much detail for a 1-mark task.
• Use the Case Study: If the question asks you to state a point 'from the case study', generic textbook answers that are not mentioned in the text may result in 0 marks.
• Brevity is King: You do not need to repeat the question in your answer. For example, if asked to state an aim, writing 'To make a profit' is better than 'One non-financial aim that the entrepreneur might have is to make a profit'.
• Follow the Limit: If a question asks to 'State one reason', the examiner will only mark the first reason you provide. Listing multiple reasons does not increase your chances and may even confuse the marker.

• The 'Explanation Trap': Many students feel that a short answer looks 'too easy' and start adding justifications using 'because'. This wastes valuable time that should be spent on higher-mark 9 or 12-mark questions.
• Misreading the Data: In 'Identify' questions involving tables or graphs, students often pick the wrong column or row. Double-check that your identified data point matches the specific time period or category requested.
• Vague Terms: Using words like 'stuff' or 'things' is too imprecise. Use specific business terminology found in the specification or the case study text.