Leaving Cert Business | Exam Technique Long Questions & ABQ

Dave introduces the class, aimed primarily at new students or those expanding their Business studies on the platform. He stresses the importance of interpreting marking schemes for achieving a H1 grade, advising students to always ask what is needed for marks before writing. He then outlines the week's schedule, including short question sessions, ABQ focus, and an in-person session covering all topics.

The session delves into the structure of the Leaving Cert Business paper. Dave explains that 8 out of 12 short questions must be answered, covering all units, with a particular emphasis on Units 6 and 7 in previous years. The ABQ is worth 20%, similar to short questions, and he advises equal respect for both. For long questions, the paper is split into Part A (Qs 1-4) and Part B (Qs 5-8), with increased flexibility in question choice. Unit 1 is consistently featured, and Units 4 and 5 are highly important due to their weight (around 35% each) and ABQ relevance.

Dave recommends prioritizing Units 4 and 5 due to their significant weighting and ABQ components. He suggests that while it's possible to omit certain 'numbersy' parts, comprehensive knowledge for these units is crucial. Unit 1 should be next, followed by Units 2/3. He emphasizes rote learning as the 'first battle' and advises practicing exam questions under timed conditions using a 'marks divided by 2.5' rule for time allocation.

Dave emphasizes that knowing the material isn't enough; students must understand how to answer questions to secure a H1. He introduces the 'State, Explain, Relate/Expand/Example' (SER/SEE) approach for structuring answers, advocating against paragraphs and using clear headings. Crucially, statements must directly answer the question, and explanations should use precise business terminology, separating students from those with only general knowledge.

Using an example question on stock and quality control, Dave illustrates how to apply the SER approach, particularly how to link answers back to a specific business mentioned in the question (e.g., M6 Motors). He highlights that neglecting this link can lead to significant mark loss, even with good content knowledge. Two points of information for each term, followed by a relevant link, are usually required.

Dave explains that for most long questions (excluding ABQ and short questions), marks typically come in blocks of five. This helps students determine the number of points to provide, with each five-mark block usually comprising two marks for a heading/statement and three for explanation with keywords. This rule is especially helpful for questions asking for various types of something, like financial and non-financial rewards.

Dave advises students to circle verbs like 'illustrate' and 'evaluate' during the initial read-through, as they demand specific responses. 'Illustrate' requires giving an example, even if not explicitly stated, ensuring it demonstrates understanding rather than being a mere one-word answer. This is critical for avoiding lost marks, as highlighted by Chief Examiner reports.

'Evaluate' requires students to provide an opinion (e.g., 'effective' or 'not effective') and justify it with prior business knowledge, often backed by evidence from the ABQ text. Dave advises evaluating each point rather than a single overall evaluation at the end, maximizing opportunities to earn marks. He also suggests incorporating business terminology into the justification or recommendation.

Dave stresses that marks are awarded for accuracy and business keywords, not for filling pages. Students should stick to the answer structure even when unsure, as abandoning it often reduces mark-earning potential. He also briefly touches on time management, suggesting roughly 30 minutes for shorts, 40 minutes for the ABQ, and 25 minutes per long question.

Dave addresses student queries on ABQ link length (quotes should be single sentences), prioritizing units like Unit 3 (planning is key) and Unit 4 (change management, sources of finance). He also discusses potential 'curveballs' in questions and the importance of adapting answers to the given text, even for unfamiliar topics. He confirms a deep dive into ABQ technique will occur in Wednesday's class.

For maths-related questions, Dave recommends reviewing previous classes on ratios and break-even analysis. He strongly advises learning the format for business letters as it can unexpectedly appear for significant marks. For final exam preparation, he recommends short questions for broad revision of definitions and chapter summaries, emphasizing a productive rather than panicky approach. Students should aim for a positive mindset and focus on boosting confidence, even if by a small margin.