Exam technique: discuss, assess and evaluate answers

How levels work

These questions are marked by levels, not by counting points. Examiners read the whole answer and place it in the level that best fits.

• Discuss (8): Level 1: 1 to 2, Level 2: 3 to 5, Level 3: 6 to 8. Level 3 needs accurate knowledge, well applied to the case, logical chains of reasoning and a balanced assessment showing competing arguments.
• Assess (10): Level 1: 1 to 2, Level 2: 3 to 4, Level 3: 5 to 7, Level 4: 8 to 10. Level 4 needs coherent, well-contextualised reasoning, a balanced and wide-ranging assessment, and a supported judgement.
• Evaluate (20): Level 1: 1 to 4, Level 2: 5 to 8, Level 3: 9 to 14, Level 4: 15 to 20. Level 4 needs well-developed chains of reasoning, effective use of quantitative and qualitative evidence, full awareness of competing arguments, and a balanced judgement with an effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendation.

(Level boundaries from the January 2022, June 2024 and October 2024 series WBS11 mark schemes.)

Building balance and judgement

Structure for a 10-mark Assess (about 15 minutes):

1. One sentence defining the key term.

2. Argument for: point, evidence from the extract, chain of reasoning.

3. Argument against or limitation: same structure.

4. Judgement: answer the question directly, say what it depends on, and decide which factor matters most in this case.

Useful evaluation tools: magnitude (how big is the effect?), time (short run versus long run), stakeholders (who gains, who loses?), the reliability of the data, the actions of competitors, the firm's resources and objectives, and opportunity cost.

The 20-mark Evaluate essay

About 30 minutes. Plan for 3 minutes.

1. Introduction: define terms and identify the issue in the case.

2. Two developed arguments for: each with context and figures from the sources, and multi-step chains of reasoning.

3. Two developed arguments against.

4. Conclusion: a justified judgement, the key factor it depends on, and a recommendation (what the business should do). In the January 2022 scheme for the sportswear distribution question, the top level required a solution or recommendation.

Use the data in the extracts: calculate a percentage change or market share to support a point (QS8 and QS9).

Worked example

Plan a 10-mark answer to: 'Assess the benefits to a coffee shop chain of adding value.'

1. Define added value: selling price minus the cost of bought-in inputs.
2. Benefit 1: premium products (specialty drinks, comfortable stores) allow higher prices, so margin per cup rises.
3. Benefit 2: differentiation builds loyalty, making demand less price elastic against cheaper rivals.
4. Counter: adding value costs money (better ingredients, store design), and price-sensitive customers may switch to cheaper chains.
5. Judgement: beneficial if the chain's target market values experience over price; it depends on how strong competition is on price.

Answer: Define, two applied benefits, a counter-argument, then a judgement that says what it depends on (the June 2024 paper asked this question).

Check yourself

1. What is required for Level 4 in a 20-mark Evaluate answer?
   • A list of as many points as possible
   • Only knowledge of definitions
   • A balanced judgement with an effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendation
   • A diagram
   Show answer

   A balanced judgement with an effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendation. Top level needs judgement plus a recommendation.

2. Pearson's Level 3 for a 10-mark Assess question is 5 to 7 marks. How many marks are in Level 4 if it runs from 8 to 10 inclusive?
   Show answer

   3 marks. 8, 9 and 10: 3 marks.

3. Which sentence best shows balance in an assessment?
   • Adding value is good for the business
   • Added value is price minus input costs
   • However, adding value raises costs, and price-sensitive customers may switch to cheaper rivals
   • The business has many shops
   Show answer

   However, adding value raises costs, and price-sensitive customers may switch to cheaper rivals. It introduces a competing argument with a reason.

4. What is the best way to gain application marks in a long answer?
   • Write general textbook points
   • Use the business's name, actions and figures from the extracts in each point
   • Repeat the question several times
   • Copy the extract word for word
   Show answer

   Use the business's name, actions and figures from the extracts in each point. Application means using the context.

5. What should a good conclusion to an Assess or Evaluate answer contain?
   Show answer

   A clear judgement that answers the question, justified by the most important factor, saying what the outcome depends on, and for 20 marks a recommendation of what the business should do.. Decide, justify, and recommend.

6. What distinguishes a Discuss (8) answer at Level 3 from Level 2?
   • Using more definitions
   • A balanced assessment showing awareness of competing arguments
   • Writing more than two pages
   • Including a diagram
   Show answer

   A balanced assessment showing awareness of competing arguments. Level 2 assessment is unbalanced; Level 3 is balanced.

7. An extract says a firm's revenue rose from $16bn to $17.44bn. Calculate the percentage increase, to use as evidence.
   Show answer

   9.0 %. (17.44 - 16) / 16 x 100 = 9%.

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Sources

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Business specification (2018)
• Pearson WBS11/01 mark scheme, January 2022
• Pearson WBS11/01 mark scheme, June 2024
• Pearson WBS11/01 mark scheme, October 2024 series (published January 2025)

Last updated 8 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.