All subjects · Business · WBS13 Business decisions and strategy

WBS13 exam technique: Business decisions and strategy paper

Edexcel IAL Business · WBS13 Business decisions and strategy

Unit 3 is a two-hour, 80-mark paper worth 25% of the International A level and 50% of the A2 (IA2) half. Every question is based on sources about real businesses, so success depends on calculations done precisely and arguments applied to the context.

Practise this in the app: instant marking and a fix for every mistake. Free, no email needed to start.

Practise this lesson

The paper

Section A (40 marks): short and extended-response questions on one business, based on extracts. Recent papers (January 2020, October 2024, January 2025) used the pattern (a) 4-mark calculation, (b) 4 marks, (c) 8 marks, (d) 12 marks, (e) 12 marks.
Section B (20 marks): one essay on one or more sources.
Section C (20 marks): one essay on one or more sources.

Questions may draw on Units 1 and 2. Calculators are allowed. Ratio formulas are not supplied, so learn them.

Calculations

WBS13 mark schemes split a 4-mark calculation into Knowledge 1 (the formula), Application 2 (the right figures), Analysis 1 (the right answer).

Show the formula and working: marks are available for working even if the final answer is wrong.
Give answers to 2 decimal places where the mark scheme asks for it.
Include the unit: in January 2020 (gross profit margin) and January 2025 (gearing), a correct number without the % sign and without working scored only 3 of 4. In October 2024, '6' without % for a percentage change also scored 3.
In 20-mark questions with a decision tree, the calculation supports the argument; the marks are awarded by level.

Command words

Command	Marks	What it needs (Appendix 6)
Define	2	Precise meaning
Calculate	4	Calculation from the data, with working
Construct	4	Accurately labelled diagram
Explain	4	Cause or effect, supported by detail or an example
Analyse	6	Chain of reasoning; interpret data; no evaluation
Discuss	8	Chain of reasoning in context plus brief assessment of competing arguments
Assess	12 (Units 3 and 4)	Coherent, contextualised reasoning; balanced assessment leading to a supported judgement
Evaluate	20	Fully developed reasoning, awareness of competing arguments, a perceptive conclusion with a solution or recommendations

Levels for extended answers

8 marks: three levels (1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8). Level 3 needs a balanced assessment of competing factors.
12 marks: four levels (1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 12). Level 4 needs a balanced, well-contextualised assessment leading to a supported judgement.
20 marks: four levels (1 to 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 14, 15 to 20). Level 4 needs fully developed arguments, balanced judgement and an effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendations.

Plan for a 20-mark answer: two developed arguments for, using the source evidence and any numbers; two against or alternative factors; a conclusion that answers the question directly, says what the answer depends on and recommends action. Use the figures in the extracts: Level 3 and 4 evaluation uses quantitative or qualitative evidence.

Worked example

Plan a 20-mark answer: 'Evaluate whether the business should choose option A, using the decision tree.'

Calculate both expected values accurately, showing working, and state which is higher.
Argue for the higher-EV option using the context: fit with objectives, resources, market growth.
Evaluate: probabilities are estimates; EV is an average while this is a one-off decision; the downside loss and the firm's ability to survive it; qualitative factors such as brand and staff.
Conclude with a clear recommendation and what it depends on (for example, 'choose A if the firm can fund the loss in the failure case').

Answer: Accurate EVs, contextual arguments, evaluation of the method's limits and a recommendation.

Key idea: WBS13: 2 hours, 80 marks; Section A 40 (4, 4, 8, 12, 12), Sections B and C 20 each. Calculations: formula, figures, answer, units, 2 decimal places. Long answers: balance, context and a judgement with recommendations.

Check yourself

How many marks are there in total in Sections B and C of the WBS13 paper?
Show answer
40 marks. 20 + 20 = 40; Section A has the other 40.
The paper lasts 120 minutes for 80 marks. How many minutes should a 20-mark question take at that rate?
Show answer
30 minutes. 120 / 80 = 1.5 minutes per mark; 1.5 x 20 = 30 minutes.
Unit 3 is worth 25% of the International A level. If the full qualification were marked out of 400, how many marks would Unit 3 represent?
Show answer
100 marks. 0.25 x 400 = 100.
In the January 2025 WBS13 mark scheme, what did a gearing answer of 45.03 (no % sign, no working) score out of 4?
- 4
- 3
- 0
- 2
Show answer
3. Missing the percentage sign cost a mark when no working was shown.
How do WBS13 mark schemes split the marks for a 4-mark calculation?
- Knowledge 4
- Application 2, Evaluation 2
- Analysis 2, Evaluation 2
- Knowledge 1, Application 2, Analysis 1
Show answer
Knowledge 1, Application 2, Analysis 1. Formula, figures, answer.
What does an 'Assess' question in Unit 3 require for the top level?
- A definition of the key term only
- A balanced, contextualised assessment leading to a supported judgement
- A calculation with no comment
- A labelled diagram only
Show answer
A balanced, contextualised assessment leading to a supported judgement. Assess (12 marks in Unit 3) needs a supported judgement.
What distinguishes a Level 4 answer to a 20-mark Unit 3 question?
- Using as many theories as possible
- Writing more than four pages
- Avoiding any numbers from the extracts
- An effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendations
Show answer
An effective conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendations. The 20-mark Level 4 descriptor requires a conclusion with a solution or recommendations.
Which statement about formulas in the WBS13 exam is correct?
- A formula sheet with every ratio is provided
- Calculators are not allowed
- Ratio formulas are not supplied, so they must be learned
- Calculations are only in Section C
Show answer
Ratio formulas are not supplied, so they must be learned. Appendix 9 of the specification says the ratios will not be supplied in the examination.

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

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