Instructions:
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Carefully review all given instructions and past paper guidelines before starting each practice session.
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Attempt the past paper questions independently first, just as in an actual exam environment.
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Use a notebook or exam-style sheets to write your answers. Ensure your work is neat, clearly labeled with question numbers, and follows proper exam format.
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After completing each section, check your answers using the provided marking schemes and examiner reports (if available).
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Review your mistakes and rewrite incorrect answers to improve accuracy and exam technique.
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If you find any questions difficult or unclear, watch the video given below for that paper. In that video, each paper is discussed in detail.
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If you still face difficulties or have doubts after watching the video, note them down and discuss them with your instructor or course coordinator for clarification.
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Revise question-solving strategies and repeat similar past paper questions to strengthen your understanding and performance.
Click Here to download the Video Handout
Hi everyone, welcome back to class.
Today we are going to go through the Cambridge A Level Business Paper 2 from October and November 2024, variant 22.
This paper tests how well you can apply your knowledge to real-life business situations. So the key is not just knowing theory, but linking every answer to the case study.
Let’s go step by step.
We’ll start with Question 1, which is about Pot Plants (PP).
Question 1 part a (i) is only 1 mark. It says, “Identify one promotion method.”
The simplest correct answer is Advertising.
For one-mark questions, give a short, direct word or phrase. Don’t write a full sentence.
Question 1 part a (ii), worth 3 marks, says, “Explain the term capital expenditure.”
You could say, “Capital expenditure is money spent by a business to buy or upgrade fixed assets such as machinery or buildings.”
Mention that these are long-term assets, not day-to-day expenses.
A good tip here: when you see the word “Explain,” use a keyword, give a short description, and end with a clear example.
Now question 1 part b (i), for 3 marks, says, “Calculate the labour turnover rate for PP in 2023.”
Here’s the working.
Total employees = 450 + 120 = 570.
Employees who left = 100 + 14 = 114.
So, (114 ÷ 570) × 100 = 20 percent.
Always show your working because even if you make a small error, you can still get method marks.
Question 1 part b (ii), again 3 marks, says, “Explain one possible impact on PP of its employees being trade-union members.”
You could say, “Trade-union membership allows collective bargaining which can improve pay and working conditions, but it could also increase labour costs.”
Keep both sides balanced, and use the case name PP in your answer.
Next, question 1 part c is 8 marks. It asks you to “Analyse one advantage and one disadvantage to PP of outsourcing the manufacture of pots.”
You might say, “Outsourcing lets PP focus on growing plants while specialists handle production, which may lower costs.”
Then add the disadvantage: “It reduces control over quality and delivery times.”
For 8-mark questions, Cambridge expects balance and application. Write one paragraph for the advantage and one for the disadvantage.
Now question 1 part d is 12 marks. “Evaluate the importance to PP of workforce planning.”
Start by saying, “Workforce planning helps PP match staff supply with business needs, especially since turnover is high in the growing division.”
Then balance it: “However, it can take time and requires accurate forecasts.”
End with a short conclusion such as, “For a seasonal, labour-heavy business like PP, workforce planning is vital for smooth operations.”
Tip for 12-mark answers: two clear sides plus a final judgement that directly answers the question.
Moving on to Question 2, which focuses on The Drink Company (TDC).
Question 2 part a (i), one mark, says, “Identify one stage of the product life cycle.”
You can simply write Growth.
Part a (ii), 3 marks, asks you to “Explain the term limited liability.”
Say, “Limited liability means shareholders are only responsible for company debts up to the value of their investment, so their personal assets are protected.”
That clear link between ownership and risk is what earns all 3 marks.
Question 2 part b (i), 3 marks, says, “Calculate the variance between TDC’s budgeted and actual revenue for 2023, and state whether it is favourable or adverse.”
Budgeted = 400 million, Actual = 340 million.
Difference = minus 60 million.
It’s an adverse variance of 60 million dollars.
In data questions, label the result clearly—Cambridge gives a mark for identifying if it is favourable or adverse.
Question 2 part b (ii), 3 marks, says, “Explain one possible benefit to TDC of using budgets.”
You could say, “Budgets help control spending and make sure resources are used efficiently to meet goals.”
Tip: whenever you mention control, follow up with how it supports decision-making. That moves you from Level 1 to Level 2.
Question 2 part c, 8 marks, says, “Analyse two ways in which TDC could use the Boston Matrix.”
First, to identify which products to invest in, such as continuing investment in VKola, which is a star.
Second, to decide which products to phase out, like VLemon, a dog, so resources can go elsewhere.
To reach the top level, connect each point to how it supports TDC’s strategy of improving profit and market share.
Finally, question 2 part d, 12 marks, asks, “Evaluate whether the planned merger with HL will enable TDC to achieve its objectives.”
You can agree that the merger may create cost savings and improve market share by combining B2C and B2B experience.
But then add that integration challenges, culture clashes, and brand confusion could reduce those benefits.
Finish with a clear conclusion like, “If integration is managed well, the merger could help TDC reach its goals, but success depends on strong leadership and communication.”
Before we wrap up, here are some exam tips that really make a difference.
Tip 1: Always highlight or underline key data before calculating. It helps avoid careless mistakes.
Tip 2: When a question says “Explain one,” don’t list three. Focus on one clear idea, cause, and effect.
Tip 3: Use the business name throughout your answer. Cambridge rewards application.
Tip 4: Plan your 12-mark questions with a short outline—two sides, one conclusion.
Tip 5: Watch your time. Spend roughly one and a half minutes per mark, so you don’t rush the big questions at the end.
By the end of this paper, you should be confident defining key terms, linking your points to the data, and finishing with reasoned conclusions.
If you practise using short, structured, and applied answers, you will easily reach the top band.
That’s all for today.
Go over this paper again, practise a few timed answers, and you’ll be ready to perform your best in the exam.
Press “Mark As Complete” Button To proceed
