Practice questions for the 'classic course'

For those who started Nuffield Economics & Business in September 2008

Students can try answering these questions, which are rather like those encountered in exams. But remember that they have not been subjected to the rigorous scrutiny which awarding bodies provide for the real thing.

You may want to use the specimen questions provided by Edexcel. However, these were written some time ago. Current practice has evolved since then.

We prefer real evidence to synthetic creations of our own, though modification of original material is often necessary. In evidence questions we aim to start with a knowledge section ("what is meant by?"), then progress through application and analysis to involve some evaluation. More complex sections of questions sometimes blend all four assessment objectives and will carry more marks.

Mark allocations provide an approximate guide to time required. With 75 minutes for unit 1, and a maximum mark of 50, a 2-mark section should not take more than two or three minutes (allowing for some reading time). A 12-mark section should take much longer, perhaps fifteen minutes or so. These sums are slightly different for unit 2 but there is still a little over a minute to earn each mark.

In the modules section below you will find specimen papers and some individual questions.

Module 1 'Objectives'

New Unit 1 paper (2005) McDonald's market research (32 KB). Thanks to Martin Goss for this; he prepared it specifically for use with Module 1.2.3.
Specimen Unit 1 paper in Unit 1 (34 KB) and Unit 1 (97 KB).

Individual questions for unit 1

1. Wonderdrugs (estimated time: 45 minutes)
This question uses a sophisticated context and students will need to think carefully about how they can use the ideas they have learnt to illuminate the issues. There is a sample answer which will help them to see how they can mobilise concepts to support their arguments.

• Wonderdrugs Question (54 KB)(Word, 54.5 KB)
• Wonderdrugs Answers (26 KB) (Word, 26 KB)

2. Le Manoir aux Quat Saison

If you are looking for a revision question that covers a wide range of Unit 1 content, this should be just right. Normally, Unit 1 questions do not require candidates to read as much evidence as this but you can allow extra time for them to absorb the details of the case study.

Le Manoir aux Quat Saison (31 KB)

Modules 2 'Efficiency' and 3 'Change'

Specimen Unit 2 paper in GCSE Unit 2pq (41 KB) and Practice Question (123 KB)

Individual questions for unit 2

1. Lara Croft (estimated time: 35 minutes)
'Lara Croft' tests understanding of the impact of a fall in demand, and the types of responses which businesses may adopt. It encourages students to see the importance of drawing on a wide range of concepts taught at different times during the AS year.

• Question (25 KB) (Word, 25 KB)
• Mark scheme (48 KB)(Word, 48.5 KB)

2. BA sets sights on Swissair (estimated time: 45 minutes)
The attractions of a merger in difficult trading conditions provide the context for this question. It calls for analysis based on concepts contained in both modules.

• Questions (13 KB) (Word, 13.5 KB)

3. A Bright Future! (estimated time: 35 minutes)
This question requires identification of a balance sheet weakness and its impact on a business decision. It would have its uses in the late stages of Module 3 when the product life cycle is fresh in the mind but the balance sheet has been forgotten.

• Question (24 KB) (Word, 24.5 KB)

4. Debenhams Back in Fashion (estimated time: 30 minutes)
Ideal preparation for the Unit 1 exam, this question uses costs, profit margins, competition and competitive advantage

• Question (23 KB) (Word, 23.5 KB)

5. Hope still alive in Silicon Glen (estimated time 35 minutes)
This question addresses a range of Module 3 topics including structural change, investment, competitiveness and exports.

• Question (27 KB) (Word, 32 kb)

Option 1 'What is the global future?'

Individual questions
1. Coca Cola in Kerala (estimated time 35 minutes)
Taking in branding, environmental controls, quality standards and multinationals producing and selling in developing countries, this question covers a fair range of Option 1 topics and requires a synoptic approach.

Question in Option 1 (26 KB) and Option 1 (35 KB)