Why Context, Contrast and Conclusion can help boost your grade.
(Note that I currently teach the Edexcel A-Level and this advice is geared to that)
It’s important to think not just about the question when you are answering a question but also the mark scheme. To that extent it is easy to think that answering a question is just about Knowledge but that would be to forget about Analysis, Application and Evaluation.
The three C’s are central to thinking about whether you have structured a longer question well:
Context – is your answer given in the context of the case study within the question? You won’t get the application marks if it isn’t. I once marked an essay from a pupil about the supermarket chain Aldi – half way through they started writing about car maker Audi instead… the problem was the answer made sense for either company and wasn’t specific enough to get the application marks. Similarly I recently marked some essays about the training shoe market where pupils had not named any competitors.
Contrast – even if you are asked to give advantages of a situation it is important that you give disadvantages as well. The mark scheme will expect you to show that you have evaluated your response. A “however” point can help with this and ideally should relate to the point being made – for example if I want to be healthier I could rejoin the gym I used to go to as it might help me to get fit, however it also had a bar and sold really good burgers which I would be more likely to use it for. This however point directly relates to the option being written about, rather than just suggesting a different option such as going on a bike ride.
Conclusion – although the conclusion comes at the end of your answer it should not be an afterthought or just a summary of your points so far. I would see the conclusion as being the number one reason for why you are making the decision you are and as such have suggested to some pupils to write it first (although this is less practical for handwritten answers). Every year a significant proportion of people fail to finish their A-Level papers and even more will write hurriedly or rushed conclusions to save time. Two paragraphs with a conclusion will give you more chance of a higher level than four paragraphs and no conclusion. Your conclusion should be backed up with reasons and to add the nuance that Edexcel ask for I would look for an “it depends on” point to explain the criteria the business will be basing their decision on.
Whilst this post has not given the whole picture of how to answer a 10, 12 or 20 marker it gives you a framework to consider when creating or reflecting on your answers.
A Level Business Goat 