Most students think Paper 1 is easy. That's why they lose marks.
What examiners actually want
To score highly, you need three things:
✅ Application — Refer to the case constantly
✅ Explanation — Clear reasoning with theory
✅ Evaluation — Balanced arguments and judgement
Perfect 10-mark structure
Use this every time:
- Introduction: Define the concept + provide context
- Argument 1: First point with specific case reference
- Argument 2: Alternative or supporting perspective
- Evaluation: Weigh pros vs cons with evidence
- Conclusion: Clear, justified judgement
Example: From weak to strong
Weak: "Sustainability improves brand image."
Strong: "Investing in sustainable practices may improve brand image and attract customers who value environmental responsibility, as suggested by the case study's emphasis on recycling. However, this could increase short-term production costs, reducing immediate profits and cash flow available for other investments."
Common mistakes to avoid
- Generic answers with no case reference
- No evaluation — just listing advantages and disadvantages
- Poor time management on low-mark questions
- Weak conclusions that don't favour one side
30-day preparation plan
- Week 1-2: Practise daily case questions (5 mins planning, then write)
- Week 3: Focus on high-probability themes (sustainability, growth)
- Week 4: Practice timed full papers and get feedback
Pro tip: After each practice question, identify exactly which criterion you scored on (Application, Explanation, Evaluation). This pinpoints your weak areas.
Try it now
Write a Paper 1 answer following the structure above.
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Learn this structure in the crash course.
Try the crash course now →Practice answering IB Business Management questions and receive feedback.
Practice BM questions →For more exam strategies, see our guides on structuring 10-mark answers and Paper 1 strategy.
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