7115_s26_gt — 2026 May-June Business Studies 7115 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE O Level

Evaluation is just a summary or repetition of earlier points — no justified decision

“Evaluation must include a justified decision that follows on from the points raised in the answer. A repetition of points already explained in the answer will not gain evaluation marks.”— 7115 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Evaluation must contain three elements: (1) a clear decision or recommendation, (2) a reason why this choice is best, and (3) why the alternative is weaker. Never repeat points already made — add a NEW reason or weigh up the relative importance of your earlier arguments. One approach: make a choice, give a reason, then explain why it is better than the alternative discussed.

Using the same application point for both sides of an answer

“Candidates who understood suitable methods of finance frequently repeated the same application and analysis points in both parts of the question. This mirror argument was not sufficient to gain both analysis marks.”— 7115 Paper 11, May/June 2023

How to fix: For each knowledge point in your answer, use a DIFFERENT piece of application from the stem. For example, if discussing two methods of finance, do not just say 'loans have interest' and 'retained profit has no interest' — that is a mirror argument counted as one point. Instead, link each method to a different aspect of the business scenario (e.g. size, industry, cash position).

Vague definitions — rewording the term instead of defining it precisely

“The weakest responses simply reordered the words and stated that this was a 'description of the job' gaining no credit.”— 7115 Paper 11, May/June 2023

How to fix: Never define a term by rearranging its words (e.g. 'job description = a description of the job'). Learn textbook definitions with the key distinguishing elements. For example, 'specialisation' must mention focusing on a particular task or area AND the higher skill level that results. Write the definition, then check: would someone unfamiliar with the term understand exactly what it means?