7115_s26_ms_21 2026 May-June Business Studies 7115 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 1 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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7115_s26_ms_212026 May-June Business Studies 7115 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 1

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Business Studies (7115) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 7115_s26_ms_21 · 7115/21/m/j/26 ms · 7115/21 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 2: Case Study This is Paper 2: Case Study, worth 80 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Four compulsory questions based on an unseen case study. Each question has parts (a) and (b). Part (a) requires explanation with application to the case. Part (b) requires discussion, analysis, and a justified recommendation or conclusion applied to the case.

This mark scheme corresponds to 7115_s26_qp_21. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Business Studies (7115), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

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Same paper, other years

Business Studies (7115) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 1) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Case Study

Based on analysis of 2 official Cambridge documents (2023)

1

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.

2

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).

4

Confusing related but distinct concepts — globalisation vs international trade, cash flow vs profit, business cycle vs product life cycle

Some candidate's lost marks by confusing globalisation with international trade.7115 Paper 11, May/June 2023

How to fix: Make a revision list of commonly confused pairs: globalisation (worldwide integration of economies) vs international trade (buying/selling between countries); cash flow (actual cash in and out) vs profit (revenue minus costs); business cycle (boom/recession/recovery) vs product life cycle (introduction/growth/maturity/decline); quotas (quantity limits) vs tariffs (taxes on imports). For each pair, write one sentence that explains the key difference.

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Business Studies Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 2 official Cambridge documents