7100_s26_gt — 2026 May-June Commerce 7100 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE O Level

Giving unqualified single-word answers like 'easier', 'quicker', 'cheaper' without explanation

“Unqualified single words, such as 'easier', 'quicker' and 'cheaper' do not score marks – these should be explained to receive the marks.”— 7100 Paper 22, May/June 2023

How to fix: Never write a standalone adjective as your answer. Always follow it with 'because...' and a specific reason. For example, instead of 'cheaper', write 'It is cheaper because buying in bulk allows the retailer to negotiate trade discounts from the wholesaler, reducing the cost per unit.'

Not matching the number of responses to what the question asks for

“Some candidates gave either one or three methods. It should be emphasised to candidates that including less than the question asks for will reduce the maximum marks that a candidate can score; likewise, including more than the prescribed number does not gain any more marks and may waste valuable examination time.”— 7100 Paper 22, May/June 2023

How to fix: Before writing, underline the number in the question (e.g. 'two methods', 'one reason'). Give exactly that number of points. Fewer means lost marks; more wastes time with no extra credit. Number your points clearly (1, 2) so you can verify the count.

Describing points in 6–8 mark questions without analysis or evaluation

“Weaker answers described one or two warehousing functions without analysis or subsequent evaluation.”— 7100 Paper 22, May/June 2023

How to fix: For 6–8 mark questions, follow this progression: (1) State the point, (2) Explain how/why it matters using a specific example, (3) Analyse the consequence or implication, (4) Evaluate by weighing advantages against disadvantages and giving a justified conclusion. Simply listing features without development will cap your mark at a low level.