how to write a essay on business studies

How to write Business Studies Essays

A business studies essay is worth 40 marks in your exam. It is a compulsory section for you to answer. Knowing how to structure your essay and understanding what is expected of you is crucial to gaining maximum marks.

In this guide:

Your essay needs to have an introduction, body and conclusion. You are also awarded marks for LASO.

Introduction

The following elements need to be included in your introduction to gain marks.

You need to start with the word ‘introduction’ as a heading.

Your opening statements must be linked to the bulleted questions. It is always a good idea to use your introduction to write definitions of points you will be speaking about in your essay.

Give two meaningful facts to get maximum marks: (2 × 1) = (2).

Do not use any words/statements within the preamble. You will not get marks for repeating.

Body of your essay

The body comes directly after your introduction

Don’t write the word ‘body’ as a heading. Instead, use the information in the questions below the scenario as headings within the body.

Break up the information into logical parts, making use of headings and subheadings.

The maximum mark obtained for the body is 32 marks.

Don’t repeat facts, get to the point.

Write your responses in full sentences that are bulleted.

Wrap up your essay with a conclusion:

Write the word ‘conclusion’ as a heading.

End your essay with one meaningful fact and make sure not to repeat what was said within the introduction/body: (1 × 2) = (2).

LASO is the marking criteria that teachers use to award you marks for structure and originality. LASO is worth 8 marks and the following aspects are awarded:

L (Layout): write the words 'introduction' and 'conclusion' (2 marks).

A (Analysis): write sub-headings that appear within the question paper (1 mark) and ensure that you write at least 16 marks within the body (1 mark).

S (Synthesis): ensure that you only provide relevant content as answers (2 marks).

O (Originality): provide at least two current examples linked to the business world to support the facts in your body (2 marks).

Tips to help you write a good essay

You should make use of the 10 minutes of reading time and decide which essay you will write. Once you have made your decision stick with it, don't waste time when the clock is ticking to change your choice. The more time you have the more you can write, leading to potentially getting more marks.

You need to pre-learn your examples. Each example needs to be recent, relevant and real (newsworthy examples), therefore, for each topic you need to learn 2 examples as this is not something you can make up in the exam.

Layout is important. You want to make it as easy as possible for your marker to find your answers.

• Each sentence should be bullet-pointed.
• Add subheadings to your headings.
• Leave a line open between each heading.

There is no mark breakdown for each question in the essay but the two middle bullet points will count the most marks - usually around 14/16 marks.

There is no word limit so write as much as possible. Even if you get a whole section wrong you still have the potential to get full marks for your facts. An essay has almost 50 marks available of which the marker is looking for 32 marks.

Practice, practice, practice - the more you practice how to write an essay the easier it will be in an exam. Go through past papers.

Have any other essay tips, share them on our community page!

Currently a teacher at Parklands College, Candrine is also an NSC marker for Business Studies and is completing a Master in Education from the University of Cape Town. Her mantra is: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."