IB Business & Management test tips

By: Bilal Ahmed

Tip #1
Know what it is that the question wants from you. If you know how much depth the question is asking for, you will not waste unnecessary time and will have more time to answer the difficult questions

Command chart- (depth level)

Starts from 1-4 (4 being the highest level) Examples of command words: Classify, complete, define, describe, identify and outline are level 1 (they can have answers that are not particularly long, yet should still be thorough in answering the question)

Chart contd.
Level 2 words: Calculate, comment, compare, construct, contrast, distinguish, explain, formulate and prepare. These should generally have more explanation and wording applied to them (with the exceptions being calculate and formulate). These two words indicate that showing your mathematical steps to answer the question are enough.

Chart Contd.
Level 3 words- (have atleast 3 solid reasons attached to these answers) Examples are: Analyse, Apply, Examine and Interpret Level 4 words- 4 reasons- Advise, discuss, evaluate, justify, recommend, to what extent (These types of questions should take up more of your time during the exam).

How is the Exam Structured?

You will start with Paper 1: It will be the case study that we were given beforehand You will have to answer 3 sections for it

 Section A- will be the first part of paper 1 and SL students will answer 2 of the 3 questions that are asked. (worth 30 pts) Section B- one answer will be compulsory (worth 20 pts) Section C- again only one question will need to be answered like in section B (worth 30 pts)

In order to prepare for paper 1

Answer all the questions ahead of time so that you have an idea of how to go about the question. Also pace yourself when you are taking the test so as not to waste time. Have a peer look over your answer with you and maybe even get a 3rd opinion.

 Memorize bit by bit the 50 questions of RDB that were given Instead of cramming for the test 3 days before (give yourself atleast 10 days and memorize 5 of the answers daily)

More Tips!
Also, there may be terminology that you feel you do not know To minimize this occurrence, look over the chapter outlines that are present on Dr. Mullis website The pertinent vocab should be on there. (memorize this for 2 weeks in order for it to sink into your mind)

 Dedicate yourself atleast an hour a day so that you do not fall behind when it is time for testing. Go over chapters in the book that were not so obvious. DO NOT spend all your time on the easy stuff.

If cramming is the only option?

If this is the only option left- do NOT stress. Stress most of the time will cause you to do poorly on your exam. Make sure you read over multiple outlines briefly (over the course of the day if you can)

 As psychology calls it- use the chuncking method- that is memorize bits of information at a time. Also make connections between concepts (or read whatever you use to study like a story book.) Make the story as crazy as possible because you will be more likely to memorize the terminology.

 Organize the information into more than one categories (make up multiple stories depending on the chapter)

 Also, maybe get together with a friend a few days before the exam and reiterate your information to each other. Speaking aloud about the topics will ingrain the topics in your mind more.

More tips!
Also look at the formula sheet and remember the equations. Many of them will not be given to you! (Refer to the sheet Ms. Moore gave us).

 If you feel like there are some equations that you do not understand, there are internet sources that have the IB business tables listed. Go over, and highlight what it is that you do not know and memorize it.

If the equations are too much?

If the equations are too varied, realize that they are not majority of the test. It is okay if you do not get everything on the test right. (It is human to make mistakes and realize from them).

To Summarize!
The most important aspect to focus for the exam is to look over RDB questions for Paper 1. For paper 2 I recommend highlighting and going over the vocabulary that you learnt in the chapters. (you do not know what terminology will be on there).

Some final words

Please get adequate sleep before the exam, it is very crucial that you be able to get as much REM sleep (the sleep that allows you to think). Eat a carb and protein rich breakfast with some almonds to feed your brain.

 Thank you for listening!