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IGCSE Business Studies Past Papers & Drilling (Paper 1): Activity, Marketing, Finance
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL DRILLING MOCK · CAMBRIDGE IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES (0450) PAPER 1
Written to the Cambridge 0450 syllabus (2026): Paper 1 Short Answer and Data Response, 80 marks, 1 h 30 min, 50% (4 questions, all compulsory); plus Paper 2 Case Study, 80 marks, 50%. This is a Paper 1 drilling mock: 4 questions for 80 marks with answers and techniques.
What is in IGCSE Business Studies (0450) Paper 1?
Direct answer: Paper 1 Short Answer and Data Response, 80 marks, 1 h 30 min, 50% (4 questions, all compulsory).
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Short Answer and Data Response) | 4 questions, all compulsory, 80 marks | 50% | 1 h 30 min |
| Paper 2 (Case Study) | 4 questions on a case study, 80 marks | 50% | 1 h 30 min |
IGCSE Business Studies drilling technique: 4 questions in 1 h 30 min is about 22 minutes each. Show the formula for calculations (gross margin); give definitions and examples for concepts.
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original drilling mock: the questions follow the Cambridge 0450 structure (Paper 1, 80 marks, 50%) and the answers are our own, not Cambridge past papers or marking references.
The numerical answer (gross margin) was recomputed programmatically.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Short Answer and Data Response) | 50% | about 22 min per question | definition + example + calculation |
| Paper 2 (Case Study) | 50% | read the case first | apply theory to the case |
How is gross margin calculated?
Direct answer: gross margin = (revenue – cost of sales) / revenue.
Paper 1: structured drilling (4 questions, 80 marks)
Formula for calculations; definition and example for concepts.
Question 1 (20 marks)
Question 1: business activity. (a) State two advantages of a sole trader (10). (b) Explain why businesses set objectives (10).
Question 2 (20 marks)
Question 2: marketing. (a) Name the 4 Ps of the marketing mix (8). (b) Explain how pricing affects demand (12).
Question 3 (20 marks)
Question 3: finance. A firm has revenue $100 and cost of sales $60. Calculate the gross margin and explain its use (12).
Question 4 (20 marks)
Question 4: people. (a) Explain two steps in the recruitment process (10). (b) Give one non-financial motivator and its effect (10).
What are the 4 Ps of the marketing mix?
Direct answer: Product, Price, Place, Promotion.
Paper 1 answers
Question 1
(a) (1) quick decisions and full profit (5); (2) easy to set up, private (5). (b) Objectives give direction, motivation, performance measurement and decision guidance (10).
Question 2
(a) Product, Price, Place, Promotion (2 each). (b) A higher price usually lowers demand; elasticity sets the size; firms use strategies like penetration pricing to attract (12).
Question 3
Gross margin = (100 – 60) / 100 = 40% (8); it measures a firm’s control of costs and pricing, compared with past years or rivals (12).
Question 4
(a) (1) job description and person specification (5); (2) advertising, shortlisting, interviewing (5). (b) promotion / job enrichment raises satisfaction and retention (10).
Which topics does this paper drill?
Direct answer: business activity, marketing, finance (gross margin) and people.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross margin formula | (revenue-cost)/cost | Gross margin = gross profit / revenue | 40% |
| 4 Ps missing | Only 3 | Product, Price, Place, Promotion | all 4 Ps |
| Sole trader pros | Unlimited liability as a pro | That is a drawback | pros = quick, private |
How to use this paper
First drill: the full 1 h 30 min on all 4 questions with no references.
Mark it: check formulas, definitions and examples.
Second drill: redo three to seven days later, aiming to finish inside 1 h 15 min.
What should I do after drilling this paper?
Direct answer: log questions with wrong formulas or definitions; redo in three to seven days; and drill Paper 2 Case Study.
FAQ
Is this a Cambridge past paper?
No. The questions and answers are TutorZone originals, not Cambridge past papers or marking references.
How many papers does IGCSE Business Studies have?
Two: Paper 1 Short Answer and Data Response (80 marks, 50%) and Paper 2 Case Study (80 marks, 50%).
How is gross margin calculated?
Gross margin = gross profit / revenue = (revenue – cost of sales) / revenue.
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies 0450 syllabus (2026) | Confirm the Paper 1/2 marks and times |
| https://www.tutorzone.com.hk/en-igcse-economics-0455-paper-2-mock-2027/ | IGCSE Economics (0455) drilling mock |
Related: practice area · IGCSE Economics Paper 2 drilling mock
Next step: find a tutor / register as a tutor
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