BM Paper 1
Methodology
Paper 1
● Unstructured paper = write your answer in the answer sheets
● The Paper 1 exam is based on a pre-released statement that specifies the
context and background for an unseen case study.
● Paper 1 is the same for SL and HL students (i.e., there are no HL topics
examined in this paper).
Statement release
● Around 3 months prior to the external exam, the IB will release a statement
with two parts:
1. A small number of topics that provide context to the Paper 1 case study. These
topics will not be topics that are in the guide but ones that students are asked to
research for approximately 5 hours. These topics do, however, build on topics
contained in the syllabus.
2. The first 200 words or so of the case study itself. The release of this portion
of the case study will provide you with some additional context and will reduce the
number of words to be read during the examination period.
On D.day, on the Paper 1 full version :)
The final examination will contain a case study, of approximately 800 to
1,200 words, that you do not see before the examination.
Most questions will be qualitative, although some minor calculations could
be part of the Paper 1 assessment.
Key points!
HL students SL students
Answer all questions (20 marks)
Section A
Short answers
Choose 1 question (10 marks)
Section B
Long answer
Total marks 30 marks
Duration 1h30
% of the finale grade 25% 35%
Section A : 20 marks
● All questions / 3 types of questions:
○ 2 marks: define, outline (see example below)
■ 1. Define the term capital expenditure (line 17).[2]
■ 2. State two types of above the line (ATL) marketing The Long Tie (TLT) uses [2]
○ 4 marks: explain, describe
■ Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of The Long Tie (TLT) converting to a publicly-held company. [4]
■ Describe two sources of finance TLT could use for the purchase of their new industrial sewing machines (line 99). [4]
○ 6 marks: explain, suggest, distinguish (the last one) 6 mark questions are 3 + 3. One mark is gained for identifying what
problem/issue/way is being asked for. The next mark is gained for explaining or describing the issue in depth. The final mark is
for putting it into the context of the business. Remember, this is more marks than a 4 mark question and the length should
reflect that. More depth is needed for full marks! Here are two examples:
■ Explain one way in which TLT is achieving its mission statement and one way in which it is not achieving it. [6]
■ Explain one threat and one opportunity facing TLT. [6]
Section B : 10 marks
This section focuses on 10 mark questions. You will be given two options and will choose only ONE to answer.
Common command terms include: discuss, evaluate, recommend, or justify.
Make sure to follow the guidelines for 10 mark questions and rubric for marking.
Here are two examples:
Discuss whether TLT should implement the new CSR program that Elijah, the CEO, has proposed. [10]
Recommend a new leadership style for Elijah given the ongoing issues facing TLT. [10]
Time Management!
HL/ SL students Recommended time to
spend on each section
Section A All questions 45 minutes
Section B Choose 1 question 30 minutes
15 minutes reading time
Total duration
1h30
Reading time
● 5 minutes reading time.
● You canʼt write / highlight / take notes during this 5-minutes
reading time.
● Reading is reading…
During exam day
SL students
HL students
Reading time
Yes - 5 minutes
Formulae sheet No
Calculator Yes
