Master the Oxford AQA International AS Level Business (9625) exams with this student-focused guide. Learn to manage your 90 minutes per paper, master the precise application of business models, lock in quantitative marks with step-by-step calculations, and structure high-scoring contextual analysis and balanced judgments.
A scientific or graphical calculator is permitted. Graphical calculators must be in exam mode with all stored programs and data cleared before the exam; the calculator must not be able to retrieve stored text or formulae.
AO1: AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models (28.75%)
AO2: AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts (30%)
AO3: AO3: Analyse issues within business, showing the impact of external and internal influences (22.5%)
AO4: AO4: Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements (18.75%)
根据历届试题与评分标准整理（2023–2025）。
计算器程序
Graph: zeros, intersections & turning points
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
用途: Plot a function to read its roots (zeros), points of intersection, and maxima/minima.
使用时机: Checking solutions, sketching, or solving where an analytic method is hard.
步骤
Graph the function(s) and use the built-in zero, intersect and maximum/minimum tools.
考试提示: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical equation solver
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
用途: Solve an equation or find a variable numerically when an algebraic route is long or implicit.
使用时机: Iterative or implicit equations, or to confirm an algebraic solution.
步骤
Use the equation/zero solver, entering the equation and a sensible starting estimate.
考试提示: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical integration & differentiation
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
用途: Evaluate a definite integral \(\int_a^b f(x)\,dx\) or a gradient \(f'(x)\) at a point.
使用时机: Checking calculus answers, or where only a numerical value is needed.
步骤
Use the GDC's numeric integral / derivative function with the limits or the point.
考试提示: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Statistics & probability distributions
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
用途: 1-var/2-var statistics, linear regression, and cumulative binomial / normal / Poisson probabilities without tables.
使用时机: Statistics questions and hypothesis tests.
步骤
Enter data in the statistics editor, or use the distribution menu (binomial cdf, normal cdf, …).
考试提示: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
常见错误
1high涉及分数: 3Financial data
Omitting intermediate calculation steps and writing down only the final answer.
如何避免: Always show every step of your working. If you write down the correct formula and list your intermediate steps, you can still gain 'Own Figure Rule' (OFR) marks even if you make a minor arithmetic error at the end.
2high涉及分数: 5Mission, objectives and strategy
Writing generic, textbook essays in Section C that do not relate directly to the specific business context.
如何避免: Weave case-specific details (such as whether the firm is a cinema, an ethical clothing business, or a restaurant) into every paragraph. Explain how the strategic choices directly impact their unique product profile, cost structure, or target demographic.
3high涉及分数: 5Choosing strategic direction
Presenting points for and against in isolation, without forming a substantiated final judgment.
如何避免: Your final paragraph must resolve the debate. Make a clear recommendation that directly answers the question prompt, explaining why one factor outweighs the other using an 'it depends' approach.
4medium涉及分数: 9Inventory and supply chain management
Conflating Just-in-Case (JIC) with Just-in-Time (JIT) benefits.
如何避免: Remember that JIC involves holding buffer stock to protect against unexpected spikes in demand or supply chain disruptions, which increases storage and opportunity costs. JIT reduces holding costs but leaves the business vulnerable to stock-outs.
5high涉及分数: 3The external environment
Skipping logical links in exchange rate analytical essays.
如何避免: Avoid jumping from 'a stronger dollar reduces profit' to a final conclusion without outlining the steps in between. Explain how a stronger currency makes exports more expensive for Chinese buyers, decreasing demand, reducing export volumes, and thereby lowering overall revenue and profits.
6medium涉及分数: 4Operations and competitiveness
Treating continuous improvement (Kaizen) as an instant, cost-free solution to falling productivity.
如何避免: Acknowledge that Kaizen requires a long-term cultural shift, significant training costs, and high staff motivation to be effective, rather than yielding immediate and zero-cost improvements.