how to write an essay in business studies grade 10

• Jul 6, 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Business Studies Essay with Examples

Introduction.

Writing a business studies essay may seem a daunting task, especially if you're new to the field. The complex concepts, frameworks, and jargon used in business studies often intimidate students. However, with the right approach and structure, you can craft an impressive essay that clearly communicates your argument. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a business studies essay, featuring examples to illustrate each step.

I. Introduction

The introduction serves as the roadmap for your essay, providing the reader with a snapshot of what to expect. It typically consists of three parts

a hook, an overview of the topic, and a thesis statement.

Start your essay with an interesting fact or statistic to capture your reader's attention. For instance, if you're writing an essay about digital marketing, your hook could be something like

"With over 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide, the digital marketplace is a field that businesses can't afford to ignore."

Overview of the Topic

Following the hook, provide some background information about the business topic. For the digital marketing example, you might explain what digital marketing is and why it has become essential in today's business world.

Thesis Statement

Finally, present your thesis statement, which is the main argument or point your essay will address. an example could be.

"Despite the evident benefits, many businesses still struggle to implement effective digital marketing strategies; this essay will explore the reasons behind these challenges and propose potential solutions."

II. Contextual Background (Optional)

The contextual background provides an industry overview, discusses key trends, and describes the topic's relevance. For instance, in the digital marketing essay, you could discuss how the industry has evolved over the years, identify the trends shaping the current digital marketing landscape, and explain why it's crucial to businesses today.

III. Main Body

The main body is where you present your arguments, each in its own paragraph. This typically includes a topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and a link back to the thesis.

Main Point 1

The topic sentence for the first argument in our digital marketing essay could be.

"Lack of technical knowledge is a significant barrier to implementing effective digital marketing strategies." You'd then explain this point in detail, highlighting relevant theories and models. For evidence, you might cite research studies showing how technical skills gaps affect businesses' digital marketing efforts. Finally, link this back to your thesis by stating how this supports your argument about the challenges businesses face in digital marketing.

Repeat this structure for your other main points. For example, your next points might discuss lack of understanding of digital marketing strategy and inadequate budget allocation.

IV. Counter Argument (If Necessary)

In some cases, you might need to address a counter argument. This involves stating the counter argument, and then providing your rebuttal. For instance, a counter argument to your digital marketing essay could be that

"Even small businesses with limited resources have successfully implemented digital marketing strategies."

You could rebut this by explaining that while this is true, such success often hinges on strategic use of limited resources, which again requires a deep understanding of digital marketing.

V. Conclusion

The conclusion summarises your main points, restates your thesis in light of your arguments, discusses implications, and leaves the reader with a final thought. For the digital marketing essay, you might summarise by saying,

"Technical knowledge, strategic understanding, and adequate budget allocation are key hurdles to effective digital marketing."

Restate your thesis and then discuss the implications of your findings, like the need for businesses to invest in training and strategy development.

You could leave your reader with a question to ponder, such as

"As digital marketing continues to evolve, how can businesses ensure they stay ahead of the curve?"

VI. References

Every academic essay must include references. These are all the sources you've cited in your essay, listed according to the citation style specified by your professor or institution. For example, using the APA style, a reference entry might look like this

"Kumar, V., & Rajan, B. (2012). Social coupons as a marketing strategy a multifaceted perspective. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 40(1), 120-136."

VII. Appendix (If Necessary)

The appendix is where you include any additional information, charts, diagrams, or tables that support your essay but couldn't be included in the main body. For instance, you might include detailed statistical data or a complex digital marketing framework that you discussed briefly in your essay.

Writing a business studies essay involves careful planning, critical thinking, and clear communication. It's about presenting your arguments coherently and convincingly, supported by evidence from reputable sources. With practice and adherence to the structure presented in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to produce high-quality business studies essays.

Remember, this guide provides a general structure for writing a business studies essay. Your essay's specific requirements may vary depending on the assignment instructions or the preferences of your professor or institution. Always make sure you fully understand the assignment requirements before you start writing.

Part 2: How to Write Business Studies Essays at A-Level

Tips with examples.

Mastering essay writing at A-Level for business studies requires understanding key concepts, effective planning, and good writing skills. Here are some helpful tips and examples.

1. Understand the Question

Start by carefully reading and understanding the essay question. It could be asking you to analyze, evaluate, discuss, or compare. Knowing exactly what is expected helps guide your research and writing. For example, if you are asked to 'Evaluate the effectiveness of market segmentation as a marketing strategy,' your essay should not only explain what market segmentation is, but also assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness as a marketing strategy.

2. Plan Your Essay

Before you start writing, draft a plan outlining your main points. This should include your introduction, main body points, counter-arguments (if necessary), and conclusion.

3. Use a Clear Structure

Each paragraph should focus on one main point, and follow the PEEL structure (Point, Explanation, Evidence, Link).

State the main idea of the paragraph. E.g.,

"Market segmentation allows companies to target specific customer groups."

Explanation

Elaborate on your point using relevant theories or concepts. E.g.,

"This is based on the concept that different customer groups have different needs and preferences..."

Back up your point with evidence, such as case studies, statistics, or quotes. E.g.,

"A report by McKinsey found that companies using advanced segmentation strategies have grown their market share by 10%..."

Connect your point back to the essay question or your thesis. E.g.,

"Thus, market segmentation can be an effective strategy for businesses seeking to increase market share."

4. Use Real Business Examples

A-Level business studies essays often require real-world examples to demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories. If your essay topic is about corporate social responsibility (CSR), for instance, you could cite companies known for their CSR efforts, like Patagonia or Ben & Jerry's.

5. Be Critical

A-Level essays need to show critical thinking, not just summarizing information. This could mean assessing the pros and cons of a business strategy, analyzing a business model's implications, or evaluating a theory's relevance.

6. Practice Conciseness

Business studies value clarity and conciseness. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Make your points as clear and straightforward as possible.

7. Proofread

Always proofread your essay before submission. Check for grammatical errors, unclear sentences, and ensure all your points clearly relate to the essay question.

Here's an extract from an A-Level business studies essay to illustrate

"A key strength of market segmentation is its potential to enhance a company's competitive advantage (Point). By tailoring products or services to specific customer groups, companies can better meet customers' unique needs and wants, thus differentiating themselves from competitors (Explanation). For example, Nike has successfully used geographic segmentation to create sports apparel that suits different climates, gaining a significant competitive advantage in the global sportswear market (Evidence). Therefore, market segmentation can play a vital role in strengthening a company's position in the marketplace (Link)."

In this example, the student follows the PEEL structure, uses a real business example (Nike), and links the point back to the thesis. By following these tips and examples, you can improve your A-Level business studies essay writing skills.

Part 3: How to Write Business Studies Essays at O-Level and GCSE

Writing business studies essays at O-Level and GCSE can be challenging, but with the right strategy and approach, you can excel. Here are some tips, with examples and essay extracts, to help you.

The first step is to understand the question. Is it asking you to explain, describe, or discuss a certain topic? Make sure you understand what's expected before you start writing. For example, if the question asks you to 'Discuss the role of communication in effective management,' your essay should address the various ways communication contributes to successful management.

Plan your essay by noting down your key points, evidence to support these points, and how they all link to the essay question. This will help keep your essay organized and focused.

A well-structured essay typically includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion. The PEEL structure (Point, Explanation, Evidence, Link) is particularly useful for the main body of the essay

Start with the main point or idea of the paragraph. E.g., "Effective communication aids in conflict resolution within an organization."

Expand on your point with further explanation or detail. E.g., "When team members can express their views openly and leaders listen, conflicts can be resolved more smoothly..."

Use evidence to back up your point. This can be from case studies, statistics, or relevant examples. E.g., "A study by CMI found that companies with open communication policies have significantly lower rates of internal conflict..."

Finally, link your point back to the essay question or your overall argument. E.g., "Therefore, effective communication is integral to successful management."

4. Use Business Terminology

Using appropriate business terminology shows your understanding of the subject. For instance, terms like 'market share', 'return on investment', or 'organizational culture' can enhance your essay's credibility.

5. Include Real-World Examples

Real-world business examples can strengthen your arguments and demonstrate your understanding of how business concepts apply in practice. For instance, if your essay is about innovation, you could mention companies like Apple or Tesla.

Clarity and conciseness are important in business studies. Avoid unnecessary jargon and aim for clear, straightforward sentences.

Always proofread your essay before submitting it. Check for grammatical errors and ensure that your points are clearly presented and logically connected.

Here's an extract from an O-Level/GCSE business studies essay for illustration

"One major advantage of effective communication is it facilitates decision-making within an organization (Point). Clear and open communication allows for the easy flow of information, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, and what is expected of them (Explanation). For example, Google's practice of holding regular 'TGIF' meetings, where executives answer employee questions, has been credited for fostering transparency and aiding decision-making processes (Evidence). Thus, communication is a critical tool for effective management, impacting key areas like decision-making (Link)."

This example follows the PEEL structure, includes a real-world business example (Google), and links the point back to the overall essay topic. By using these tips and examples, you can enhance your O-Level and GCSE business studies essay writing skills.

Evaluate the impact of digital technology on the marketing strategies of modern businesses

Introduction The integration of digital technology in the business world has dramatically altered the landscape of marketing. Today's businesses need to engage with customers not only in physical stores but also online. This essay will evaluate the impact of digital technologies, including social media, SEO, and Big Data, on marketing strategies of modern businesses. Body Paragraph 1: Social Media Digital technology has introduced a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, which have significantly influenced marketing strategies. Social media allows businesses to reach a global audience at lower costs compared to traditional advertising methods. For instance, Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign, primarily driven through social media, resulted in a 2% increase in U.S. sales, demonstrating the power of social media in driving brand engagement. Paragraph 2: SEO Search engine optimization (SEO) is another digital technology that shapes contemporary marketing strategies. SEO involves improving a website’s visibility on search engines like Google, which can significantly enhance a business's online presence. An example is Airbnb, which used SEO to increase its visibility, contributing to a 153% increase in organic traffic to their site within a year. Paragraph 3: Big Data Big Data is changing the way businesses understand and engage with their customers. By collecting and analyzing large amounts of customer data, businesses can create personalized marketing strategies. Amazon, for instance, uses Big Data to provide personalized product recommendations, contributing to a significant portion of its revenues. Counter-argument: The Challenges Despite the benefits, digital technology also presents challenges. Privacy concerns are increasingly prevalent, with businesses needing to balance effective marketing with respecting consumer privacy. For example, Facebook has faced backlash and legal challenges for its use of personal data in targeted advertising. Moreover, the digital marketing landscape is highly competitive, and businesses must continuously innovate to stay ahead. Conclusion In conclusion, digital technology has a profound impact on modern marketing strategies. It provides businesses with powerful tools to reach and understand their customers better. However, these tools also come with challenges, such as privacy issues and intense competition. Thus, businesses must navigate these issues carefully while leveraging digital technologies to optimize their marketing strategies. References [Here you would include a list of all the sources you used in your essay, in the appropriate citation style] Note: The references are not included in this example, but in a real essay, you would need to cite all the sources of your information.

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How To Ace Your Business Studies Essay

Business Studies students, this one’s for you ! By now, you’ve probably recognised that Business Studies is a rewarding subject, providing you with a greater understanding of how the economy functions and gaining base-level business knowledge. As part of your Business Studies exam, you will be asked to write an essay. Your Business Studies essay is an opportunity to contextualise your business knowledge in the real world. Your examiner will want you to demonstrate your knowledge about contemporary business theories, as well as analytical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

Today we will share with you how to ace your Business Studies essay. We will provide practical essay-writing tips and specific keywords to look out for when reading the essay question. By following our guidelines, you will be able to write a Business Studies essay that is well-structured, compelling and insightful. 

Before we begin, we highly recommend practicing! As part of your exam preparation, practice writing essays. Use the example essay questions provided at the end of this post, follow the prompts, so you understand the requirements. You will begin to feel more comfortable and confident, and ultimately set yourself up for success before you even begin writing your Business Studies exams!

Understand the question

The first step to writing a captivating Business Studies essay is to pause, carefully read the question and take time to understand what you are being asked. We recommend underlining the verbs in the question to fully grasp how to proceed. Examine the exact wording so you can work out the approach you need to take.  

Here are some verbs to look out for:

There are two types of essay questions you could be asked:

• Case study - This is where you are asked to write an essay on a business or situation. 
• Discussion - This is where you will be required to discuss a specific topic. You will need to review key arguments and provide reasons for and against each one. 

Make an essay outline

An essay outline will enable you to create a more organised essay, include a range of points and avoid repetition. You will also be able to evaluate the question more thoroughly and provide a well-thought-out argument. 

Begin by listing, brainstorming or mind-mapping all your thoughts. This is called a ‘brain dump’ and will allow you to clear your mind of all the essay-related thoughts whirling around in your brain. By getting all your thoughts on paper, you will be able to start crafting a compelling Business Studies essay in a more structured manner.

Create your essay plan

The next step to writing an engaging Business Studies essay is to construct your essay plan. This will help you to organise your main arguments and ideas so you can present them in a logical sequence when you begin writing. Glance at your list, brainstorm or mind-map and select the points you wish to include in your essay. Write out your key points that you wish to include in your introduction, main body and conclusion. During this process, you will spark off new ideas and begin to digest and analyse the information you have gathered. 

Write your essay

Introduction.

Begin your Business Studies essay by outlining your understanding of the essay question and commenting on how you plan to address it. This is where you present your thesis statement of claim which will determine the contents and direction of your essay. Define the objectives of the essay and set out exactly what you are reaching a conclusion for. This is a good place to include definitions of business terms if you wish to do so. 

Main body and discussion

Use the main body of your essay to provide a detailed analysis of the topic. Make sure you have critically examined different viewpoints to provide a robust debate, covering reasons for and against the presented argument. In case study essays, this is where you provide evidence to support the arguments or main points you raise. 

A well-written essay includes a conclusion that has been reached by logical reasoning. Use this space to concisely pull together the main points in your discussion, explicitly stating your viewpoint as the final result. You should not mention any new arguments in your conclusion, as this is the space where your existing thoughts culminate. 

Essay writing tips

There are two key elements to standing out when writing an essay: paragraphs and connective phrases. 

Here’s how to use both:

• Paragraphs are useful because they signal to your examiner that you are moving onto a new point. This will also encourage you to avoid repetition! Each paragraph forms a building block, which forms part of your entire essay. 
• Connective phrases will keep you focused on the question. Phrases like “this means that” or “this will impact the business” introduce your analysis, and phrases like “this is of crucial importance because” or “other factors to consider are” introduce the evaluation. 

Bonus: Don’t focus solely on knowledge at the expense of your evaluation and analysis. Your examiner is looking for proof that you understand the topic at hand and are able to expertly evaluate and analyse the content, not just what you know. 

Edit and proofread

Always check your essay for spelling, stylistic errors, grammar and punctuation mistakes before completing the task. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you edit and proofread your essay:

• Have I answered the essay question?
• Is my essay presented in a logical order?
• Is the content accurate and relevant?
• Have I supported my main points with arguments and examples?
• Is my language clear and concise?
• Is my spelling and punctuation correct?

Example questions

Here are five essay questions extracted from actual Business Studies exams. You can use these to practice writing Business Studies essays as you prepare for your exams. 

Describe the principles of ethical and professional behaviours. Evaluate the issues that pose challenges to the business environment in terms of ethical and professional behaviour and comment on its application in the business enterprise.

The human resources manager is responsible for compiling the job description and job specification. Suitable candidates can be recruited internally using various recruitment sources. The interviewees should be familiar with their role during the interview. Businesses must ensure that the employment contract complies with the legal requirements of the employment. 

Write an essay on the human resources function in which you include the following human resources activities:

• Outline the differences between job description and job specification. 
• Discuss the impact of internal recruitment on a business. 
• E xplain the role of the interviewee during the interview. 
• Advise businesses on the legal requirements of the employment contract. 

The National Credit Act (NCA), 2005 (Act 34 of 2005) provides a framework to regulate the credit market. It protects the rights of consumers and provides guidelines on how businesses should comply with this Act. Businesses may face penalties for not complying with the National Credit Act. 

Write an essay on the National Credit Act in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the rights of consumers in terms of the National Credit Act. 
• Discuss the impact of the NCA on businesses. 
• Explain ways in which businesses could comply with the NCA. 
• Advise businesses on the penalties they may face for non-compliance to the Act. 

Investing in fixed deposit provides investors the opportunity to decide whether they want to receive simple interest or compound interest. Investors must also consider various types of shares before making investment decisions. Some invest in companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).

Write an essay on investment securities in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the differences between simple interest and compound interest. 
• Explain the advantage of a fixed deposit as a form of investment. 
• Discuss any three types of shares. 
• Advise businesses on the functions of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). 

Jake wants to target a new BEco Bottle at sports people and needs to increase production. He is considering two options to achieve this:

• Outsource production of the sports bottle to India. 
• Use hire purchase to buy the new equipment to manufacture the sports bottle in his existing factory. 

Analyse the effect of each of these two options for the business. 

Evaluate which of these two options will have the bigger impact on the future success of the sports bottle.

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X-kit Achieve! Grade 10 Business Studies Study Guide

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Grade 10 learners can use X-kit Achieve! Business Studies study guide throughout the year to prepare for and pass exams.  Learning and revising Business Studies is made easy with concise, step-by-step explanations in plain language and bulleted summaries. Plenty of exercises, practice exam papers and memos prepare learners for tests and exams.

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Exam practice is essential. Make sure your students have access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

Remind your students that studying should be active. They should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing themselves on the sections they are studying.

Different study methods work for different students. Encourage your learners to find out what works for them so you can support them.

Many subjects require students to know work from the previous grades. Make sure your child has access to a good reference book that contains the concepts they need to refer back to.

Be calm and supportive on the morning of the test or exam. Leave any difficult conversations for another time.

Make sure your teenager has enough time to relax, do sport, play music and spend time with friends. A balanced lifestyle often leads to better results.

Sit with your child and help him/her with their studies whenever you get time. Ask him to explain the work to you.

Speak openly to your child so that he feels that he can share problems or concerns with you.

The night before the exam, encourage your child to relax. Allow him to do something fun and make sure he gets to bed early.

On the afternoon before the exam, get your child to review her notes and summaries, especially for sections of work where she is less confident.

On the morning of the exam, get your child to go over his formulae sheets to remind him of key information.

Once your teenager has completed practise exam papers, go over the areas where they struggle. Get a study guide to help you and your student if you need help with a particular section.

Exam practice is essential. Make sure your student has access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

Studying should be active. Your child should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing herself on the sections she is studying.

Different study methods work for different students. Find out what works for your child so you understand how you can support him or her.

When you are writing an exam, first write down all the formulae or important facts you are worried about forgetting.

Make a list of the stationery and instruments you need for your exam and pack it the night before.

Go to bed early the night before tests and exams so that you can wake up in time to quickly read through the sections you are worried about.

Stay positive and confident! Believe that you can ace the test or the exam.

Always test yourself on what you have studied - or ask someone else to test you.

Make sure you know and can explain all formulas and theorems in your exams. These are easy marks.

Once you have revised a section, do plenty of practice questions to check that you can apply your knowledge.

Find out what study method works best for you. Use mindmaps, flow diagrams and/or notes.

Work through worked examples and solutions step-by-step until you understand them well.

Keep healthy: Exercise, drink water and eat food that is good for your body and mind.

Look up definitions for words you don’t understand.

Study for 30 to 45 minutes at a time and then take a break – otherwise you won’t concentrate as well.

Create a realistic timetable to cover all the sections in all the subjects you are studying and try to stick to it.

Give yourself plenty of time to study before tests and exams.

Do extra questions and worksheets on sections you find difficult.

Make sure you understand the work you are doing in class and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

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SBA Exemplar Booklet Business Studies (Gr. 10 - 12)

The Department of Basic Education has pleasure in releasing a subject exemplar booklet for School Based Assessment (SBA) to assist and guide teachers with the setting and development of standardised SBA tasks and assessment tools. The SBA booklets have been written by teams of subject specialists to assist teachers to adapt teaching and learning methods to improve learner performance and the quality and management of SBA.

The primary purpose of this SBA exemplar booklet is to improve the quality of teaching and assessment (both formal and informal) as well as the learner’s process of learning and understanding of the subject content. Assessment of and for learning is an ongoing process that develops from the interaction of teaching, learning and assessment. To improve learner performance, assessment needs to support and drive focused, effective teaching.

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