A final NSC Business Studies exam typically consists of a combination of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and longer essay-type questions. The exam is designed to assess your understanding of key business concepts, principles, and theories and your ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.

Business studies is divided into four main topics which test your understanding and application of the content and concepts you learn throughout the course. These topics are:

During the exam, you are expected to demonstrate critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. You may also be required to analyse case studies, interpret data, and provide well-supported arguments in your responses.

Overall, business studies aims to assess your knowledge, skills, and understanding of various aspects of the business world, preparing you for a future career in business and entrepreneurship.

The final NSC Business Studies exam consists of two written papers, both of which are two hours in length and worth 150 marks. Each paper consists of three sections which cover two main topics:

Read each question carefully and pay close attention to the mark allocations in section A and B as this will guide you as to how many facts to write down in your answer.

By knowing what aspects of each topic you might be tested on, you can focus on the important information and avoid wasting time on other content. To find a detailed breakdown of the content being tested in each paper, take a look at the examination guidelines here.

When preparing for the exam, it's essential to spend your time wisely and study strategically. As the exam paper typically covers two main topics, for example, Business Operations and Business Environments, it is a good idea to prioritise one of them and have a working knowledge of the other. 

For example, let's say you choose Business Operations as your main focus. This topic alone contributes significantly to the total marks available in the exam specifically in Questions 1, 3, 4, and 6, which collectively account for 115 marks out of the total 150 marks. By concentrating on Business Operations, you'll thoroughly study the concepts, theories, and case studies related to this area, ensuring you're well-prepared to tackle these questions in the exam.

Additionally, while Business Operations is your primary focus, it's still important to have a basic understanding of the other main topic (Business Environments). This will enable you to address the remaining marks allocated to that topic, including the 15 marks in section A and the 20 marks in question 4. While you won't devote as much time to studying the secondary topic, having a foundational understanding will allow you to answer these questions effectively.

It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions typically asked in business studies exams as this will help you become more comfortable with the exam format and identify areas where you may need additional study. There are only so many questions that can be asked and many questions reappear each year. At Studyclix, there are various ways you can access official DBE past papers:

Take the time to thoroughly understand fundamental business concepts and build a strong foundation of knowledge to serve as a basis for more advanced topics. At Studyclix, we have created fun and interactive flashcards to help you understand and remember key concepts.

Click through all of the flashcards you need to know in each topic using the 'previous' and 'next' buttons on the flashcards.

Want to mix it up? Hit the shuffle button. Looking to test yourself again? Do it by hitting restart. You can also share, print or view the full deck. It's all at your fingertips!

Find all the flashcards we have here.