How to Master AQA A-Level Business Paper 1 in 2026
AQA A-Level Business Paper 1 is the first of three exams and sets the tone for your overall grade. The paper lasts 2 hours and is worth 100 marks, testing your knowledge and understanding across the full A-Level specification. It includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and two extended essays worth 25 marks each.
Because Paper 1 has no pre-release material, it can assess any part of the course. That means your preparation needs to be broad, covering both Year 1 and Year 2 topics. Here’s how you can approach it effectively.
1. Understand the Paper 1 Format
Paper 1 is divided into three sections. Section A contains 15 multiple-choice questions. Section B is a series of short-answer questions covering a mix of topics. Section C asks you to choose two essays (one from a choice of two twice), each worth 25 marks.
The essays are the most demanding part of Paper 1, as they require you to combine knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation to build a convincing argument.
2. Balance the Assessment Objectives
To score highly, you’ll need to hit all four AOs:
AO1: Show accurate knowledge of business terms, concepts, and models.
AO2: Apply ideas to the question context.
AO3: Build logical chains of analysis, showing the impact of business decisions.
AO4: Make well-justified evaluations, weighing up arguments and drawing clear conclusions.
Strong answers are always rooted in the question’s context, not just theory.
3. Avoid Common Mistakes
Examiners frequently highlight the same weaknesses in Paper 1. Many students give generic answers that are not applied to the question. Others write essays without a clear line of argument, or they reach vague conclusions like “it depends” without explaining why. Time management is also key—don’t spend too long on the MCQs and short answers at the expense of your essays.
4. Revise Actively
Passive revision won’t prepare you for the essay-based questions. Use active techniques such as creating one-page summary sheets for models like Ansoff’s Matrix, Porter's Five Forces, and Investment Appraisal. Drill financial calculations such as break-even, NPV, and ratios. Most importantly, practise writing full essays under timed conditions, making sure to plan your structure before you start writing.
5. Use Predicted Papers for Realistic Practice
Past papers are useful, but they only show what has come up before. Predicted papers are designed to replicate the style, structure, and likely focus areas of the upcoming exam.
We’ve created an AQA A-Level Business Paper 1 Predicted Paper (2026) with a full guided mark scheme. It mirrors the real exam’s layout and difficulty, giving you the best possible practice ahead of the summer.
👉 Check out the Predicted Paper 1 (AQA Business 2026)
Buy All 3 Papers for Full Prep
Paper 1 is only the beginning. To maximise your chances of success, you should also practise across Paper 2 and Paper 3. Paper 2 consists of three compulsory data-response questions, while Paper 3 is a single case study with around six compulsory questions.
Our AQA Business Predicted Paper Bundle (2026) includes Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3, each with a full guided mark scheme. This gives you complete coverage of the exam series and saves money compared to buying the papers individually.
👉 Get the AQA Business Predicted Paper Bundle (2026)
Final Thoughts
Paper 1 requires strong knowledge, precise application, and confident essay-writing. By practising essays under timed conditions, avoiding common mistakes, and using predicted papers to sharpen your technique, you’ll be well prepared for the 2026 AQA A-Level Business exam series.