The Business Ventures question in Section B (Question 2) of Grade 12 Business Studies was not attempted by most learners in the 2024 NSC exam. However, those who chose it showed solid improvement compared to previous years. The national average jumped from 30% in 2023 to 44% in 2024, which shows that past paper revision played a role in boosting marks. Still, many learners lost easy marks due to confusion between similar topics and incomplete explanations.
This guide from StudyPapers.co.za breaks down the common mistakes that cost learners marks and explains what to do instead when answering Business Ventures paragraph-style questions in your final exam.
Grade 12 Business Studies – Business Ventures Paragraph Questions Guide
1. Know the Difference Between Investment Topics
In Q2.1, many Grade 12 Business Studies confused the types of investment opportunities with other topics like investment decision factors and forms of investment. For example, learners wrote answers like “risk” or “RSA Retail Bonds” instead of giving the six accepted investment opportunity types from the 2021 Exam Guidelines.
Fix this by learning these as separate things:
- Investment decision factors: These are things like risk, return, inflation, tax.
- Types of investment opportunities: These are government retail bonds, unit trusts, shares, fixed deposits, and more.
- Forms of investment: These could be short-term or long-term, depending on the goal.
2. Stop Confusing State-Owned Companies with Public Companies
In Q2.2, matric learners were asked about the advantages of state-owned companies, but many gave features of a public company like legal personality and limited liability.
Remember this:
- A state-owned company is owned by the government and run to deliver services and generate revenue. Example: Eskom or SABC.
- A public company is owned by shareholders and listed on the JSE. Its aim is profit generation for investors.
Use real examples and mention state control, service delivery goals, and national interest when discussing state-owned companies.
3. Understand Insurance Concepts Like the Average Clause
Q2.3 dealt with insurance, specifically the average clause, which many learners confused with under-insurance.
You need to know:
- Under-insurance is when the insured value is less than the actual value.
- The average clause is a formula used by insurers to calculate payout in such cases.
The formula is:
(Amount insured ÷ Actual value) × Damage = Claim amount
If you know the steps but make a calculation error, you will still earn part-marks, so show all your workings.
4. Multimedia Presentations Need Their Own Rules
In Q2.4, Grade 12 Business Studies learners were supposed to give aspects related to the design of a multimedia presentation. Instead, many gave points that relate to preparation for presenting, like creating visual aids.
Stick to the correct aspects:
- Use readable font sizes.
- Keep slides short and clear.
- Use colours that do not strain the eyes.
- Avoid overcrowding slides with information.
Make sure you do not mix up content from different parts of the Business Ventures topic.
5. Know Your Leadership Theories
In Q2.5.1, learners were expected to identify a leadership theory from a scenario. Most picked the wrong one, and in Q2.5.2, they could not explain the transformational leadership theory.
Here is how to handle it:
- Read the scenario properly. If it mentions motivating employees to go beyond the expected, or changing organisational culture, it is transformational leadership.
- In your explanation, include the idea of inspiring employees to exceed their normal performance and align with the business vision.
6. Feedback Is Not the Same as Presentation Skills
In Q2.7, learners confused giving feedback with presentation techniques. Others gave incomplete answers that cost them easy marks.
Know the difference:
- Feedback is about how the presenter responds to questions or comments in a calm, respectful and professional way.
- Presentation techniques are how the presenter prepares and delivers the content (e.g., voice projection, posture, time management).
When answering, use full sentences and give examples of non-aggressive responses like: “Thank you for your question, let me clarify that point.”
Summary of What to Fix for Business Ventures Paragraph Questions
- Know the six types of investment opportunities and do not confuse them with other topics.
- Learn the difference between state-owned companies and public companies.
- Understand how to apply the average clause formula.
- Separate content about designing a multimedia presentation from presentation preparation.
- Study all leadership theories and apply them properly to case studies.
- Practise responding to feedback professionally using full and respectful sentences.
Make sure to review paragraph questions from past NSC papers and read the scenario carefully before answering. You only need to answer three questions in Section B, so choose Business Ventures only if you understand the content.