IGCSE Business: Methods of communication (Cambridge 0264) – Practice Questions

These are original questions written for Marlbridge, for revision and practice on this content. They are not reproduced past-paper questions, and they do not replicate the exam’s exact structure, question count or mark tariffs – examination boards hold copyright in their own papers. Use these alongside the official past papers from your board or school.

This set covers section 2.3 (Methods of communication) of the Cambridge IGCSE Business 0264 syllabus for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Both papers are based on all the subject content. Revise first with the study guide and revision notes. See also the course hub, the printable checklist and the free diagnostics. Money figures are in dollars. All businesses and people are invented.

Questions

1. (a) Define internal communication. [2] (b) Give one example of external communication. [2]

2. Explain two reasons why communication is important for a business. [4]

3. Hobsmoor Bikes uses social media to tell customers about new stock. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of this method for the business. [4]

4. Birchmoor Coaches plans to tell 320 customers about a change to a timetable. A letter costs 0.62 dollars for postage and 0.08 dollars for printing. An email costs the business nothing extra for each customer. (a) Calculate the total cost of sending a letter to all 320 customers. [2] (b) Explain one reason why the business might still choose letters for some customers. [2]

5. Plenmeller Dental Supplies has told a dental practice that a large order will arrive five days late. The practice manager, Ysolde Rafferty, is angry and wants an answer by the end of the day. Recommend a method of communication the sales manager should use and justify your choice. [6]

6. State three examples of communication barriers. [3]

7. Explain two reasons why communication barriers occur in a business. [4]

8. A workshop at Hobsmoor Bikes uses short technical codes for parts. New staff often fetch the wrong item. Analyse one problem this causes for the business. [4]

9. Explain two ways a business could reduce communication barriers between its head office and a distant factory. [4]

10. Ferrimount Hotels has two hotels in different countries with an eight-hour time difference. Managers report to a regional manager, who reports to a country manager, who reports to the head office. Instructions from head office reach hotel staff after about five days and are often changed on the way. (a) Identify two communication barriers in this situation. [2] (b) Analyse one problem these barriers may cause for Ferrimount Hotels. [3] (c) Evaluate whether virtual meetings would be the best way for Ferrimount Hotels to improve communication. [6]

11. Each week, 12 managers at Plenmeller Dental Supplies attend a 1.5-hour meeting at head office. Each manager is paid 14 dollars an hour and spends 3.50 dollars on travel to the meeting. A one-hour virtual meeting is proposed instead, with no travel cost. (a) Calculate the total cost of one face-to-face meeting, including wages and travel. [3] (b) Calculate the wage cost of one virtual meeting. [1] (c) Evaluate whether the business should switch to virtual meetings. [4]

Answers

1. (a) Communication between people inside the business [1], such as between a manager and staff or between departments [1]. [2] (b) Any one valid example, such as a phone call to a supplier, an advert on social media aimed at customers, or a letter to a lender [1], with the receiver identified as someone outside the business [1]. [2] Examiner insight: A definition earns more when it says who the receiver is. A bare method such as “email” does not show whether the message is internal or external.

2. First reason: clear communication gives staff the right instructions [1], so work is done correctly and with fewer mistakes [1]. Second reason: communication keeps customers informed about prices, deliveries and complaints [1], which helps keep their loyalty and avoid lost sales [1]. Other valid reasons include better decisions from accurate information and a more involved workforce. [4] Examiner insight: Two separate reasons are needed. Each is stronger with a “so” or “because” that shows the effect on the business.

3. Advantage: it reaches many customers at very low cost [1], so more people hear about new stock without paid advertising [1]. Disadvantage: posts are public, so errors or negative comments can spread quickly [1], and the business must spend time monitoring the account and replying [1]. Other valid points are acceptable if developed. [4] Examiner insight: Naming a feature alone, such as “it is fast”, is rarely enough. Linking it to this business, selling bikes to customers, adds the development.

4. (a) Cost per letter = 0.62 + 0.08 = 0.70 dollars [1]. Total = 320 x 0.70 = $224 [1]. [2] (b) Some customers may not have email or may not check it [1], so a letter is the only way to be sure the message reaches them (or a printed record is wanted for formal notices) [1]. [2] Examiner insight: Show the per-letter step before multiplying. The unit (dollars) should appear with the final value.

5. Recommendation: a phone call from the sales manager (or a call followed by an email) [1]. Reasons: the matter is urgent, and a call is immediate [1]; the customer is angry, so tone of voice and a chance to apologise can calm the situation [1]; the manager can answer questions and offer a solution straight away, giving instant feedback [1]. Rejected alternative: a letter or email would be too slow or could be read as cold, and the practice might not read it by the end of the day [1]. Judgement: a confirming email afterwards would give a written record of the new date, so the best approach combines the two [1]. [6] Examiner insight: A recommendation needs reasons that use the facts given (urgent, angry, same-day answer). Choosing a method and then listing general features scores less well.

6. Any three from: language differences; jargon; poor choice of method; technical failure; too many levels in the chain of communication; information overload; unclear message; poor listening; time and distance; no feedback [1] [1] [1]. [3] Examiner insight: Three different barriers are required. “Poor communication” is not a barrier in itself, because it describes the result.

7. First reason: the sender uses words the receiver does not know, such as specialist terms or another language [1], because they do not think about the receiver’s background [1]. Second reason: there are too many levels between sender and receiver [1], because each person passing on the message may delay or change it [1]. Other valid reasons: technical failure, too many messages, noisy surroundings, no feedback. [4] Examiner insight: A reason explains why the barrier arises. Describing what happens afterwards gives a problem instead, which answers a different question.

8. Barrier: jargon [1]. Staff do not understand the codes, so they fetch the wrong parts [1]. The wrong parts then have to be returned and replaced, which wastes working time and wages [1]. Repair jobs are delayed, which may lead to customers waiting longer and taking their business elsewhere [1]. [4] Examiner insight: Analysis is a chain: cause, first effect, then the effect on the business. A single claim such as “it wastes time” stays at the first link.

9. First way: use a method that suits the message and a back-up system [1], so important information still arrives if the connection fails, although this costs money [1]. Second way: arrange virtual meetings at times that suit both sites [1], so questions can be asked and answered live, although some staff may have to work awkward hours [1]. Other valid ways include plain language, fewer levels of management, and asking for confirmation of messages. [4] Examiner insight: A solution is credited when it fits the barrier and the setting. Naming a fix with no reason why it helps stays at the first step.

10. (a) Any two from: long chain of communication (several levels of management); time and distance (eight-hour difference); messages altered on the way [1] [1]. [2] (b) Hotel staff receive instructions about five days late [1], so they may be using out-of-date procedures [1]. Guests could receive poor service, which damages the hotel’s reputation and sales [1]. [3] (c) For: virtual meetings give live two-way contact and questions [1]; they cut the need for messages to pass through several levels [1]. Against: the eight-hour difference means someone must meet outside normal hours [1]; meetings need a stable connection [1]; they do not remove the extra levels of management unless the structure changes [1]. Judgement: virtual meetings would help, especially with direct contact, but they work best with fewer levels of management and set overlapping hours, so they are one part of the solution rather than the best single answer [1]. [6] Examiner insight: Evaluate asks for points on both sides and then a decision that you support with facts from this case. Listing only benefits stops short of a judgement.

11. (a) Wages = 12 x 1.5 x 14 = 252 dollars [1]. Travel = 12 x 3.50 = 42 dollars [1]. Total = 252 + 42 = $294 [1]. [3] (b) 12 x 1 x 14 = $168 [1]. [1] (c) Saving = 294 - 168 = 126 dollars per meeting, and managers spend less time away from work [1]. Over many weeks the saving adds up [1]. However, a virtual meeting may be less personal and depends on a good connection, so complex or sensitive matters might still need a face-to-face meeting [1]. Judgement: switching is sensible for routine weekly matters, with occasional face-to-face meetings, because the saving is clear and the drawbacks can be managed [1]. [4] Examiner insight: Use the figures from your calculation in the evaluation. A judgement that ignores the saving does not reflect the case.

Where marks are usually lost

• Giving a definition of internal or external communication that names a method but not the receiver.
• Describing features of a method without linking them to the situation given.
• Recommending a method but not saying why another was rejected.
• Giving the same point twice in different words when asked for two.
• Writing “poor communication” as an example of a barrier.
• Explaining a problem when the question asks for a reason, or the other way round.
• Offering a solution that does not match the barrier.
• Leaving out units or workings in a cost calculation.
• Finishing an evaluation with no reasoned judgement.

Next steps

• Review the study guide and use the revision notes.
• Return to the course hub and the printable checklist.
• Try all free 10-minute diagnostics.
• Book a free trial class.

Frequently asked questions

Is “poor communication” an example of a communication barrier? No. “Poor communication” is the result, not the barrier. Name the actual barrier, such as jargon, language differences, technical failure or no feedback.

What are common mistakes on communication questions in IGCSE Business 0264? Students often describe features of a method without linking them to the situation, recommend a method without saying why another was rejected, offer a solution that does not match the barrier, and leave out units or workings in a cost calculation. Finishing an evaluation with no reasoned judgement also loses marks.

How do you work out the cost of a meeting? Add the wage cost of the time each person spends in the meeting, including any travel time, to any travel expenses. Compare this with the cost of an alternative, such as a virtual meeting, before deciding.

Which syllabus section covers methods of communication? Methods of communication is section 2.3 of the Cambridge IGCSE Business 0264 syllabus, covering why communication is important (2.3.1) and communication barriers (2.3.2).

Official syllabus

Aligned to section 2.3 of the Cambridge IGCSE Business 0264 syllabus for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029, published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge International Education).