1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra infor
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1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement
• the Assessment Objectives, level of demand and specification content that each question is intended to cover.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening and underlining
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.
2.4 Any wording that is underlined is essential for the marking point to be awarded.
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of error / contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (indicated as * in example 1) are not penalised.
Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution?
Student Response Marks
awarded
1 green, 5 0
2 red*, 5 1
3 red*, 8 0
Example 2: Name two planets in the solar system.
Student Response Marks awarded
1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1
2 Neptune, Sun, Mars, Moon 0
3.2 Use of chemical symbols / formulae
[1 mark]
[2 marks]
If a student writes a chemical symbol / formula instead of a required chemical name, full credit can be given if the symbol / formula is correct and if, in the context of the question, such action is appropriate.
3.3 Marking procedure for calculations
Marks should be awarded for each stage of the calculation completed correctly, as students are instructed to show their working. Full marks can, however, be given for a correct numerical answer, without any working shown.
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