A-level PHYSICS 7408/2

Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners 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 answ ...

Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners 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 and help to delineate what is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area in which a mark or marks may be awarded. 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 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. 3. Marking points 3.1 Marking of lists This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which candidates 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 errors / contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be awarded. However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the mark scheme) are not penalised. 3.2 Marking procedure for calculations Full marks can usually be given for a correct numerical answer without working shown unless the question states ‘Show your working’. However, if a correct numerical answer can be evaluated from incorrect physics then working will be required. The mark scheme will indicate both this and the credit (if any) that can be allowed for the incorrect approach