How to Read a Cambridge Mark Scheme
A mark scheme tells you exactly what examiners give marks for. Once you can read one, you can see why an answer lost marks and how to write it better next time.
The main types of mark in maths
Maths and some science papers split marks into types. Each syllabus lists its own codes at the start of the mark scheme, but these are the usual ones.
- M: a method mark, given for using a correct method even if you make a slip with the numbers.
- A: an accuracy mark, given for a correct answer or step. It usually depends on earning the method mark first.
- B: an independent mark for a correct result or statement that does not depend on a method mark.
Common abbreviations
- ft: follow through. You can still earn the mark if you use your own earlier wrong answer correctly.
- oe: or equivalent. Another correct form of the answer is accepted.
- cao: correct answer only. No other form earns the mark.
- soi: seen or implied. The step does not have to be written if your later work shows you used it.
- isw: ignore subsequent working. Extra working after a correct answer is not penalised.
- awrt: answers which round to the value shown.
- dep: dependent. The mark can only be given if an earlier mark was earned.
- ecf: error carried forward, which works like follow through in science papers.
- owtte: or words to that effect. Your wording can be different if the meaning is the same.
Reading mark schemes for written answers
In science and humanities papers, each marking point is usually listed on its own line or separated by a semicolon or slash. A slash shows alternatives that are both accepted. Underlined words often must appear in your answer. "Max" shows the most marks you can earn from a longer list of points.
Essay style questions are often marked with level descriptors. These describe what an answer at each level looks like, so compare your answer with the description rather than counting points.
How to use this to score more
- Show your working, because method marks can rescue a wrong final answer.
- Check how many marks a question is worth, because that usually tells you how many points to make.
- Copy the key terms from mark schemes into your notes, because the same phrases come up again.
- Read the examiner report for that series to see the mistakes that lost students the most marks.