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
... [Show More] 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.
However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct substitution / working and this is shown in the ‘extra information’ column or by each stage of a longer calculation.
A calculation must be followed through to answer in decimal form. An answer in surd form is never acceptable for the final (evaluation) mark in a calculation and will therefore generally be denied one mark.
3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’
Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the correct subject.
3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic errors
Allowances for errors carried forward are likely to be restricted to calculation questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ECF or conseq in the marking scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in the marking scheme. Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an incorrect transfer of a numerical value from data given in a question.
3.5 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited (eg fizix) unless there is a possible confusion (eg defraction/refraction) with another technical term.
3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.
3.7 Ignore / Insufficient / Do not allow
‘Ignore’ or ‘insufficient’ is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking point.
‘Do not allow’ means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is given, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.
3.8 Significant figure penalties
Answers to questions in the practical sections (7407/2 – Section A and 7408/3A) should display an appropriate number of significant figures. For non-practical sections, an A-level paper may contain up to 2 marks (1 mark for AS) that are contingent on the candidate quoting the final answer in a calculation to a specified number of significant figures (sf). This will generally be assessed to be the number of sf of the datum with the least number of sf from which the answer is determined. The mark scheme will give the range of sf that are acceptable but this will normally be the sf of the datum (or this sf -1).
An answer in surd form cannot gain the sf mark. An incorrect calculation following some working can gain the sf mark. For a question beginning with the command word ‘Show that…’, the answer should be quoted to one more sf than the sf quoted in the question eg ‘Show that X is equal to about 2.1 cm’ –
answer should be quoted to 3 sf. An answer to 1 sf will not normally be acceptable, unless the answer is an integer eg a number of objects. In non-practical sections, the need for a consideration will be indicated in the question by the use of ‘Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures’.
3.9 Unit penalties
An A-level paper may contain up to 2 marks (1 mark for AS) that are contingent on the candidate quoting the correct unit for the answer to a calculation. The need for a unit to be quoted will be indicated in the question by the use of ‘State an appropriate SI unit for your answer’. Unit answers will be expected to appear in the most commonly agreed form for the calculation concerned; strings of fundamental (base) units would not. For example, 1 tesla and 1 Wb m–2 would both be acceptable units for magnetic flux density but 1 kg m2 s–2 A–1 would not.
3.10 Level of response marking instructions
Level of response mark schemes are broken down into three levels, each of which has a descriptor. The descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are two marks in each level.
Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme. [Show Less]