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
... [Show More] 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.
MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2H – JUNE 2021
4
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?
[1 mark]
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.
[2 marks]
Student Response Marks awarded
1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1
2 Neptune, Sun, Mars,
Moon
0
3.2 Use of chemical symbols / formulae
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.
3.4 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.
MARK SCHEME – GCSE BIOLOGY – 8461/2H – JUNE 2021
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3.5 Errors carried forward
Any error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only.
Papers should be constructed in such a way that the number of times errors can be carried forward
is kept to a minimum. Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted to
calculation questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ecf in the marking scheme.
3.6 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a possible
confusion with another technical term.
3.7 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.
3.8 Allow
In the mark scheme additional information, ‘allow’ is used to indicate creditworthy
alternative answers.
3.9 Ignore
Ignore is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not enou [Show Less]