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
... [Show More] 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.
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.
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 enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking point.
3.10 Do not accept
Do not accept means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is given as well, will still mean t [Show Less]