Written by IGCSEPhysics Content Team · Physics subject adviser: K. S. Tan, 15+ years teaching IGCSE Physics · Checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 2026 to 2028 syllabus
Mark schemes reveal exactly what examiners look for. Learning to read them is a revision skill that directly improves your answers.
Key mark scheme abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| ORA | Or Reverse Argument | The same idea can be expressed from the other direction |
| OWTTE | Or Words To That Effect | Exact wording is not required |
| ECF | Error Carried Forward | Correct method with a wrong earlier value can still earn marks |
| AW | Alternative Wording | Other phrasings are accepted |
| ; (semicolon) | Separates mark points | Each section before/after the semicolon is worth one mark |
| (1) | Mark allocation | The number in brackets shows how many marks that point is worth |
| NOT | Unacceptable answer | This specific answer will not earn the mark |
| underline | Essential word | This word must appear (or its equivalent) for the mark |
How to use mark schemes for revision
Step 1: Attempt the question first
Never read the mark scheme before attempting the question. Your goal is to identify what you would have missed.
Step 2: Compare your answer point by point
Go through the mark scheme line by line. For each mark:
- Did your answer contain this point?
- Did you use sufficiently precise language?
- Did you avoid the “NOT” answers?
Step 3: Identify patterns
After marking several papers, look for patterns in your lost marks:
- Are you losing marks on definitions? (Knowledge issue)
- Are you losing marks on the second step of a calculation? (Method issue)
- Are you losing marks on “explain” questions? (Communication issue)
Common errors and how to correct them
- Self-marking too generously. If your answer does not include the underlined key term, do not give yourself the mark. Be strict.
- Ignoring ECF opportunities. If you got part (a) wrong, check whether your method in part (b) was correct using your wrong answer. You may deserve ECF marks.
- Only checking the final answer. Mark schemes award marks for method steps (equation, substitution, unit) as well as the final answer.
How to apply this in an exam
The habits you build from mark scheme analysis (precise language, complete chains of reasoning, showing working) directly improve your exam performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find official mark schemes?
Official mark schemes are published by Cambridge Assessment International Education. They are available through the Cambridge website (past papers section) or through your school's online portal.
What does ECF mean?
Error Carried Forward. If you made an error in an earlier part of the question, the examiner will still give marks for correct method using your wrong value. This only applies if your method in the later part is correct.
What does ORA mean?
Or Reverse Argument. The answer can be stated in the opposite direction and still earn the mark. For example, 'X increases' and 'Y decreases' may both be valid ways to express the same relationship.
Next useful steps
Need Help Applying This?
A 0625 specialist can work through the student's current paper or question and help identify whether the main difficulty is content, mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique.