Understanding how examiners award marks helps you write answers that earn full credit.
Mark types
B marks (independent): Awarded for a correct statement or fact, independent of other marks. Example: “Name the unit of force.” Answer: “Newton” (1B).
M marks (method): Awarded for using the correct method or approach. You can earn a method mark even if your arithmetic is wrong, as long as the method is correct.
A marks (accuracy): Awarded for the correct final answer following a correct method. If the M mark is lost due to a wrong method, the A mark is usually also lost.
C marks (consequential): Awarded for a correct calculation based on a previous wrong answer. If you used the wrong value from part (a) but applied the correct method in part (b), you may still earn the C mark.
Calculation questions
Most calculation questions follow this pattern:
- Write the correct formula (1M)
- Substitute the values correctly (1M)
- Calculate the correct answer (1A)
- Give the correct unit (1B)
If the question is worth 3 marks and the formula is given, you typically earn marks for: substitution, calculation, unit.
Written answers
For describe/explain questions, each mark point is a separate idea. Writing the same idea in different words does not earn extra marks. Use the number of marks as a guide: a 3-mark question needs 3 distinct points.
Extended response (6-mark)
These are marked using a levels-based scheme:
- Level 3 (5-6 marks): Detailed, well-organised answer covering all key points.
- Level 2 (3-4 marks): Reasonable answer covering some key points, may lack detail.
- Level 1 (1-2 marks): Basic answer with limited relevant points.
For Level 3, your answer must be logically structured, not just a list of facts.
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