Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or an
...
Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• Extra information to help the examiner make his or her judgment and help to delineate what is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area in which a mark or marks may be awarded.
The extra information in the ‘Comments’ column is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left- hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with the number of 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 the same mark are indicated by the use of OR. Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a/; eg allow smooth/free movement.
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 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 ‘Comments’ column of the mark scheme) are not penalized.
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MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2020
3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer, without any working shown.
However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct substitution/working and this is shown in the ‘Comments’ column or by each stage of a longer calculation.
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.
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