Mark Scheme: The Examiner's Scoring Blueprint
1. Building Blocks of a Mark Scheme
A mark scheme is not just a list of answers; it is a detailed guide. It often includes the expected answer, the number of marks for each part, and acceptable variations. For example, in a math problem, a mark might be given for setting up the correct formula and another for the final calculation.
| Component | Description | Example (Science) |
|---|---|---|
| Answer | The precise fact, definition, or solution required. | "Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts." |
| Mark Allocation | Points assigned to each part of the answer. | 1 mark for naming the organelle, 1 mark for spelling it correctly. |
| Acceptable Alternatives | Synonyms or slightly different phrasings that are still correct. | "Chloroplast" (or "chloraplast" with a minor spelling error) if the meaning is clear. |
2. Point-by-Point: A Math Problem Breakdown
Let's see how a mark scheme works for a typical high school algebra problem. Consider the equation: $3x + 5 = 20$. A student's answer is judged in steps, not just on the final number.
• Step 1 (1 mark): Subtracting 5 from both sides: $3x = 15$
• Step 2 (1 mark): Dividing both sides by 3: $x = 5$
• Step 3 (1 mark): Writing the final answer correctly as $x = 5$. If the student wrote $x = 5.0$, it would still be accepted.
3. Practical Application: Grading a Short Essay
Mark schemes aren't just for math and science. For a history or English essay, they describe the quality of the argument. Imagine a question asking for two causes of World War I. The mark scheme would look like this:
| Band | Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| High | Two clear causes explained with specific historical evidence (e.g., alliances and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand). | 4 |
| Medium | Two causes named but only one explained, or explanations are vague. | 2-3 |
| Low | One cause named, or general statements with no factual support. | 0-1 |
Important Questions About Mark Schemes
A: No. While the principles are similar, each exam board (like AQA, Edexcel, or Cambridge International) creates its own mark scheme for its specific papers. They are tailored to the syllabus and the questions set.
A: Good examiners are trained to use their professional judgment. Mark schemes often include a note like "accept any other valid answer." If an answer is scientifically or factually correct but unexpected, the examiner will consult a senior colleague to ensure the student gets the mark they deserve.
A: Absolutely! Mark schemes show students what examiners are looking for. By practicing with past papers and their mark schemes, students learn how to structure answers to pick up all the available points, such as including units in a physics calculation or defining key terms in an essay.
Footnote
[1] Points-based framework: A system where a total mark is divided into smaller units (points) assigned to specific parts of an answer.
[2] Syllabus: A document outlining the topics, content, and assessment objectives for a specific course or exam.