How strictly do examiners mark against the markscheme?

[johanna0616]

I've always wondered this especially for ESS & Bio. If we have the same meaning but maybe not exactly the same wording, do we get the answer correct or are they really picky on those? Or a right idea that doesn't appear on the markscheme?

My ESS teacher said its up to their discretion, but my biology teachers mark sooo tightly.

[Sandwich]

If it has exactly the same meaning, I expect they'd give you the mark. Sometimes they do want a specific word(s) (which, if you go through the syllabus in order to revise, you should be familiar with) and I think they often underline this in the mark scheme to signify that they want that word. If you could come up with a word with 100% identical meaning, they probably would give it to you, though.

If it's a correct idea that doesn't appear on the markscheme in any shape or form, you don't get any points for it. To be honest there shouldn't be many instances where you can have a correct and relevant idea which isn't somehow on the markscheme. Again, being familiar with the biology syllabus means that you shouldn't really say anything which isn't on the markscheme in terms of your ideas for answers

[Arrowhead]

You already have the answer: up to their discretion.

[Lero]

I guess nobody knows exactly how strict the examiners are when following the markschemes, but if you present the main idea coherently, they must give you marks regardless. However, to alleviate this uncertainty, acquainting yourself with the markschemes and the main points that questions often require, particularly extended response in section B, is something I would strongly recommend.

Although, given that your exams are now, you should be solving past papers and correcting your mistakes against the markscheme. this is the most efficient method of revision at this stage.

[Claudiosee]

Hello, I had just answered this question in another topic. I'm not sure if you are the same asker, but here is the answer I gave:

Generally, alternate forms of the answer are accepted by examiners (at least to some extent). But the problem is that often candidates try to communicate something with an answer, without making it crystal clear and only hinting at what they are trying to communicate. Only in few cases will this award them full marks.

Additionally, in several questions, there are certain terms which are required for at least parts of the total mark. These terms are underlined in the mark scheme and may not be descriptively replaced. Additionally it would be wise to "make the examiner your friend" and to at least appear as if one is at least somewhat knowledgeable about the topic (I am not referring that any of you not being knowledgeable, just explaining some extremes) and using appropriate terminology such as "positive correlation", or "Maintaining" instead of "go up", or "up keeping". Furthermore, aside from "pleasing" the examiner, for ensuring maximum marks, proper terminology is vital, especially in certain sections.

For example: the Structured response section B of Paper 2 in Biology usually requires appropriate terminology. Additionally to those requirements, the additional points for Quality of the answer (2 marks per completed question) will most likely not be awarded for candidates making responses such as:

"The kidney is an organ that takes out things that should not be in the blood. At the start it takes a lot out, but reabsorbs sugar, salt (etc.) later."

but much rather to the candidate that writes:

"The Kidney's role in the body's transport system is to filter urea (produced by the liver) out of the blood, while also being in charge of executing commands of the hypothalamus for controlling Osmoregulation. This process starts in the Glomerulus, where by ultra-filtration, due to high pressures, most solutes (and some water) of the blood are removed, by entering into the Bowman's capsule. Some of these solutes such as Glucose, Proteins, Salt and some Water are reabsorbed depending on the condition of the person. E.g. If the person were to be diabetic, the Glucose would not be fully reabsorbed The Amount of water reabsorbed in the kidney is also ...."

The acquisition of the Quality marks is however not only dependent on the terminology and specificity, but also the structure of the answer.

Nevertheless, as stated above, the examiners are generally encouraged to mark positively due to the large variations of language and background of the students. If this "encouragement" is actually acknowledged is, however, not guaranteed and completely up to the examiner.

Best Regards.

Hope it helps.