Types of question

There are two different types of questions in terms of the way your exam is marked:

Questions worth 1-4 marks

These are marked per correct point, so the more correct points you make the higher your mark will be.

Questions worth 5-9 marks

Your answers to these questions will be longer! These answers are marked according to the 'level of response' that you give to the question. The examiner must first decide which level your answer falls into and then award you a mark within this level. If you do not meet the requirements of the higher level, the examiner cannot award you those marks. The higher your level, the higher your mark. Questions worth 5-9 marks are treated differently at Foundation and Higher Tier. The maximum number of marks available for a single sub-question at Foundation Tier is 7.

Foundation Tier - levels of response

Level 1: Basic

Knowledge of basic information

Simple understanding

Few links; limited detail; uses a limited range of specialist terms

Limited evidence of sentence structure

Frequent spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors

Level 2: Clear

Knowledge of accurate information

Clear understanding

Answers have some linkages; occasional detail/exemplar; uses some specialist terms where appropriate

Clear evidence of sentence structure

Some spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors

Higher Tier - levels of response

Level 1: Basic

Knowledge of basic information

Simple understanding

Few links; limited detail; uses a limited range of specialist terms

Limited evidence of sentence structure

Frequent spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors

Level 2: Clear

Knowledge of accurate information

Clear understanding

Answers have some linkages; occasional detail/exemplar; uses some specialist terms where appropriate

Clear evidence of sentence structure

Some spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors

Level 3: Detailed

Knowledge of accurate information appropriately contextualised and/or at correct scale

Detailed understanding, supported by relevant evidence and exemplars

Well organised, demonstrating detailed linkages and the interrelationships between factors

Range of ideas in logical form; uses a range of specialist terms where appropriate

Well structured response with effective use of sentences

Few spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors

Note: Your answer does not have to be perfect to score full marks. In fact, the mark scheme says that 'a perfect answer is not usually expected, even for full marks'.