© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markShowing your working

There are lots of method marks available on your exam. You can get these by writing your answer clearly and showing all of your working.

You can get method marks even if you don’t get the correct answer.

When a question says “You must show your working” then you won’t get any marks if you just write the answer.

© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markTop tips for showing your working

You need to use a blue or black pen in the exam. You can use a pencil for diagrams.

Start a new line of working for each new calculation.

Don’t ever rub or scribble anything out or use Tippex. If you make a mistake put a neat line through your work and carry on – you might still get some marks for it.If you round an answer write down the degree of accuracy you have used.

Write down your calculations - if it’s worth typing into your calculator it’s worth writing on the exam paper.

© Pearson Education 2010

AQA GCSE mark schemesMethod marks (M) are awarded for a correct method, or an attempt to apply the correct mathematical technique.Accuracy marks (A) are awarded for an answer which follows on from a correct method. Independent marks (B) are awarded for a correct answer or value regardless of method. QWC marks (Q) are awarded for quality of written communication.

Follow through marks (ft) are awarded when a student uses an earlier incorrect value as part of a correct method.

© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markLet’s look at a grade D question

In December 2008 the UK government reduced the price of VAT from 17.5% to 15%.

Jamie said that this means everything will be 2.5% cheaper.

Do you agree with Jamie’s statement?

You must show your working.

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© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markLet’s look at a grade D question

In December 2008 the UK government reduced the price of VAT from 17.5% to 15%.

Jamie said that this means everything will be 2.5% cheaper.

Do you agree with Jamie’s statement?

You must show your working.

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M1

M0 Q0

(1 mark)

£100 + 17.5% = £100 + £17.50 = £117.50£100 + 15% = £100 + £15 = £115£117.50 – £115 = £2.50Yes

Sample answer 1Sample answer 1This student has chosen an amount and correctly calculated increases of 15% and 17.5%. However he has not attempted to calculate the difference in price as a percentage so he is not awarded the second method mark.

© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markLet’s look at a grade D question

In December 2008 the UK government reduced the price of VAT from 17.5% to 15%.

Jamie said that this means everything will be 2.5% cheaper.

Do you agree with Jamie’s statement?

You must show your working.

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M0 M0 Q0

(0 marks)

No Jamie is wrong because it is after the percentages have been added.

Sample answer 2Sample answer 2This student has written the correct conclusion but hasn’t shown any working. He gets no marks.

© Pearson Education 2010

Make your markLet’s look at a grade D question

In December 2008 the UK government reduced the price of VAT from 17.5% to 15%.

Jamie said that this means everything will be 2.5% cheaper.

Do you agree with Jamie’s statement?

You must show your working.

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(3 marks)

100 x 1.175 = 117.5So £100 plus 17.5% VAT would be £117.50100 x 1.15 = 11.5So £100 plus 15% VAT would be £115This means that after the VAT reduction the item is £2.50 cheaper.(2.5 ÷ 117.5) x 100% = 2.13% (2 d.p.)Jamie is wrong… it is 2.13% cheaper.

Sample answer 3Sample answer 3This student has achieved full marks. They have used the correct method for all their calculations and have written down all of their working clearly and logically.

M1

M1 Q1