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Understanding what Edexcel examiners mean by specific command words — and how they award marks — can be the difference between losing marks needlessly and picking up every available mark. This lesson decodes the language of the exam.
Edexcel uses a specific system of mark codes. Understanding these helps you know what examiners are looking for.
Awarded for a correct method or approach, even if the final answer is wrong.
A question asks you to solve x2−5x+6=0(3 marks).
If you write (x − 2)(x − 3) but then say x = −2 and x = −3, you get M1 A1 A0 — two marks out of three.
Awarded for a correct answer or correct intermediate step. Usually depend on earning the preceding M mark.
Key point: You usually cannot get an A mark without the corresponding M mark. The method must be valid for the accuracy to count.
Awarded independently — they do not depend on method marks. Often given for a correct statement, a correct value read from a graph, or a correct interpretation.
"Write down the value of sin90°." B1 for 1.
Edexcel GCSE Maths does not use a separate "Q" mark code. Instead, quality of mathematical communication is assessed within the existing M and A marks. On "show that" and proof questions, the final accuracy mark typically requires:
If your working is disorganised or missing logical steps, you may earn the method marks but lose the final accuracy mark for insufficient communication.
These mean: perform the calculation and give the numerical answer.
Work out 3.7×4.2(2 marks) M1: A correct method of multiplication shown A1: 15.54
This is one of the most important command words. The answer is already given — your job is to prove it.
How marks are awarded: Every logical step must be shown. You cannot skip steps or "work backwards."
Show that (3n+1)2−(3n−1)2=12n(3 marks)
LHS =(3n+1)2−(3n−1)2 =(9n2+6n+1)−(9n2−6n+1)[M1: expanding both brackets] =9n2+6n+1−9n2+6n−1[A1: correct expansion] = 12n [A1: correct simplification reaching the given answer]
Common mistake: Writing "= 12n" without showing the intermediate expansion. This would score 0 marks.
This means: use the result you just found in the previous part.
(a) Factorise x2−9. Answer: (x + 3)(x − 3) (b) Hence, solve x2−9=0.
"Hence" tells you to use part (a). So write: (x + 3)(x − 3) = 0, therefore x = −3 or x = 3.
If you solve it from scratch using a different method, you may not get the marks.
This gives you a choice — you can use the previous result OR use a different method. Using the previous result is usually quicker (which is the hint), but any valid method will receive full marks.
Similar to "show that" but more formal. You must construct a rigorous mathematical argument.
Prove that the sum of any three consecutive integers is always a multiple of 3.
Let the three consecutive integers be n, n + 1, n + 2. Sum = n + (n + 1) + (n + 2) = 3n + 3 = 3(n + 1) Since (n + 1) is an integer, 3(n + 1) is a multiple of 3. Therefore the sum of any three consecutive integers is always a multiple of 3. QED
All steps are essential. Defining your variable, performing the algebra, and writing the concluding statement.
These require words, not just calculations.
Explain why the triangle with sides 5, 12 and 13 is right-angled.
"52+122=25+144=169=132. Since the square of the longest side equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides, the triangle satisfies Pythagoras' theorem and is therefore right-angled." (2 marks)
One-word or vague answers will not score. "Because of Pythagoras" alone is not enough — you must show the calculation.
Round values to 1 significant figure (unless told otherwise) and then calculate.
Estimate the value of (4.87×203)÷0.52.
≈(5×200)÷0.5=1000÷0.5= 2000
Key: You must show the rounded values. If you just write 2000, the examiner cannot see your method.
Always follow the instruction precisely.
Failing to round correctly or give the answer in the required form loses the final accuracy mark.
This means the answer should be obvious or require minimal calculation. Usually worth 1 mark with no method marks available — the answer must be correct.
When practising with past papers, always review the mark scheme carefully.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M1, M2 | Method marks (first, second) |
| A1, A2 | Accuracy marks |
| B1 | Independent mark |
| ft | Follow through (you get this mark even if your earlier answer was wrong, as long as this step is correct based on your wrong answer) |
| oe | "Or equivalent" — any valid alternative form |
| cao | "Correct answer only" — no follow-through |
| awrt | "Answers which round to" |
| dep | Dependent on previous mark being awarded |
| SC | Special case (partial credit for a common error) |
| isw | "Ignore subsequent working" — extra incorrect working after a correct answer does not lose the mark |
These are generous marks. If you made an error in part (a) but used your wrong answer correctly in part (b), you can still get full marks in part (b).
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