Command Words and Mark Schemes

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.

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Edexcel Mark Types

Edexcel uses a specific system of mark codes. Understanding these helps you know what examiners are looking for.

M Marks (Method Marks)

Awarded for a correct method or approach, even if the final answer is wrong.

Example: A question asks you to solve x² − 5x + 6 = 0 (3 marks).

• M1: Attempting to factorise (e.g. writing (x ...)(x ...))
• A1: Correct factorisation: (x − 2)(x − 3)
• A1: Both solutions stated: x = 2 and x = 3

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.

A Marks (Accuracy Marks)

Awarded for a correct answer or correct intermediate step. Usually depend on earning the preceding M mark.