1. Make your mark Showing 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.

2. Make your mark Top tips for showing your working
You need to use a blue or black pen in the exam. You can use a pencil for diagrams.
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.
Start a new line of working for each new calculation.
Write down your calculations - if it’s worth typing into your calculator it’s worth writing on the exam paper.

3. AQA GCSE mark schemes
Method 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.

4. Make your mark Let’s look at a grade D question

5. Make your mark Let’s look at a grade D question
Sample answer 1
Sample answer 1
This 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.
£ % = £100 + £17.50
= £117.50
£ % = £100 + £15
= £115
£ – £115 = £2.50
Yes M1 M0 Q0
(1 mark)

6. Make your mark Let’s look at a grade D question
Sample answer 2
Sample answer 2
This student has written the correct conclusion but hasn’t shown any working. He gets no marks.
No Jamie is wrong because it is after the percentages have been added.
M0 M0 Q0
(0 marks)

7. Make your mark Let’s look at a grade D question
Sample answer 3
This 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.
Sample answer 3
100 x = 117.5
So £100 plus 17.5% VAT would be £117.50
100 x 1.15 = 11.5
So £100 plus 15% VAT would be £115
This 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. M1 Q1
(3 marks)