This resource is for the 2018-24 specification. Please visit the 2025 section of the website for up-to-date materials.
Whether you’re a student or a teacher, you’re sure to find our version of the mark scheme handy. Printing neatly on one side of A4, the abbreviated text and intuitive layout helps you focus on the key differences between each level. You can circle the descriptors to make easier “best fit” judgements.
Students – you can use it as a handy checklist to check if your work is in shape for submission!
Here is a link to the source material: the original Cambridge Mark Scheme for the 2018 to 2024 specification. Teachers should read the marking instructions and general principles there. Key takeaways are:
- Material after the 2000-word limit isn’t credited
- Mark positively (i.e. not deducting marks for mistakes)
- All criteria met => top score for that level
- Use the full mark range
- Look for the “best fit” (i.e compensate between higher and lower achievement for different aspects).
This is fabulous! Thanks
The link does not work any more. Please, can you assist with the comparison. What does the students have to compare?
Is this rubric still relevant to IGCSE?
Hi Faheema. Thanks for pointing out the broken link. I have made a new link that should work. I guess Cambridge have moved it from their site because they have now published the 2025 specification. This marking grid is for the 2018-24 (exams) specification.
About comparison – students need to compare causes to find the most important cause, and compare effects to find the most important effect. It is like exam question 1c. It helps students to prioritise, leading to more impactful suggested actions.
Hey, everyone! I’d just like to ask if words included in the headers and footers of the report are included in the 2000 wordcount limit?