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do you still get marks for using A Level methods and formula at GCSE

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Original post by 1st superstar
in the new spec NO only 1 mark would be awarded i think

I'll have to take your word for it, even though it seems entirely unfair.

Here's another example - suppose a question asks to find the HCF or LCM of a pair of numbers.
Usually this would require prime factor decomposition and a Venn diagram or comparing indices.
What would happen if no factor tree (or other method) was shown? It is entirely feasible for someone to do this mentally. Would they be marked down for not showing their method at this stage in the question?

And yet, a calculator has a button that does it for them. Alternatively, they could use a way involving cancelling fractions to find the HCF.
Original post by dextrous63
I'll have to take your word for it, even though it seems entirely unfair.

Here's another example - suppose a question asks to find the HCF or LCM of a pair of numbers.
Usually this would require prime factor decomposition and a Venn diagram or comparing indices.
What would happen if no factor tree (or other method) was shown? It is entirely feasible for someone to do this mentally. Would they be marked down for not showing their method at this stage in the question?

And yet, a calculator has a button that does it for them. Alternatively, they could use a way involving cancelling fractions to find the HCF.

i think so? also @Muttley79 can you confirm this
Original post by dextrous63
I'll have to take your word for it, even though it seems entirely unfair.

Here's another example - suppose a question asks to find the HCF or LCM of a pair of numbers.
Usually this would require prime factor decomposition and a Venn diagram or comparing indices.
What would happen if no factor tree (or other method) was shown? It is entirely feasible for someone to do this mentally. Would they be marked down for not showing their method at this stage in the question?

And yet, a calculator has a button that does it for them. Alternatively, they could use a way involving cancelling fractions to find the HCF.

Wouldn't this be on the non-calculator paper?
Original post by Muttley79
Wouldn't this be on the non-calculator paper?

Could be on either, surely?
Original post by dextrous63
Could be on either, surely?

Unlikely ...
Original post by Muttley79
Unlikely ...

Why?
Original post by dextrous63
Why?

If it's the main focus of the question they wouldn't want a student to used any calculator - otherwise the question is pointless. Find me a question like this on a calculation paper; I can't remember one.
Original post by Muttley79
If it's the main focus of the question they wouldn't want a student to used any calculator - otherwise the question is pointless. Find me a question like this on a calculation paper; I can't remember one.

But the main focus isn't the factor tree bit. It's the use of the Venn Diagram (or other method) that is the real question.
Reply 68
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Notnek
21
Original post by dextrous63
I'll have to take your word for it, even though it seems entirely unfair.

Here's another example - suppose a question asks to find the HCF or LCM of a pair of numbers.
Usually this would require prime factor decomposition and a Venn diagram or comparing indices.
What would happen if no factor tree (or other method) was shown? It is entirely feasible for someone to do this mentally. Would they be marked down for not showing their method at this stage in the question?

And yet, a calculator has a button that does it for them. Alternatively, they could use a way involving cancelling fractions to find the HCF.

Here's an example of a HCF/LCM question on a calculator paper (Q2):

https://revisionmaths.com/sites/mathsrevision.net/files/imce/1MA1_2H_QP_0.pdf

I don't have the full advice given to markers for this exam but I would expect that a correct answer with no working would get full marks for this question.

It's worth also looking at Q9 in this paper and looking at the mark scheme here:

https://revisionmaths.com/sites/mathsrevision.net/files/imce/1MA1_2H_MS_0.pdf

Notice the remark "12509 must come from correct working". But if they have a more accurate answer then this shows that they have followed a fully correct method and full marks will be awarded.
Reply 69
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Notnek
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@dextrous63 actually I’m not as sure as I was about that question above and whether just the answer would get full marks. I’ll check with someone who marked that particular exam series and get back to you.

EDIT: I've had it confirmed to me that a correct answer with no working to this question would have received full marks.
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by Sir Cumference
@dextrous63 actually I’m not as sure as I was about that question above and whether just the answer would get full marks. I’ll check with someone who marked that particular exam series and get back to you.

EDIT: I've had it confirmed to me that a correct answer with no working to this question would have received full marks.

Thanks.
Original post by Sir Cumference
@dextrous63 actually I’m not as sure as I was about that question above and whether just the answer would get full marks. I’ll check with someone who marked that particular exam series and get back to you.

EDIT: I've had it confirmed to me that a correct answer with no working to this question would have received full marks.

then great lol i still think that you should show a method unless you're in a dire situation (e.g you've forgotten the method so you decide to use the calculator to do it for you and then simply write the final answer)
Reply 72
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Notnek
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Original post by 1st superstar
then great lol i still think that you should show a method unless you're in a dire situation (e.g you've forgotten the method so you decide to use the calculator to do it for you and then simply write the final answer)

Yes definitely. I’m always a bit wary when I tell students about how exams are actually marked because it may lead to them not showing working for particular questions. This would be a very bad idea.
Original post by Sir Cumference
Yes definitely. I’m always a bit wary when I tell students about how exams are actually marked because it may lead to them not showing working for particular questions. This would be a very bad idea.

indeed especially on the new regular 9-1 GCSE, new linear A-levels etc. plus what if you accidentally type the wrong thing into your calculator and only write the final answer but got the method right? guess what you've lost 1-4 marks instantly (or potentially missed out on ECF marks) the examiner could perceive that the student does not want to put in the effort (or "cheated" if it's a mock). Always show your working!! plus it makes thing easier for all sides and no @dextrous63 it is not "unfair" that you don't get method marks for simply writing out the final answer
Reply 74
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Notnek
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Original post by 1st superstar
@dextrous63 it is not "unfair" that you don't get method marks for simply writing out the final answer

You do though for most questions...
Original post by Sir Cumference
You do though for most questions...

really? i never knew this i thought things changed?
Reply 76
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Notnek
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Original post by 1st superstar
really? i never knew this i thought things changed?

I explained how it works here:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showpost.php?p=87249136&postcount=35
oh yeah thanks

Original post by Sir Cumference
Original post by 1st superstar
no @dextrous63 it is not "unfair" that you don't get method marks for simply writing out the final answer
Yes it is. Why should someone who has the ability to solve problems mentally be penalised for being more gifted that those who need to write it all down?
Original post by dextrous63
Yes it is. Why should someone who has the ability to solve problems mentally be penalised for being more gifted that those who need to write it all down)

then why not write down all of your mental calculations (unless the question is only worth a mark)

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