The Student Room Group

In OCR A chemistry calculations how much working out do I really need to show?

So I do think I show my full working out but I am confused about something when I read through the mark scheme,

In this mark scheme https://imgur.com/a/OzJmxiQ
It says before each line of working out what is being worked out,
so for example they put "n(X2CO3) = "

and for the secound marking point they put "Molar mass of X2CO3 = "

So i was wondering if I had to write all of this out to get the marks, currently I just show the calculations but I dont really label anything or put that im working out mole.

Reply 1

Original post by DukeAim
So I do think I show my full working out but I am confused about something when I read through the mark scheme,
In this mark scheme https://imgur.com/a/OzJmxiQ
It says before each line of working out what is being worked out,
so for example they put "n(X2CO3) = "
and for the secound marking point they put "Molar mass of X2CO3 = "
So i was wondering if I had to write all of this out to get the marks, currently I just show the calculations but I dont really label anything or put that im working out mole.

These days, it says "Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong." on the rubric.

That said, for many calculations, especially if it doesn't explicitly state "show your working" then usually all the marks can be awarded even if no working out is shown (but only if you show the correct answer).

I would suggest that you neatly show your working out, in case you mess up somewhere. The assessor should try to work out where your error has crept in and get their calculator out to check whether subsequent marks can be awarded.

We put things like n(X2CO3) on mark schemes to both assist the assessors so that they know what marks are being awarded for and (hopefully, but usually ultimately futilely) to encourage future candidates to label their work and therefore make the work of future assessors easier when it comes to awarding ECF.
(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 2

Original post by Pigster
These days, it says "Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong." on the rubric.
That said, for many calculations, especially if it does explicitly state "show your working" then usually all the marks can be awarded even if no working out is shown (but only if you show the correct answer).
I would suggest that you neatly show your working out, in case you mess up somewhere. The assessor should try to work out where your error has crept in and get their calculator out to check whether subsequent marks can be awarded.
We put things like n(X2CO3) on mark schemes to both assist the assessors so that they know what marks are being awarded for and (hopefully, but usually ultimately futilely) to encourage future candidates to label their work and therefore make the work of future assessors easier when it comes to awarding ECF.

okay I understand now, thank you.

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