"I got the right answer but only got 3 out of 5." Every A-Level teacher has heard this a thousand times. Here's why — and how to fix it in your next mock.
Edexcel marks are split into three types:
- M marks (Method): awarded for choosing and executing a valid approach.
- A marks (Accuracy): awarded for correct numerical or algebraic outcomes at each step.
- B marks (Independent): awarded for stating a known fact or applying a specific technique correctly.
You earn M and B marks by WRITING what you're doing, not just doing it. Here's the four-sentence template.
The four sentences
Sentence 1 — What am I about to do?
"To find the stationary points, differentiate $y$ with respect to $x$ and set the derivative to zero."
This earns the method mark BEFORE you've done a single calculation. It states the technique.
Sentence 2 — Execute the technique, showing the intermediate line.
"$\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 6x^2 - 12x$"
Not just "$dy/dx = 0$"; write the actual derivative expression.
Sentence 3 — Solve, showing at least one factorisation or substitution step.
"$6x(x - 2) = 0$ so $x = 0$ or $x = 2$."
Factorisation is a common examiner-favourite intermediate. Show it.
Sentence 4 — State the answer clearly, with units if applicable.
"The stationary points are at $x = 0$ and $x = 2$. Substituting back, the coordinates are $(0, 4)$ and $(2, -4)$."
Now you've earned every mark.
The examiner's-eye view
An examiner has a mark scheme with roughly this structure:
- M1: Attempts to differentiate ($6x^2 - 12x$, allow one slip)
- A1: Correct derivative ($6x^2 - 12x$)
- M1: Sets to zero (or equivalent)
- A1: Finds $x$-values ($0$ and $2$)
- A1: Correct $y$-values
Five marks. If you skip straight from the original equation to "$x = 0, x = 2$" — even if correct — you're at risk of losing the two M marks. Two out of five gone.
The showing-off phrases
These phrases signal to the examiner "I know what I'm doing" and often score the method mark:
- "By the chain rule…"
- "Using the product rule with $u = \ldots, v = \ldots$…"
- "Applying the identity $\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta \equiv 1$…"
- "Substituting into the given equation…"
- "By the quotient rule…"
- "Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots…"
Even if the subsequent algebra is wobbly, these phrases lock in the method mark.
The show-that trap
For a "show that" question — where the final answer is given — you MUST show every step. Skipping intermediate lines because "it's obvious" loses marks. If the question says "show that $x = 5$", the examiner wants:
- The starting equation.
- Every rearrangement.
- The final line that reads "$x = 5$".
Missing any of these can cost the full 3 or 4 marks.
The Q9 example
Full-marks working for a typical Q9 involves:
- A labelled diagram (if geometric).
- A named theorem or method ("by the cosine rule…").
- The formula stated in full ($\cos A = \dfrac{b^2 + c^2 - a^2}{2bc}$).
- The substitution line with numbers.
- The arithmetic step.
- A concluding sentence with the answer + units.
Six lines. Every one of them earns something.
Your drill
Take any past-paper question you've already done. Mark it against the mark scheme with two colours:
- Green: marks you earned.
- Red: marks the mark scheme awards that you didn't score.
Look at every red mark. Nine times out of ten, it's a method mark you missed because you didn't state the technique.
Do this for five questions. Your mark-per-question average will lift by 15-25% in the next mock — same maths, better writing.
Ready to put this into practice?
Real Edexcel-style questions, dark-themed engine, method marks tracked as you go.
Try Path to A* →