Overview
Cambridge 9708 Economics mark schemes use a specific shorthand to show how marks are awarded. These abbreviations and symbols are not cryptic codes; they are a precise guide from the examiner on what constitutes a mark-worthy point. Learning to decode them is essential for accurately self-assessing your work and understanding how to improve your answers for data response questions and essays.
Point-Based vs. Levels-Based Marking
In 9708 Economics, you will encounter two main styles of marking that correspond to the different question types. Data response questions, found in Paper 2 and Paper 4, are primarily marked on a point-by-point basis. The mark scheme will list the specific acceptable points, often with a `[1]` or `[2]` next to each to show the marks available. In contrast, the longer essay questions use a 'levels of response' model. Here, your entire answer is judged against a rubric, and the examiner decides which 'level' of achievement it best fits for different skills like analysis and evaluation.
Decoding Data Response Abbreviations
When marking your data response answers, two abbreviations are fundamentally important. The first is `oe`, which stands for 'or equivalent'. This is your best friend during self-assessment, as it means your answer does not have to match the mark scheme's wording exactly. If you have expressed the same economic idea or concept using different but equally valid terms, you should award yourself the mark. The second key term is `ECF`, or 'Error Carried Forward'. This means that if you make a calculation error in an early part of a question but then use that incorrect figure correctly in a subsequent part, you will not be penalised a second time. The `ECF` principle allows you to gain credit for your method, even if the initial value was wrong.
Mastering the Essay: KAA and Evaluation
For Cambridge syllabus 9708, the 8-mark and 12-mark essays are assessed using levels of response, which are broken down into two key assessment objectives. The first is KAA: Knowledge and Application, and Analysis. Although three separate skills, they are grouped into a single mark out of 8 (for a 12-mark essay). Knowledge involves defining terms and stating theory; Application is about using data from the extract or a real-world example; and Analysis is about developing chains of reasoning to explain cause and effect. The second objective is Evaluation (E), which is marked separately out of 4. This is where you make judgements, consider alternative viewpoints, and weigh up the significance of your arguments to reach a supported conclusion.
The Crucial Role of Diagrams
A common mistake students make is to draw a diagram and assume it will earn marks on its own. While a correctly drawn and labelled diagram is necessary, it is not sufficient. Cambridge mark schemes consistently state that diagrams must be explained in words or 'used' to support your answer. This means you must explicitly refer to your diagram within your written analysis. For example, after drawing a demand and supply diagram showing a tax, you must explain that 'the supply curve shifts from S1 to S2, causing the price to rise from P1 to P2', thereby using the diagram to build your analytical chain of reasoning.
Navigating the Levels of Response
For Cambridge syllabus 9708, for essays, your work is placed into one of four levels for KAA and one of two levels for Evaluation. A Level 1 (L1) answer is typically descriptive, showing basic knowledge but little development. A Level 2 (L2) answer might show some simple analysis but lack depth or context. To reach Level 3 (L3) and Level 4 (L4), your analysis must be accurate, detailed, and well-explained, with clear application to the question. For evaluation, L1 is for a basic or asserted judgement, whereas L2 is for a developed, well-supported, and balanced judgement. When you [mark your paper](/mark), you must be a critical examiner and honestly assess which level descriptor best matches your response.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
What does 'oe' actually mean in practice?
It stands for 'or equivalent' and is a crucial instruction. It means your answer doesn't need to be identical to the one in the mark scheme to be correct. If you've used different wording but have clearly and accurately conveyed the same valid economic point, you should award yourself the mark. It rewards conceptual understanding over rote memorisation.
Can I get evaluation marks without a conclusion?
It is extremely difficult. A conclusion is the primary place to synthesise your arguments and provide a final, supported judgement, which is the essence of evaluation. An answer without a conclusion, or with a very brief one that just repeats points, will almost certainly be stuck in Level 1 for evaluation, limiting your total score significantly.
How does 'ECF' or 'follow-through' work in calculations?
'Error Carried Forward' is a principle that prevents you from being penalised twice for the same mistake. If you get a calculation wrong in part (a) of a question but then use that incorrect answer correctly in part (b), you can still earn full marks for the method in part (b). The examiner assesses your economic reasoning, not just your arithmetic.