Quick answer
MarkScheme ([markscheme.app](https://markscheme.app)) lets you photograph a handwritten Cambridge past-paper answer and get scheme-aligned feedback in about 30 seconds — method marks (M1), accuracy marks (A1), and working marks (B1) for maths, not a vague AI grade. Self-mark with the official PDF first, then upload the same script as a second pass at [Mark a paper](/mark).
What this demo shows
This is the core MarkScheme workflow: one maths question, one photo, feedback tied to the official mark scheme for that paper — not generic ChatGPT rubrics. The demo uses Cambridge 9709 style marking language; the same flow works for other Cambridge codes and IB Diploma subjects with markband-style feedback.
Watch on TikTok: @markscheme (pinned demos on the profile grid).
Step-by-step (from the video)
This section covers Step-by-step (from the video) — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
- Self-mark first — attempt the question under timed conditions, then mark strictly with the PDF mark scheme. Log every mark you lost.
- Photograph your working — one clear photo of the handwritten answer (messy working is fine).
- Open markscheme.app/mark — choose Cambridge, your subject (e.g. 9709), and the paper/question if prompted.
- Upload the photo — wait ~30 seconds for scheme-aligned feedback.
- Compare — read B1/M1/A1 awards and comments; note anywhere you were too generous on the self-mark.
- Redo the skill — drill the method you missed before the next full paper.
Transcript
> If you are doing Cambridge maths past papers, you already know the mark scheme is brutal — one missing step and you lose the M mark even when the final answer looks right. > > Here is what I do: I attempt the question properly, then I mark myself with the PDF and I am honest about every mark I lost. Only after that do I use MarkScheme. > > I take one photo of my working — you do not need a perfect scan, just readable handwriting — and upload it at markscheme.app/mark. > > In about thirty seconds it comes back with feedback aligned to the real scheme: B1 for a correct step, M1 for method, A1 for accuracy. It tells you where marks were earned and where they were lost, not just "good job" or a random percentage. > > The point is not to skip self-marking. You still need to read the official mark scheme yourself first. MarkScheme is a second pass when you are tired, biased, or not sure if your working deserves the M mark. > > Try it on one question tonight before you do a full paper — link in bio.
Honest limits
MarkScheme is built for second-pass marking, not replacing the official PDF. It cannot read truly illegible lines — if handwriting is unclear, it should say so instead of guessing. It is not endorsed by Cambridge International; it applies published mark schemes and markbands. For essays and long responses, read the band descriptors yourself first, then use MarkScheme to sanity-check level of response.
Try it yourself
This section covers Try it yourself — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
- Mark a paper — free tier for single questions
- 9709 Mathematics guide — syllabus-specific past-paper workflow
- How to self-mark Cambridge papers — full session before you upload
- Free Cambridge courses · Free IB courses
- Compare vs Save My Exams and ChatGPT