When I analyse a student's marked paper, the losses usually split into four buckets. Only one of them is knowledge.
1. Command words
| Word | What is required |
|---|---|
| Show that | Every intermediate line, ending at the stated result |
| Hence | You must use the previous part — a fresh method may score nothing |
| Prove | A complete, general argument, not a verified example |
| Verify | Substitute and confirm; this is not a proof |
| State | No working needed — do not waste time |
| Explain | Words are required, not only algebra |
2. Working
Method marks are awarded for lines, not answers. Write the line before the answer even when the step feels obvious, and never erase working that might be partially right — cross it out lightly instead, since crossed-out work can still be marked if nothing replaces it.
3. Accuracy
- Keep full precision in the calculator and round only at the final line.
- Give the accuracy the question asks for — exact, three significant figures, or a specified form.
- Include units and, in mechanics, state directions.
- Answer the question that was asked; a correct value of x when the question wanted the area scores nothing.
4. Timing
Aim at roughly one mark per minute. If a question has taken twice its mark tally, leave it, flag it, and come back. Students routinely lose eight easy marks at the end of a paper defending three hard ones in the middle.