2024 National 5 Mathematics Paper 1 Marking Instructions

Introduction

• Developed for SQA markers for external assessments.
• Can be reproduced non-commercially with acknowledgment.
• Written permission required for other uses.

General Marking Principles

• Positive Marking: Candidates earn marks for demonstrated skills, not deducted for errors.
• Uncertainty in Marking: Consult team leader if unsure how to assess a response not covered by guidelines.
• Mark Allocation: Generally, one mark available per key feature; no half marks.
• Error Handling: Continue marking after an error if the difficulty level remains consistent.
• Working Requirement: Full marks require appropriate working except where explicitly stated.
• Mathematical Methods: Any correct method allowed unless specified otherwise.
• Transcription Errors: Usually lose the next process mark unless exceptions apply.
• Simplification: Final answers should be simplified unless otherwise indicated.
• Common Responses: Provided to guide marking of non-standard solutions.
• Working & Errors: Marks not penalized for subsequent correct working or repeated errors within a question.
• Show That Questions: Last mark not follow-through unless specified.
• Scored-Out Work: Mark legible work unless replaced.
• Multiple Attempts: Award highest mark for different strategies but lowest for the same strategy.

Question-by-Question Marking Instructions

Question 1

• Task: Find common denominator and consistent answer.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Correct answer without working scores zero; treat inappropriate forms as bad form.

Question 2

• Task: Substitute and evaluate function.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Full marks require working; specific errors reduce marks.

Question 3

• Task: Expand and collect like terms.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Accept various forms; some errors reduce marks.

Question 4

• Task: Calculate and simplify expressions.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Brackets omission penalized once; wrong answer format reduces marks.

Question 5 (a)

• Task: Calculate median, quartiles, and IQR.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Range calculation can still earn partial marks.

Question 5 (b)

• Task: Comment on data comparisons.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Comments must distinguish between sources clearly.

Question 6

• Task: Simplify surds.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Full marks require working.

Question 7

• Task: Solve simultaneous equations.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Correct scaling is crucial; repeated substitution not credited.

Question 8

• Section a & b: State values based on given functions.
• Max Marks: 1 each
• Notes: Mistakes in transcription lead to reduced marks.

Question 9 (a)

• Task: Find gradient and derive equation.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Working must be shown; incorrect simplification penalized.

Question 9 (b)

• Task: Calculate remaining distance.
• Max Marks: 1
• Notes: Consistency with previous answers is key.

Question 10

• Task: Calculate angles given.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Working required unless angles marked on diagram.

Question 11

• Task: Isolate term and state gradient.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Multiple forms accepted; correct substitution rewarded.

Question 12 (a)

• Task: Work with expressions in brackets.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Consistency required throughout the process.

Question 12 (b)

• Task: State coordinates of turning point.
• Max Marks: 1
• Notes: Must align with earlier parts unless alternative methods used.

Question 12 (c)

• Task: Find x and y coordinates.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Consistent with previous parts unless alternative method shown.

Question 13

• Task: Simplify expressions using rules of powers.
• Max Marks: 2
• Notes: Correct application of power rules required for full marks.

Question 14

• Task: Scale and calculate length.
• Max Marks: 3
• Notes: Scale factor accuracy critical; specific incorrect steps can reduce marks.

Conclusion

• Instructions serve to ensure fair and consistent marking.
• Emphasis on clear working and logical reasoning throughout the marking process.