How to Understand IB Math Mark Schemes: Maximize Your Marks Like a Pro

Why Understanding the Mark Scheme Is Essential

In IB Math AA or AI, scoring well isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about showing the right process. The IB math mark schemes are designed to reward logical steps, proper notation, and reasoning.

Knowing how marks are allocated helps you:

• Practice past papers more effectively
• Identify exactly where and why marks are lost
• Improve not just answers, but your working and explanations

Types of Marks in IB Math Papers

✅ Method Marks (M)

• Given for using the correct method or starting correctly
• Must be shown clearly
• Without them, you cannot earn corresponding A marks

✅ Accuracy Marks (A)

• Awarded only after earning method marks
• Reflect correct application and final answers

✅ Follow-Through Marks (FT)

• Allow marks even after a mistake, if the mistake is carried logically
• Usually appear in multi-part questions

❌ Misread Penalty (MR)

• Applied if you misinterpret or copy the question incorrectly
• Deducts marks even if your math is correct based on that error

How Marks Are Allocated Step by Step

• Every mark scheme is structured like a blueprint: M1A1 means 1 mark for method, 1 mark for accuracy.
• If you skip working and just write the answer, you may get only a “G” (given) mark—not full credit.
• Always show the first correct step clearly to unlock M marks.

How to Read and Interpret Mark Scheme Terminology

• “Their”: Indicates follow-through; the mark is based on a value from an earlier step—even if it was wrong.
• “ISW” (Ignore Subsequent Working): You don’t lose a mark for extra, irrelevant steps after a correct final answer—unless those steps contradict your answer.
• “Condone”: Minor errors (like small notation issues) are forgiven if the logic is intact.

Common Traps Students Fall Into

• Giving the correct calculator answer, but not showing any method (no M mark, no full credit)
• Writing correct answers and then overworking into an error (which may cancel out accuracy)
• Using incorrect or missing units in final answers
• Rounding too early or inaccurately, especially in percentage or finance problems

Follow-Through Logic in Multi-Part Questions

Follow-through can save your marks after an early error.

Example:

• If you incorrectly calculate a radius in part (a), but then correctly find area in part (b) using your wrong radius, you can still earn full marks in part (b)—as long as the logic is solid.

✅ Tip: Always finish every part of the question. FT marks are designed to reward consistency even after a mistake.

How Misreads Affect Your Score

Misreads, often labeled MR in mark schemes, occur when:

• You copy a number incorrectly from the question
• You interpret a variable or label inaccurately (e.g., switching "radius" for "diameter")

When Is MR Penalized?

• If the misread simplifies the question, making it easier to solve, a 1-mark deduction is typical.
• If the misread doesn’t affect difficulty, and the rest of the method is sound, you may keep full marks.
• Rewriting your own wrong answer (e.g., copying your own number incorrectly) does not count as a misread.

Calculator Use and Mark Scheme Requirements

Even though calculators are allowed in Paper 2 (and both papers in AI), simply typing in numbers isn’t enough. IB Math examiners want to see:

• The mathematical setup (equation or expression)
• Intermediate steps if the process involves multiple stages
• Justification for using a specific function (e.g., inverse sine vs cosine)

❌ Common Mistake:

Writing “x = 2.574” with no working = M0A0

✅ Correct Method:

“cos⁻¹(3/5) = x” → “x = 53.13°”
This earns both method and accuracy marks.

Marking Rules for Units and Rounding

• Always check the required decimal places or significant figures.
• Finance and statistics questions often require 2 decimal places or specific unit rounding (e.g., dollars, cm²).
• Leaving off units like °C, $, %, m² can cost you the final mark, even if your answer is numerically correct.

✅ Best Practice:

Include units and rounding details right from your final step habitually.

Alternative Methods and Marker Flexibility

IB Math mark schemes often list multiple methods. Examiners are trained to:

• Accept correct, logical alternatives
• Award full marks for clear, justified reasoning—even if it’s different from the model answer

✅ Example:

Solving a quadratic by completing the square instead of the quadratic formula?
As long as it's correct and logically structured—you'll be rewarded.

Best Practices for Using Mark Schemes to Self-Mark

• Use two colored pens: one for marks awarded, one for errors
• Always label M, A, FT, or MR marks while marking
• Log your mistakes in a mistake journal with topics and causes
• Highlight areas where you lost marks due to:
  • Misread
  • No working
  • Incorrect rounding
  • Ignoring calculator notation rules

By doing this consistently, you’ll start seeing patterns in your weaknesses and fix them strategically.

How RevisionDojo Helps You Understand Marking

RevisionDojo.com offers smart tools and resources to help decode the mark scheme like an examiner:

✅ Features include:

• Annotated mark schemes with color-coded explanations
• Answer structure examples (how to write clear solutions)
• Breakdown videos for both AA and AI questions
• Self-marking templates to track M and A marks
• FT/MR examples with walkthroughs

🎯 Train like an examiner, mark like a pro, and fix your scoring mistakes early at RevisionDojo.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get marks if my answer is right but working is wrong?
Usually no—IB Math rewards process. A correct answer without method often earns only a partial mark.

2. What does M1A1 mean?
1 mark for method (M1), 1 for accuracy (A1). You must earn the M1 to be eligible for A1.

3. Can I use my own method?
Yes, if it’s mathematically valid and logically explained. IB accepts alternative correct approaches.

4. Do I always lose marks for rounding?
Only if the question specifies rounding rules or if you round too early and affect accuracy.

5. What if I skip working but get the answer?
You may get a G mark or nothing—always show your process to get full marks.

6. How do I use the mark scheme to revise?
Practice with a past paper, then mark it using the scheme:

• Label each question's M and A marks
• Compare your working to the scheme
• Note patterns in errors and update your revision topics

Conclusion

Learning how to understand IB Math mark schemes is a powerful way to maximize your scores. The key is to treat them like a map, not a mystery.

Remember:

• Method first, then accuracy
• Show your reasoning
• Use the scheme to self-check and learn
• Don’t let small errors snowball—track them

🎯 For expert-guided IB Math mark scheme analysis, self-marking worksheets, and breakdowns by topic, visit RevisionDojo.com and make every mark count.