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MEI STRUCTURED MATHEMATICS

Marking C3 Coursework

10 tips to ensure that the right mark is

awarded

MEI Conference 2013 Marking C3 Coursework Page 2

Marking C3 Coursework

C3 coursework is very prescriptive. Providing assessors follow the criteria carefully there is no problem with the assessment. However, there are difficulties for the External moderator.

• Errors are made in the marking • Work is not checked but assumed to be correct. • Credit is given for work that is not evident.

It is not a question of "what is a good piece of coursework?" but "how can I ensure that I give an appropriate mark?" 1 Terminology This task is all about solving equations. Therefore, candidates should write equations. Persistent errors should be penalised in domain 5. Examples which should be penalised: I am going to solve the equation x3 − 4x − 1. I am going to solve the equation y = x3 − 4x − 1. I am going to solve the equation f(x) = x3 − 4x − 1. Correct terminology: I am going to solve the equation x3 − 4x − 1 = 0. Or I am going to solve the equation f(x) = 0 where f(x) = x3 − 4x − 1. 2 Illustrations All three methods require a graph and an illustration for both success and failure. A graph of the function is not an illustration of the method. Example I am going to solve the equation x3 − 4x − 1 = 0 Here is a graph of y = x3 − 4x − 1.

MEI Conference 2013 Marking C3 Coursework Page 3

You can see from the graph that there is a root of the equation in the range [1,2] which I shall find. This is not enough - only the graph has been drawn.