GCSE Maths: how to gain method marks even when you get stuck

How method marks work

On multi-mark questions, marks are given for correct steps as well as for the final answer. A clear first step with a small slip can score more than a lone wrong answer with no working.

A checklist for every multi-mark question

• Write down what you are finding before you start.
• Show each step on its own line.
• Include units and the full calculation, not just the result.
• Check the answer against the question: is it the right size, and did you answer what was asked?
• If you get stuck, write down the next step you would take.

Practise it with feedback

On PrepAcer, written answers are checked against the mark points, and you can see which steps were credited and which were missed. If you think a mark is wrong, the “Question this mark” button lets you flag it.