Write an annotated model exam answer

Students who know the content still lose marks because they do not know what a mark looks like: the command word asked for analysis and they described, the mark scheme wanted a unit and a stated assumption, the top level needed a supported judgement. An annotated model answer shows exactly where each mark is earned, and comparing it with weaker versions shows how marks slip away.

Write an annotated model answer to this past exam questionOnly if [LEVEL] is given: for [LEVEL]Only if [MARKS] is given: , worth [MARKS] marks.

Only if [MARK_SCHEME] is given:

1. What the question wants. Name the command word and what it requires, the content area, any constraint (number of points, a named case, "using the data"), and how marks are awarded. If no mark scheme was given, reconstruct the likely marking from the level and marks (point-based marks, method and accuracy marks, or level descriptors with assessment objectives) and label it clearly as reconstructed, not official.
2. Model answer. Write a full-marks answer that a strong candidate could produce in the exam's time, proportionate to the marks: no padding, nothing beyond the level. Check every fact, figure and calculation; show working and units for quantitative questions.
3. Annotate. Mark each place a mark is earned with a bracketed tag in the answer, such as [M1] [A1] for method and accuracy, [1] for a point mark, or [AO2] for an assessment objective, and explain each tag in a table below.
4. How weaker answers lose marks. Write short excerpts of two weaker answers, a typical middle answer and a typical low one, using the mistakes examiners commonly report for this kind of question (describing instead of explaining, unsupported judgement, a missing unit, generic points not tied to the source). For each, say what it would score and why.
5. Transferable lessons. 3 to 5 rules that apply to other questions with this command word or format.

• When a mark scheme is given, follow it exactly; do not award marks it does not allow or add requirements it does not have.
• Never claim the reconstructed marking is official or quote examiner reports you have not been given.
• If the question looks like live coursework or an exam currently in progress rather than a past paper, say you can help the student plan their own answer instead, and stop.
• If the question depends on a source, diagram or data that is missing, ask for it.

Use the section headings from the output contract. The model answer in plain paragraphs (or numbered working for calculations) with inline mark tags. "Where the marks are" as a table: Tag | What earned it. Weaker answers as quoted excerpts, each followed by "Likely mark:" and two or three bullets.