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Synonyms in Science

  • 13-04-2015 10:16pm
    #1
    expiiplus1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭


    Is it acceptable to use synonyms of marking scheme terms? In other words, are the examiners reasonable?
    For instance, if one answered the LC question: "What is the function of the discs in the human backbone?" - with"cushioning," despite the fact that on the marking scheme they use "shock absorption/prevention of wear and tear/friction-free movement," would one get full credit?


Comments

  • #2
    DepoProvera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 404 ✭✭DepoProvera


    Examine the marking schemes - as long as long as the words mean the same thing, you should get the marks. Sometimes words or phrases are specifically disallowed and the examiners instructed to award no marks for that phrase.

    Ideally you should study the marking schemes and know what answer they want. If the words mean the same thing (cushioning definitely implies reducing wear and tear) then you should be grand. If you're going for top marks then you want to eliminate any opportunity for the examiner to penalise you by expanding fully on your answers. You know when you are saying cushioning that it reduces wear and tear and is shock absorbing so put it down just to be safe. (That's advice for this case - if they ask for eg give two functions of body part X, don't give 3 answers as if one is wrong then you can only be scored half points. Just make sure the answers you give are concise and complete!)


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