Marking Scheme – Quick Study Notes for MBA Students
1. What is a Marking Scheme?
- It is a map that tells the examiners how many points each part of your answer is worth.
- Think of it like a recipe: the ingredients (points) and the instructions (how to score).
2. Why Should You Care?
- Knowing the map lets you plan your answer.
- Helps you avoid missing points that are easy to earn.
- Saves time – you can focus on the parts that count the most.
3. Main Parts of a Marking Scheme
| Part | What it means | Everyday Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Points | The total score for the question. | A game’s score sheet. |
| Criteria | Specific things the examiner looks for. | Checklist of tasks to finish a recipe. |
| Weight | How many points each criterion is worth. | Portion size in a recipe. |
| Descriptors | Short guide on how to meet each criterion. | “Add salt until it tastes right.” |
Tip: Look for the word “criteria” or “points” in the marking guide.
4. Reading a Sample Marking Scheme
| Criterion | Points | What to write |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | 2 | Clear, concise definition. |
| Example | 3 | One relevant, real‑world example. |
| Analysis | 5 | Show cause‑effect or implications. |
| Conclusion | 2 | Summarize key takeaway. |
- Total: 12 points.
Analogy: It’s like a pizza with toppings. The more toppings you put, the higher the score.
5. How to Use It While Studying
- Copy the scheme to your notes.
- Highlight the highest‑point items – they’re the biggest gains.
- Practice writing short answers that hit each criterion.
- Time yourself – make sure you can cover all points in the exam time.
- Check your answer against the scheme – did you miss anything?
6. Tiny Example – “Explain the concept of ROI”
| Criterion | Points | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | 2 | ROI = Return on Investment. |
| Formula | 2 | ROI = (Net Profit ÷ Investment) × 100. |
| Example | 3 | Company A earns $10k profit on $50k investment → 20% ROI. |
| Implication | 3 | High ROI means efficient use of capital. |
| Limitations | 2 | Doesn’t account for risk or time. |
| Conclusion | 2 | ROI is a quick but incomplete measure. |
- Total: 12 points.
Quick Check: Did you give the formula? Did you give a real example? Did you talk about what it tells us?
7. Quick Checklist for Exam Day
- ✅ Read the question first.
- ✅ Look for words like “define,” “explain,” “compare.”
- ✅ Match each word to a criterion in the scheme.
- ✅ Write concise sentences for each criterion.
- ✅ Review your answer against the scheme before submitting.
8. Summary
- A marking scheme is a score map that shows how points are awarded.
- Identify points, criteria, weight, and descriptors.
- Use the scheme to plan, write, and review your answers.
- Practice with sample questions to become comfortable hitting every point.
Remember: Treat the marking scheme like a game board – follow the rules, hit the high‑value spots, and you’ll win the points!