Cambridge International Project Qualification - CAMBRIDGE IPQ 9980/01 - Paper 1 Project - Mark Scheme - Maximum Mark 80

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob

Mark scheme for Cambridge International Project Qualification (CAMBRIDGE IPQ 9980/01), Paper 1 Project, for May/June 2026, specifying Maximum Mark 80. Provides published marking guidance used by examiners, including standardisation procedures, principles for awarding whole marks positively, and how to handle responses with incorrect facts or content outside the syllabus. Includes general marking principles and social sciences-specific principles for point-based marking, crediting alternative correct answers and clarifying presentation conventions, plus calculation marking rules and annotation expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

General marking principles

Social Sciences-Specific Marking Principles (for point-based marking)

Calculation questions and annotation

Cambridge International Project Qualification CAMBRIDGE IPQ 9980/01 Paper 1 Project May/June 2026 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 80 Published This mark scheme contains the instructions and marking guidance that our examiners used to mark candidate responses for this component. Before they start marking, examiners complete a standardisation process. They review a range of candidate responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted. Examiners award marks where it is clear that candidate responses have met the requirements of the mark scheme. These requirements may vary between different components or different versions of the same component, depending on the exact requirements of the question and the candidate responses seen during the standardisation process. Sometimes, our mark schemes may allow marks to be awarded to responses which contain elements that are factually incorrect or for content not covered by the syllabus. We do this in response to the demands of a specific question to support candidates and make sure that our assessments are fair. However, these allowances should not be used as a guide for teaching and learning. We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme together with the assessment material and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. General marking principles All examiners must apply these marking principles when marking candidate responses. | 1 | Examiners must award marks for each response in line with:
• the specific content defined in the mark scheme
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the level descriptions
• the standard of response required as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. | | --- | --- | | 2 | Examiners must award whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions) . | | 3 | Examiners must award marks positively. This means that:
• marks are not deducted for errors or omissions
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers as defined in the mark scheme and also for other valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme referring to your team leader as appropriate
• the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar are judged only when the mark scheme indicates that these features are specifically assessed in the question. However, the meaning of all responses must be unambiguous. | | 4 | Examiners must consistently apply the requirements of the mark scheme and any rules for what to do when candidates have not followed instructions correctly. | | 5 | Examiners must use the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme , unless limited by the quality of the candidate responses seen. | | 6 | Examiners must award marks according to the mark scheme and must not award marks with grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind. | Social Sciences-Specific Marking Principles (for point-based marking) | 1 Components using point-based marking:
• Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer shows confusion.
From this it follows that we:
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one
prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons ) .
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and no

FAQs

What is the standardisation process mentioned in the mark scheme?

Before marking begins, examiners review a range of candidate responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted.

How should examiners award marks when a response contains errors or omissions?

Marks are awarded positively: errors or omissions do not automatically lead to deductions. Marks are granted for correct and valid answers as defined, and also for other valid answers beyond the syllabus and mark scheme where appropriate.

What rules apply to point-based marking in the Social Sciences section?

Examiners credit answers that show relevant knowledge and understanding, give credit for alternative correct wording or examples, and do not credit confusion. The scheme also restricts credit for mere key-term use and avoids further credit for repetition of already credited correct points.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob