It's a common assumption: "If I understand the science, I'll get full marks." But when it comes to A-Level Chemistry exams—whether OCR or AQA—that's only half the story. While scientific correctness forms the foundation, exam success depends equally on how you express your answers as what you're trying to communicate.

✅ Yes, Scientific Accuracy Matters

Correct answers can and do earn full marks—particularly when questions require no explanation or working. If a question asks for a final product, definition, or specific value, and you provide the right answer clearly, you'll likely get the credit.

Questions often accept alternative wording, provided it's clear, correct, and relevant. For instance, writing "a white precipitate forms" instead of "a white solid is produced" is typically acceptable. Similarly, in calculation questions, you can earn method marks even with an incorrect final answer—provided your working is shown, logical, and demonstrates sound chemical principles.

❌ But Just Being Right Isn't Always Enough

Multi-mark and explanation questions add another layer of complexity. These require not just correct science, but specific phrasing, keywords, and structured reasoning. Even if your answer shows understanding, you might not score full marks unless you hit all the required marking points.

Consider this example: describing an intermolecular force as "strong" when the question is about hydrogen bonding may cost you marks. While technically accurate, it lacks the precision the mark scheme demands.

Never assume that examiners will "know what you meant." They don't mark based on general understanding or goodwill—they follow a strict mark scheme and award points only for specific, explicitly stated answers.

🧾 What Examiners Do Consider

The official policy states: "All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in candidates' scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills demonstrated."

In other words, if your answer is unusual but scientifically accurate—and you clearly demonstrate your reasoning—it should earn credit.

But here's the crucial catch: this only applies when your answer is clear and unambiguously correct. If your explanation is vague or your logic is hard to follow, you're asking the examiner to interpret your meaning—a risky strategy you should avoid.

🧪 Strategies for Maximum Marks

To maximize your exam performance, adopt an examiner's perspective:

• Study past mark schemes. Master the specific phrases, structures, and terminology examiners expect.

• Show every step in calculations—even when you're certain of the answer.

• Apply keywords and structure in long answers. Questions about bonding, mechanisms, or trends typically have specific "markable" points.

• Match the mark allocation. For a 3-mark question, identify the three distinct points the examiner expects and address each one.

✅ Key Takeaways

Being scientifically correct is essential—but it's only the starting point. To maximize your marks:

• Express precise details rather than general knowledge

• Focus on exam specifications rather than just subject matter

• Present organized answers rather than information dumps

Remember: the goal isn't to simplify your understanding—it's about presenting your knowledge in a way that examiners can easily assess.