0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025

PRE-STANDARDISATION

Cambridge Assessment International Education – Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate
answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic
level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with
these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

 the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
 the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
 the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

 marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is
given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to
your Team Leader as appropriate
 marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
 marks are not deducted for errors
 marks are not deducted for omissions
 answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions
or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
 0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
Social Science-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 not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited
unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e.
polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of
syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms
with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)

2 Presentation of mark scheme:

 Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
 Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
 Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the
marking but is not required to earn the mark

3 Annotation:
 For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used to
indicate wrong answers.
 For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
 Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
 0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
Assessment objectives

AO1 Research, analysis and evaluation

 design, carry out and evaluate research into current global issues, their causes and
consequences and possible course(s) of action
 use evidence to support claims, arguments and perspectives
 identify and analyse issues, arguments and perspectives
 analyse and evaluate the evidence and reasoning used to support claims,
arguments and perspectives
 analyse and evaluate sources and/or processes to support research, arguments
and perspectives
 develop a line of reasoning to support an argument, a perspective or course(s) of
action.

Introduction

Most questions are marked holistically using levels of response mark schemes. The marks
awarded for an answer are usually based on a judgement of the overall quality of the response,
rather than on awarding marks for specific points and accumulating a total mark by adding points.

Inevitably, the mark scheme cannot cover all responses that candidates may make for all of the
questions. In some cases, candidates may make very strong responses which the mark scheme
has not predicted. These answers should nevertheless be credited according to their quality.

Levels of response

For answers marked by levels of response, the following is intended to describe the quality of the
response required (level of skill that should be demonstrated) for the award of marks at different
points in the mark range for the question.

In the levels of response mark scheme positive achievement is being rewarded.

For answers marked by levels of response:

a. Marking grids describe the top of each level.

b. To determine the level – start at the highest level and work down until you reach the level
that matches the answer.
c. To determine the mark within the level, consider the following:

Descriptor Award mark

Consistently meets the criteria for this level At top of level
Above middle and either below top of level or
Meets the criteria but with some slight
at middle of level (depending on number of
inconsistency
marks available)
Above bottom and either below middle of
Just enough achievement on balance for this
level or at middle of level (depending on
level
number of marks available)
On the borderline of this level and the one
At bottom of level
below
 0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
Mark scheme

All of the questions are based on sources which are available to candidates as an Insert to the
examination paper. It is therefore very important to study this material prior to marking to become
familiar with the context of the questions.

Annotations

Annotation Meaning
Correct, creditworthy point

Incorrect point

Unclear/confused point

Explanation

Evaluation

Evidence (from source or own knowledge)

Judgement
Perspective
Reasoning
Benefit of doubt given
Omission mark, more required
Irrelevant

Repetition
Not Answered Question
Comment Box
Highlighter

Confirms page or response seen by examiner

The number of ticks used does not need to tally with the mark achieved. Every question
must be annotated in some way. The mark scheme indicates the most likely annotation to
be used with each question.

Annotation should be within the candidate’s text rather than in the margin.

Questio Answer Marks

0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
n
1 (a) From Source 1, which communication technology took the least time to 1
reach 100 million users?

Main Annotations

From Source 1, candidates are expected to identify:

 ChatGPT

Award 1 mark for the correct answer.

1 (bi) Identify one example of a value from Source 2. 1

Main Annotations

From Source 2, candidates are expected to identify one of:

 everybody should have equal access
 (the internet) is an important resource
 Other reasonable response

Award 1 mark for a correct answer.

1 (bii) Explain why the example you identified is a value. 2

Main Annotations

Indicative content

A value is a moral or ethical principle of right or wrong, fair or unfair applied to

a person’s opinion and stance on a given issue.

Award 2 marks for a response which clearly explains why the identified
example is a value.

Award 1 mark if the response shows understanding of a value but the

relationship to the example is not clear.

Award 0 if there is no creditable response.

1 (c) From Source 2, describe the charity’s perspective on digital 6

communication.

Main Annotations

Table A

Use this table to give marks for each candidate response.

Analysis of issues and perspectives (AO1)

Level Description Marks
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
3 Clear analysis of the source
 Describes a wide range of elements of the perspective.
5-6
 Frequent use of relevant material and examples taken
from the source.
2 Some analysis of the source
 Describes a range of elements of the perspective.
3-4
 Some use of relevant material and examples taken from
the source.
1 Limited analysis of the source
 Describes a limited range of elements of the
perspective. 1-2
 Little or no use of material and examples taken from the
source.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative content

Candidates may describe the following elements of the perspective:

 Issue- safe and fair access to digital communication

 Values- everybody should have equal access; (the internet) is an
important resource; people (should be able to) follow events around the
world as they happen
 Cause- technological change and growth
 Consequence- the digital divide and dangers
 Action- the provision of training, guidance and support offered by the
charity
 Other relevant response

1 (d) Sources 1 and 2 suggest some consequences of digital communication. 8

Which consequence of digital communication do you think is the most

significant? Explain why.

Main Annotations

Table B

Use this table to give marks for each candidate response.

Analysis of issues and perspectives (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 Clear justification of an opinion
 The opinion is clearly explained and supported.
7-8
 The explanation is credible and clearly related to the
identified issue.
3 Some justification of an opinion 5-6
 The opinion is explained with some support.
 The explanation is mainly credible and related to the
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
identified issue.
2 Partial justification of an opinion
 The opinion is partly explained and has minimal
3-4
support.
 The explanation is partly related to the identified issue.
1 A limited opinion
 The opinion is asserted with limited explanation.
1-2
 Any explanation may be general, tangential to the issue
and lacking credibility.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative content

Candidates may identify one of the following consequences:

 Technology has increased rapidly and it is expensive and difficult to
stay up to date with this
 People have access to endless amounts of information and resources
to be able to inform themselves about issues around the world
 It provides cost-effective and convenient, easy communication
 It has given rise to cyberbullying
 Technological disadvantage (digital divide)
 Security
 Reliability
 People have become lonelier
 Other relevant response

Candidates may give the following reasons to justify their opinion:

 Scope and impact of the consequence
 Impact on life, health, wellbeing, understanding of the world around
them
 Other relevant response.

Questio
Answer Marks
n
2 (a) Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the research outlined in Source 8
3.
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION

Main Annotations

Table C

Use this table to give marks for each candidate response.

Evaluate research into current global issues (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 Consistently evaluative
 Reasoned explanation of a wide range of evaluative
points, including both strengths and weaknesses. 7-8
 Explanations are credible, supported and clearly related
to the purpose of the research.
3 Mainly evaluative
 Reasoned explanation of a range of evaluative points.
5-6
 Explanations are mostly supported, credible and related
to the purpose of the research.
2 Partly evaluative
 A range of evaluative points that are mostly descriptive
with little explanation.
3-4
 Explanations are partially supported and may lack some
credibility or partly related to the purpose of the
research.
1 Limited evaluation
 A limited range of evaluative points without explanation;
the research or topic in the source is only described. 1-2
 Evaluative points are asserted and/or not credible
and/or not related to the purpose of the research.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative content

Candidates may identify the following strengths and weaknesses of the

research.

Strengths:
 Primary research undertaken (interview and observation)
 Spoken to someone directly involved in the charity and the issue under
study
 Research is relevant to the scope of the study the student is
undertaking as it is locally focused
 Other relevant response.

Weaknesses:
 Interview conducted in a busy lesson with lots of interruptions
 Small sample
 Sample local to the area so difficult to generalise
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
 Potential bias
 Interference with the class; observer effect
 Interviewee only estimates extent of the issue, cannot be taken as
relevant statistic and requires further investigation.
 Other relevant response.

2 (b) ‘Many households in the local area do not have access to the internet.’ 8

Explain how this claim could be tested. You should consider the
research methods and evidence that could be used.

Main Annotations

Table D

Use this table to give marks for each candidate response.

Design research into current global issues (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 An appropriate and fully justified research design
 Reasoned explanation of a wide range of methods and
evidence. 7-8
 Explanations are credible and clearly related to testing
the claim/purpose of the research.
3 An appropriate and justified research design
 Reasoned explanation of a range of methods and
evidence. 5-6
 Explanations are credible and mostly related to testing
the claim/purpose of the research.
2 A partly justified research design
 A range of methods and/or evidence that are mostly
descriptive with little explanation. 3-4
 Explanations may lack some credibility and/or are partly
related to testing the claim/purpose of the research.
1 Limited research design
 A limited range of methods and/or evidence without
explanation; the research or topics is only described. 1-2
 Methods and evidence are not credible and/or not
related to testing the claim/purpose of the research.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative content

Candidates may discuss the following ways to test the claim stated in Source
3.

Methods:
 Interviews of relevant experts
 Observation.
 Review of secondary sources / literature / research / documents.
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
 Internet and media search.
 Questionnaires.
 Surveys.
 Case studies of people involved in the topic area.
 Other relevant response.

Evidence:
 Statistics/information on internet use and coverage.
 Individual testimony or personal experience.
 Material from relevant online organisation.
 Material from pressure groups / charities / governments / international
organisations concerned about food supply.
 Primary and secondary research data and information.
 Quantitative and qualitative research data and information.
 Research reports.
 Other relevant response.

Questio
Answer Marks
n
3 Which argument is more convincing, Todd’s or Hanna’s? 16

Your answer should:

 consider both arguments

0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
 evaluate their reasoning, evidence and use of language
 support your judgement with their words and ideas.

Main Annotations

Tables E and F

Use these tables to give marks for each candidate response.

Table E

Analysis (AO1)
Level Description Marks
4 Consistently analytic throughout and fully supported
 Analyses a wide range of aspects of both arguments.
 Frequent use of relevant material taken from the 7-8
source.
 Clear and explicit comparison of the two arguments.
3 Mainly analytic and supported
 Analyses a range of aspects of both arguments.
5-6
 Some use of relevant material taken from the source.
 Clear and comparison of the two arguments.
2 Partly analytic and descriptive with some support
 Analyses a limited range of aspects of both arguments.
 Occasional use of material taken from the source. 3-4
 Implied comparison by simple juxtaposition of the two
arguments.
1 Descriptive and unsupported
 Analyses a limited range of aspects of one argument. 1-2
 Little or no use of material taken from the source.
0 No creditable response 0

Table F

Evaluation (AO1)
Level Description Marks
4 Consistently evaluative throughout and fully explained
 Detailed and reasoned explanation of a wide range of
evaluative points throughout the response.
 Both reasoning and evidence within the arguments in 7-8
the source are evaluated explicitly.
 Clear, supported judgement consistent with the
candidate’s argument.
3 Mainly evaluative and explained 5-6
 Reasoned explanation of a range of evaluative points
within most of the response.
 Reasoning and/or evidence within the arguments in the
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
source are evaluated.
 Judgement generally consistent with the candidate’s
argument.
2 Partly evaluative with little explanation
 A limited range of evaluative points that are mostly
descriptive and/or asserted with little explanation.
 Reasoning and/or evidence within the arguments in the 3-4
source are mostly described.
 Judgement lacks some clarity and may be partly
inconsistent with the candidate’s argument.
1 Descriptive without explanation
 One or two evaluative points that are asserted,
tangential or not relevant.
1-2
 The topic or the arguments in the source are described.
 Judgement is unclear and inconsistent with the
candidate’s argument or may not be included.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative content

Candidates are expected to evaluate the arguments presented in Source 4.

They should make a supported judgement with some explanation about which
person has the most convincing argument. Candidates may support their
judgement by considering some of the following aspects of the arguments:

Strength of reasoning:
 logic
 structure
 balance
 claims

Use of language:
 tone – emotive, exaggerated, precise, measured
 clarity

Evidence:
 range of information and depth
 relevance
 sufficiency – sample size
 source – media; internet
 date – how recent
 different types of information – fact, opinion, value, anecdote
 testimony – from experience and expert

Sources of bias or vested interest:

 local interest
 economic
 personal values
 experience

Possible consequences of the ideas or actions presented

0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
Acceptability of their values to others:
 how likely other people are to agree with their perspective/view

Other relevant responses should be credited.

Examples of evaluative points candidates are likely to discuss are outlined as

follows:

Argument Strengths Weaknesses

Todd  personally engaged and  Not overly knowledgeable
invested in the topic on the topic
(concerns of children’s  Tone is informal.
future).  No statistics or research
 cites the UN. applied.
 Offers different  Lots of assertion
perspectives.  Other relevant response.
 Other relevant
response.

Hanna  Works as Human Rights  Examples of past actions.

Advisor. given but nothing specific.
 Clearly knowledgeable  Offers solutions but these
in the field. are vague.
 Explains the issue well.  Lack of citation
 Tone is clear and  Bias
understanding (uses  Other relevant response.
terminology of the field
of study).
 Use of statistics
 The use of a rhetorical
question
 Other relevant
response.
AO1 Analysis 8

AO1 Evaluation 8

Questio
Answer Marks
n
4 A government wants to improve access to the internet for the citizens in 20
their country.

The following actions are being considered:

 Offer free computers to people in poverty.

 Provide computer education in schools.
 Encourage charities to provide internet access to the local
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
community.

Which one of these actions would you recommend to the government,

and why?

In your answer, you should:

 state your recommendation

 give reasons and evidence to support your choice
 use the material in the sources and/or any of your own ideas
 consider different arguments and perspectives.

Main Annotations

Tables G, H and I

Use these tables to give marks for each candidate response.

Table G

Use evidence and reasons to support arguments (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 Effective use of evidence and reasons to support
arguments
 Uses a wide range of evidence and reasons to fully
7-8
support the candidate’s argument.
 Evidence and reasons are clearly relevant to the issue
in the question.
3 Mainly uses evidence and reasons to support
arguments
 Uses a range of evidence and reasons to support the
5-6
candidate’s argument.
 Evidence and reasons are relevant to the issue in the
question.
2 Some use of evidence and reasons to support
arguments
 Uses a limited range of evidence and reasons to partly
3-4
support the candidate’s argument.
 Evidence and reasons are not always relevant to the
issue in the question.
1 Limited use of evidence and reasons to support
arguments
 Uses one or two pieces of evidence and/or reasons and
1-2
these give very little support the candidate’s argument.
 Evidence and reasons are tangential or not relevant to
the issue in the question.
0 No creditable response 0

Table H
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION

Develop a line of reasoning (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 Convincing and clear reasoning
 Clear, convincing and sustained lines of reasoning
related to the issue in the question and the candidate’s
7-8
argument.
 Well-structured and explicit consideration of different
perspectives or actions.
3 Clear reasoning
 Clear lines of reasoning mainly related to the issue in
the question and the candidate’s argument. 5-6
 Structured consideration of different perspectives or
actions.
2 Some reasoning
 Lines of reasoning are difficult to follow at times and not
always related to the issue in the question and the 3-4
candidate’s argument.
 Some consideration of different perspectives or actions.
1 Limited reasoning
 Lines of reasoning lack clarity and are often unrelated
to the issue in the question and the candidate’s
1-2
argument.
 Little or no consideration of different perspectives or
actions.
0 No creditable response 0

Table I

Judgements about perspectives and action (AO1)

Level Description Marks
4 Judgements are fully supported
 Judgements are clearly related to the issue, clearly
4
explained and consistent with the candidate’s
argument.
3 Judgements are supported
 Judgements are related to the issue, explained and 3
consistent with the candidate’s argument.
2 Judgements are partly supported
 Judgements are partly related to the issue, partly
2
explained and not consistent with the candidate’s
argument.
1 Asserted judgements
1
 Judgements are asserted and not explained.
0 No creditable response 0

Indicative Content
0457/12 Qualification- Mark Scheme March/2025
PRE-STANDARDISATION
Candidates are expected to make a judgement about the recommended
course of action using reasons and evidence to justify their choice.
Candidates may use and develop material found in Sources 1 to 4 but should
go beyond simply repeating or recycling without interpretation. Other material
may be introduced but is not necessary to gain full marks.

Candidates may consider some of the following:

 Reference to scale of impact on digital communication

 Reference to different consequences and implications for
individuals/groups/government.
 How long it might take to make a difference.
 Barriers to change.
 The influence of individuals and groups on decision making.
 The role of vested interests and power differences.
 Potential conflicts of interest.
 Difficulties in planning and coordinating improvements.
 Cost and access to resources to implement change.
 Other reasonable response.

AO1 Use evidence and reasons to support arguments 8

AO1 Develop a line of reasoning 8

AO1 Judgements about perspectives and action 4