Cambridge A Level Design and Technology 9705 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
9705/12/O/N/23 · 120 marks · ≈135 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper12 pages












Mark scheme17 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.

















Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 9705/12 Paper 1 October/November 2023 3 hours You must answer on the answer booklet/paper. You will need: Answer booklet/A4 paper Coloured pencils A3 drawing paper (2 sheets) Extra sheets of A3 drawing paper if needed A range of design drawing equipment INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer three questions in total: Section A: answer one question on the answer booklet/A4 paper provided. Section B: answer one question on the answer booklet/A4 paper provided. Section C: answer one question on A3 drawing paper. Use both sides of the paper. ● You may request additional sheets of A3 drawing paper, but only if you have used up both sides of each of the 2 sheets provided. ● If you have been given an answer booklet, follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. ● Use a black or dark blue pen. ● Write your name, centre number and candidate number on all the work you hand in. ● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid. ● You may use an HB pencil, or coloured pencils as appropriate, for any diagrams, graphs or rough working. ● At the end of the examination, fasten all your work together. Do not use staples, paper clips or glue. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 120. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. ● All dimensions are in millimetres. * 2 8 9 5 0 1 0 8 0 2 * DC (CJ/CB) 312593/4 © UCLES 2023
Question paper, page 2
2 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 Section A Answer one question from this section on the Answer Booklet/A4 paper provided. 1 Fig. 1.1 gives details of a chair which is to be made in a school workshop. Part A Ø80 recycled card tubes Part B 18 mm thick plywood Fig. 1.1 (a) Give two reasons why recycled card has been used to make Part A. [2] (b) Use notes and sketches to describe: (i) how the Ø80 mm holes in Part B could be set out on 180 mm centres and cut out [6] (ii) how Part B could be prepared for a finish and the finish applied. [6] You must give details about the tools, equipment and processes involved and the safety precautions that have to be undertaken at each stage. (c) Use notes and sketches to show two temporary methods of joining Part A to Part B. [6]
Question paper, page 3
3 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 [Turn over 2 Fig. 2.1 gives details of a crate for vegetables which is to be made in a school workshop. Potatoes Weight: 10 kg Sell by: 31/12/2023 Part B 75 × 150 label giving information about the vegetables Part A 125 × 375 × 500 crate made from one piece of 4 mm thick corriflute sheet Fig. 2.1 (a) Give two reasons why the crate has holes in it. [2] (b) Use notes and sketches to show the shape of the one-piece development (net) required to make Part A, the crate. [6] (c) Use notes and sketches to describe how the one-piece development (net) required to make Part A, the crate, could be cut and folded to shape. [6] You must give details about the tools, equipment and processes involved and the safety precautions that have to be undertaken at each stage. (d) Use notes and sketches to show a method of designing and making a label that allows the name of the vegetable, weight and sell by date to be changed. [6]
Question paper, page 4
4 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 3 Fig. 3.1 gives details of a model of a compound pulley system which is to be made in a school workshop. Part B Ø60 plastic pulley wheel Part A winding mechanism weight to be lifted by the pulley Fig. 3.1 (a) Give two reasons for making a model of a mechanism. [2] (b) Use notes and sketches to describe how to make Part A, the winding mechanism. [6] You must give details about the tools, equipment and processes involved and the safety precautions that have to be undertaken at each stage. (c) Use sketches and notes to describe how: (i) to make a batch of 1000 of Part B [6] (ii) a compound pulley system makes it easier to lift loads. [6]
Question paper, page 5
5 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 [Turn over Section B Answer one question from this section on the Answer Booklet/A4 paper provided. 4 Fig. 4.1 shows an incomplete design for a garden shed. roof made from mild steel panels sides made from untreated planks of softwood feature X Fig. 4.1 (a) Explain the function of the design feature shown at X. [2] (b) Identify and describe two problems that make the garden shed unsuitable for use. [4] (c) Use notes and sketches to explain how the garden shed would need to be changed to overcome the two problems you have identified in part (b). [6] (d) Discuss why many products, such as the garden shed, are designed to be assembled at home. Your answer should: (i) analyse the given situation and identify three relevant issues raised by the question [3] (ii) explain why you consider these issues to be relevant [3] (iii) contain specific examples/evidence to support your conclusions. [2]
Question paper, page 6
6 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 5 Fig. 5.1 shows an incomplete design of packaging for socks. SOCKS SOCKS feature X development (net) of packaging Fig. 5.1 (a) Explain the function of the design feature shown at X. [2] (b) Identify and describe two problems that make the packaging for socks unsuitable for use. [4] (c) Use notes and sketches to explain how the packaging would need to be changed to overcome the two problems you have identified in part (b). [6] (d) Discuss why designers of packaging use research to inform their design. Your answer should: (i) analyse the given situation and identify three relevant issues raised by the question [3] (ii) explain why you consider these issues to be relevant [3] (iii) contain specific examples/evidence to support your conclusions. [2]
Question paper, page 7
7 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 [Turn over 6 Fig. 6.1 shows an incomplete design for a coffee machine. feature X Fig. 6.1 (a) Explain the function of the design feature shown at X. [2] (b) Identify and describe two problems with the coffee machine. [4] (c) Use notes and sketches to explain how the design would need to be changed to overcome the two problems you have identified in part (b). [6] (d) Discuss why designers of electrical products, such as the coffee machine, consider the effects of form and surface finishes. Your answer should: (i) analyse the given situation and identify three relevant issues raised by the question [3] (ii) explain why you consider these issues to be relevant [3] (iii) contain specific examples/evidence to support your conclusions. [2]
Question paper, page 8
8 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 Section C Answer one question from this section on the plain A3 paper provided. You are provided with two sheets of plain A3 paper. You should use both sides of the paper. Each of the four parts (a) – (d) of the question you choose to answer should take up one side of paper. When you are asked to develop a design you must show, using notes and sketches, the development and evaluation of a range of ideas into a single design solution. The design proposal should be annotated to give details about materials, joining methods and important sizes. 7 Fig. 7.1 shows a design for a box to hold precious items, including rings. decorative panel rings size of box: 200 long × 120 wide × 80 high Fig. 7.1 (a) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for a box to hold precious items. The box must include a lid that can be locked. [20] (b) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for a decorative panel for the top of the box you designed in part (a). The purchaser of the box must be able to personalize the decorative panel. [20] (c) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for a method of holding six rings. The method of holding must fit inside the box you designed in part (a). [20] (d) Produce a pictorial (3D) rendered drawing of the complete box which shows all of the features that you have designed in parts (a) – (c). [20]
Question paper, page 9
9 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 [Turn over 8 Fig. 8.1 shows an incomplete design for a paper carrier bag. The bag is to be used by a shop selling high quality clothes. string handles size of paper bag: 500 high × 400 wide × 120 deep Fig. 8.1 (a) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for the development (net) for a paper carrier bag. The bag must fold flat when not in use. [20] (b) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for a logo to be printed on the paper carrier bag. The logo must be based upon the name ‘GL Clothes’. [20] (c) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for an attachment to go on the string handles that will make the paper carrier bag more comfortable to carry. [20] (d) Produce a pictorial (3D) rendered drawing of the complete paper carrier bag which shows all of the features that you have designed in parts (a) – (c). [20]
Question paper, page 10
10 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 9 Fig. 9.1 shows a magnifying glass and a circuit board. It can be difficult to hold and see small electronic components when fault finding. magnifying glass circuit board lens Ø80 mm handle Ø12 mm Fig. 9.1 (a) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for a device that will sit on a bench and hold a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass must be easily adjusted to different angles. [20] (b) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for an attachment to the device you designed in part (a) that will hold a circuit board without damaging the components. [20] (c) Use notes and sketches to develop a design for an attachment to the device you designed in part (a) that will illuminate (light up) the work whilst it is being held. [20] (d) Produce a pictorial (3D) rendered drawing of the device which shows all of the features that you have designed in parts (a) – (c). [20]
Question paper, page 11
11 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 BLANK PAGE
Question paper, page 12
12 9705/12/O/N/23 © UCLES 2023 Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. BLANK PAGE
Mark scheme, page 1
This document consists of 17 printed pages. © UCLES 2023 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 9705/12 Paper 1 October/November 2023 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 120 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2023 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.
Mark scheme, page 2
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 17 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.
Mark scheme, page 3
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 17 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.
Mark scheme, page 4
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance Section A 1(a) Exemplar answers: Environmentally friendly so creates a good image for the manufacturer [1] Relatively cheap to buy and readily available [1] 0–2 2 AOVR include: • easy to cut to shape 1(b)(i) Sketches and/or notes show: Set out on 180 mm centres and cutting out the hole Suitable method [0–3] e.g. marking out, templates Tools, equipment or processes Suitable method [0–2] e.g. pencil, rule, hole saw. Safety precaution [0–1] 0–6 6 Accept hand and CAD/CAM methods. 1(b)(ii) Prepared and application of a finish Suitable method [0–3] e.g. edges cleaned up, surfaces sanded, sealed Tools, equipment or processes Suitable finish [0–2] e.g. glasspaper, varnish, paint Safety precaution [0–1] 0–6 6 Accept hand and CAD/CAM methods. 1(c) Sketches and/or notes show: Temporary methods of joining Part A to Part B Suitable method and description [0–3] 2 e.g. screw mechanisms using an insert 0–6 6 Friction fit, screw mechanisms, end cap that pushed into the tube, extend the tube and push a rod through.
Mark scheme, page 5
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2(a) Exemplar answers: Allows water to drain away [1] Can be used to lift the crate [1] 0–2 2 AOVR including: • allows air to get to the vegetables to prevent rotting 2(b) Sketches and/or notes show: Shape of development (net) Any shape development shown [1] or correct shape to make a crate [2] One piece development for a crate with some fold and cut lines [3] or all fold lines (including consideration of thickness of material) and cut lines [4] Correct shape one piece development with some tabs and flaps/joining method [5] or all tabs and flaps/joining method clearly shown [6] 0–6 6 Ignore the holes in the crate. Example of a development (net) 2(c) Sketches and notes show: Cutting and then folding to shape Suitable method [0–3] e.g. mark, score, indent, cut one side, fold, accuracy Tools, equipment or processes Suitable method [0–2] e.g. pencil, craft knife, safety rule, Safety precaution [0– 1] 0–6 6 Accept hand or CNC methods.
Mark scheme, page 6
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 6 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2(d) Sketches and/or notes show: Methods of designing and making a label Suitable method and explanation [0–3] e.g. CAD and then printing, changeable parts, wipe clean Explanation of how it can be updated [0–3] 0–6 6 Question Answer Marks Guidance 3(a) Exemplar answer: To show a principle [1] To check it works [1] 0–2 2 AOVR include: • to see what it looks like three dimensionally. • Test and evaluate. • Develop the model from the evaluation. 3(b) Sketches and/or notes show: Method of making the winding mechanism (if just the handle, not bracket, maximum 2 marks) [0–3] Tools, equipment or processes [0–2] Safety precautions [1] 0–6 6 Accept hand or machine methods. 3(c)(i) Sketches and/or notes show: Suitable method and description of process [0–3] e.g. injection moulding, laser cutting Equipment and tools [0–3] 0–6 6
Mark scheme, page 7
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 7 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 3(c)(ii) Sketches and notes show: Explanation of how a compound pulley system works [0–3] Movement [0–2] Understanding of mechanical advantage [1] 0–6 6
Mark scheme, page 8
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 8 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance Section B 4(a) Feature X is a downpipe [1] to direct water away from the building [1] 0–2 2 4(b) Problem one identified [1] and described [1] Problem two identified [1] and described [1] e.g. guttering on the wrong side [1] so will not collect water [1] 0–4 4 Other acceptable answers include: 1 Untreated softwood will rot. 2 No door/window/floor. 3 Mild steel will rust 4 Water could collect at the base on the ground. 4(c) Explanation of how problem one could be overcome [0–3] Explanation of how problem two could be overcome [0–3] e.g. move the guttering [1] to the low side of the roof [1] so it collects the water as it runs down the roof [1] 0–6 6 4(d)(i) Situation has been analysed and relevant issues/points identified e.g. more easily transported [1] fully assembled products would be difficult to move into position [1], the person assembling the product can ‘personalise’ the product [1] 0–3 3 4(d)(ii) Clear and appropriate explanations of why issues/points are considered relevant e.g. transport cost are high and it is not easy to transport bulky items [1], specialist lifting gear would be required [1], way in which the door hangs could be changed [1] 0–3 3
Mark scheme, page 9
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 9 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 4(d)(iii) Specific examples/evidence used to support conclusions e.g. flat pack furniture [1], ride on toys for children [1] 0–2 2 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(a) Feature X is a slot together fastening [1] that does not require glue [1] 0–2 2 5(b) Problem one identified [1] and described [1] Problem two identified [1] and described [1] e.g. the socks will [1] slide out of the packet [1] 0–4 4 Other acceptable answers include: 1 Limited surface graphics e.g. no size, barcode. 2 All cut lines on the development (net). 3 No means of hanging the package on a rack. 5(c) Explanation of how problem one could be overcome [0–3] Explanation of how problem two could be overcome [0–3] e.g. add a thin plastic strip [1] that fastens the socks [1] to the package [1] 0–6 6 5(d)(i) Situation has been analysed and relevant issues/points identified e.g. ensures the solution meets the need [1], to look at existing solutions to similar design problems (check the competition) [1], make sure the design meet current legislation [1] 0–3 3
Mark scheme, page 10
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 10 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(d)(ii) Clear and appropriate explanations of why issues/points are considered relevant e.g. very costly to produce a design that doesn’t work [1], new designs should improve on existing designs [1], if products do not meet current legislation they cannot be sold [1] 0–3 3 5(d)(iii) Specific examples/evidence used to support conclusions e.g. evolution of products such as mobile phones [1], legal cases involving products being sold that do not meet the current legislation [1] 0–2 2 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(a) Feature X is a container [1] for water [1] 0–2 2 6(b) Problem one identified [1] and described [1] Problem two identified [1] and described [1] e.g. no control switches [1] so cannot determine factors such as temperature or strength of coffee [1] 0-4 4 Other acceptable problems include: 1 No power source. 2 Cup won’t fit under the dispenser. 3 No means of filling. 6(c) Explanation of how problem one could be overcome [0–3] Explanation of how problem two could be overcome [0–3] e.g. add control switches [1] that allow the machine to be switched on [1] and drink options selected [1] 0–6 6
Mark scheme, page 11
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 11 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(d)(i) Situation has been analysed and relevant issues/points identified e.g. people buy products that look good [1], easy to clean surfaces (functionality) [1] some inexpensive surface finishes can look expensive [1] 0–3 3 6(d)(ii) Clear and appropriate explanations of why issues/points are considered relevant e.g. visual appearance is a major factor in selecting which product to purchase [1], stainless steel [1], chromium plated plastic looks more expensive than it costs to produce [1] 0–3 3 6(d)(iii) Specific examples/evidence used to support conclusions e.g. many electrical products consider form over function [1], the ‘touch’ areas of products are made from softer/more tactile plastics [1] 0–2 2
Mark scheme, page 12
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 12 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance Section C 7(a) Box designed to the dimensions given One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Locking lid must be included to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 7(b) Design for a decorative panel One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Must be able to personalise decorative panel to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20
Mark scheme, page 13
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 13 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(c) Holds six rings One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Must fit inside the box to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 7(d) The drawing will exhibit a reasonable standard of outcome and show some of the required design features 0–5 OR The drawing will exhibit a good standard of outcome and show most of the design features required to make the product function as intended 6–9 OR The drawing will be completed to a high standard of outcome and fully shows the design features required to make the product function as intended. 10–14 Some use made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 0–2 OR Good use has been made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing. 3–4 OR Very good use has been made of colour, tone and material representation to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 5–6 20
Mark scheme, page 14
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 14 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 8(a) Development (net) for a paper carrier bag One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Paper carrier bag must fold flat to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 8(b) Logo designed One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Logo based on the words ‘GL clothes’ and reflecting high quality clothes must be included to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20
Mark scheme, page 15
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 15 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 8(c) Handle attaches to the string handles One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Ergonomic design/clear comfort must be included to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 8(d) The drawing will exhibit a reasonable standard of outcome and show some of the required design features. 0–5 OR The drawing will exhibit a good standard of outcome and show most of the design features required to make the product function as intended 6–9 OR The drawing will be completed to a high standard of outcome and fully shows the design features required to make the product function as intended 10–14 Some use made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 0–2 OR Good use has been made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 3–4 OR Very good use has been made of colour, tone and material representation to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 5–6 20
Mark scheme, page 16
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 16 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 9(a) Sits on a bench and holds the magnifying glass One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Must be Adjustable to different angles to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 9(b) Holds a circuit board One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Must not damage the components to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20
Mark scheme, page 17
9705/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 17 of 17 Question Answer Marks Guidance 9(c) Illuminates (lights up) the work One pre-conceived idea presented. 0–4 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which would appear to work but lacks some technical detail. 5–8 OR The development and selection of a range of ideas into a single design proposal which includes the technical detail to show that the proposed solution would clearly work. 9–12 Attaches to part (a) must be included to access 10–12 marks Clarity and quality of sketching and explanatory notes 0–4 Evaluation (reasons for selection) 0–4 20 9(d) The drawing will exhibit a reasonable standard of outcome and show some of the required design features 0–5 OR The drawing will exhibit a good standard of outcome and show most of the design features required to make the product function as intended 6–9 OR The drawing will be completed to a high standard of outcome and fully show the design features required to make the product function as intended 10–14 Some use made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 0–2 OR Good use has been made of colour and tone to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 3–4 OR Very good use has been made of colour, tone and material representation to enhance the visual impact of the drawing 5–6 20
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.