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9706_w05_ms_4 2005 Oct-Nov Accounting 9706 Mark Scheme 4 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9706_w05_ms_42005 Oct-Nov Accounting 9706 Mark Scheme 4

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Accounting (9706) Mark Scheme 4 from the 2005 Oct-Nov session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 9706_w05_ms_4 · 9706/4/o/n/05 ms · 9706/4 Oct/Nov 2005 ms

Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting This is Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting, worth 50 marks with a duration of 1h 15m. Cost accounting, marginal and absorption costing, budgeting, standard costing, and investment appraisal. Requires calculations and interpretation of results.

This mark scheme corresponds to 9706_w05_qp_4. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Accounting (9706), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Same paper, other years

Accounting (9706) Mark Scheme 4 from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting

Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

3

Limiting factor analysis and contribution not understood

Candidates struggled with limiting factor analysis, often ranking products by profit per unit rather than contribution per unit of the scarce resource.9706 Paper 4, May/June 2023

How to fix: When a resource is scarce, rank products by contribution per unit of the limiting factor, NOT by profit per unit or total contribution. Step 1: Calculate contribution per unit (selling price minus variable cost). Step 2: Divide by the amount of the scarce resource each product uses. Step 3: Prioritise production in order of this ratio.

7

Advise questions only discussing one option

When asked to advise, many candidates discussed only the option they recommended without considering alternatives. Full marks require comparing options before making a recommendation.9706 Paper 4, May/June 2023

How to fix: Advise questions require you to: (1) calculate or present data for ALL options, (2) compare the options by identifying advantages and disadvantages of each, (3) recommend one option with a clear reason. A one-sided answer that ignores alternatives cannot earn full marks.

View full exam guide for Accounting (9706) →

All Accounting (9706) Papers — 2005 Oct-Nov

Browse all 2005 Oct-Nov papers →

More Accounting (9706) Past Papers

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Accounting Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 3 official Cambridge documents