0448_s26_ms_1 — 2026 May-June Pakistan Studies 0448 Mark Scheme 1

0448_s26_ms_1 — 2026 May-June Pakistan Studies 0448 Mark Scheme 1 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0448_s26_ms_1 — 2026 May-June Pakistan Studies 0448 Mark Scheme 1

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Pakistan Studies (0448) Mark Scheme 1 from the 2026 May-June 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: 0448_s26_ms_1 · 0448/1/m/j/26 ms · 0448/1 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 1: History and Culture of Pakistan — This is Paper 1: History and Culture of Pakistan, worth 75 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. 5 questions. Part (a) = source extraction, (b) = source inference, (c) = explanation, (d) = evaluation with both sides.

After reviewing this document, explore the other papers from this session listed below. Pairing question papers with their mark schemes is the most effective way to prepare for your exam.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Pakistan Studies (0448), 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.

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Same paper, other years

Pakistan Studies (0448) Mark Scheme 1 from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

MS2025 May-June MS2024 May-June MS2023 May-June MS2022 May-June MS2021 May-June MS2020 May-June MS2020 Oct-Nov MS2019 May-June MS2018 May-June MS2017 May-June

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: History and Culture of Pakistan

Based on analysis of 2 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

Describing events instead of explaining their significance

“To answer the questions successfully, candidates should avoid lengthy narrative descriptions of event(s) and focus on explanation in relation to the historical concept being tested.”— Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: After stating a fact, use linking words: 'hence', 'therefore', 'as a result', 'this meant that', 'the significance of this was'. Turn every description into an explanation by answering WHY it mattered or WHAT impact it had.

Including events outside the question's date range

“Often, events from dates outside the scope of the question were included: the Battle of Plassey, the Anglo–Sikh wars, the Doctrine of Lapse, Aurangzeb, and even the War of Independence.”— Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Before writing, circle the date range in the question. Only include events that happened WITHIN those dates. If a question says '1760–1840', the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the War of Independence (1857) are both outside the range and earn zero marks.

Only arguing one side in part (d) evaluation questions

“Two developed points (one for either side of the argument) are needed to achieve Level 3 on this question.”— Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Part (d) ALWAYS needs BOTH sides. Structure: Side A (developed point) → Side B (developed point) → Evaluative conclusion stating which side you agree with more and why. One-sided answers cannot reach Level 3.

View full exam guide for Pakistan Studies (0448) →