5014_s26_ms_12 2026 May-June Environmental Management 5014 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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5014_s26_ms_122026 May-June Environmental Management 5014 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Environmental Management (5014) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) 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: 5014_s26_ms_12 · 5014/12/m/j/26 ms · 5014/12 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 1: Theory This is Paper 1: Theory, worth 80 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Structured questions covering the full syllabus, ending with an extended-response question. Includes data interpretation, line graph construction, calculations, map description, and a final level-of-response essay (commonly on themes such as climate change).

This mark scheme corresponds to 5014_s26_qp_12. 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 Environmental Management (5014), 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

Environmental Management (5014) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Theory

Based on analysis of 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

1

Vague answers — 'causes harm', 'causes pollution', 'affects the environment' not credited

Candidates should avoid vague statements such as: 'impacts' or 'damages', 'causes harm', 'causes pollution', 'affects the environment', 'reduces resources', 'causes death', 'environmentally-friendly'; these unspecific statements are unlikely to gain credit.5014 Paper 2, May/June 2025

How to fix: Never write 'causes pollution' or 'affects the environment'. Always name the SPECIFIC impact: 'water pollution from sewage causes typhoid', 'oil contaminates seabirds' feathers preventing flight', 'nitrate run-off causes eutrophication'. Generic environmental phrases score zero.

2

Map locations described with 'above/below' instead of compass directions

A large number of answers referred to 'above' or 'below' rather than using the correct phrases of North and South, which in many cases limited the credit achieved.5014 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Always describe map locations using compass directions (north, south, east, west, north-east, etc.) and named features (specific oceans, continents, countries). Say 'in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa', not 'above the line'. Verify ocean names before writing — Atlantic vs Pacific cost marks in 2025.

3

Line graphs plotted on a non-linear scale or without joining points

The more able candidates were successful in constructing the line graph. Weaker candidates often did not construct linear scales and plotted the data evenly. Less common errors included omitting labels for axes (including units) and forgetting to draw a line between plots commencing at day zero.5014 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Before plotting: check the data for uneven time intervals — your axis scale must remain LINEAR (1 cm = 1 day, regardless of whether the table shows day 0, 2, 7, 14). Label both axes WITH units. Plot all points (including day zero), then connect with straight ruled lines in pencil. Don't draw a line of best fit unless asked.

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Environmental Management Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 4 official Cambridge documents