Cambridge International AS Level

ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER 8021/23

Paper 2 Comprehension October/November 2020
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

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 2020 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

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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.

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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.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a) Considering only the advantages, explain which family you think would be the best choice for Amelia. 10

You should focus on your chosen family and not refer to the other families.

Answer in about 100 words using continuous prose.

The Holden family

• the family live in a large city renowned for cultural and historic attractions – she can sight-see and she enjoys
historical novels
• Their native language is English – she is fluent so there is no language barrier
• They have a large house in the suburbs with a garden – nice location
• Her own accommodation sounds attractive and large – she will have her privacy when not working
• October start would suit the work experience needed for medical school
• Mrs Holden is a nurse – may be useful for a prospective medical student
• 3 children – might not seem a lot to look after. However, Amelia is one of four children so this may not be off-putting.

The Podolski family

• Musical family – Amelia is a musician and may enjoy the chance to be in a musical family and help the children
with practice/play alongside them.
• Nico Podolski’s diabetes is managed with regular insulin injections which he administers himself and an au pair will
need to supervise sometimes. Amelia has a first aid certificate and is going to study medicine so she is unlikely to
be put off by this

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Question Answer Marks

1(a) • Their native language is French – she is fluent so no language barrier. Sharing the house may mean she feels
more part of the family
• Holiday can be arranged by negotiation
• 2 hour flight – she gets nervous so less stress.

The Maccarone family

• The family lives in a small town outside a capital city in an apartment. She will be able to visit the capital in free time
and indulge her love of history/culture
• It takes 2 hours to fly there – close to home so flight may be bearable for Amelia and she can visit her mother
relatively easily
• The family are bi-lingual speaking Spanish and English interchangeably – Amelia can practice her Spanish
(spoken less well than her English and French)
• Amelia is sporty – soccer and tennis – so she can play with the boys.
• Amelia’s accommodation will be a separate bedroom with its own bathroom. Gives her some privacy especially with
bathroom.
• Flexible hours may suit Amelia as there may be variety in what she does each week.
• Negotiable start – means she may be able to start in October and still do her medical experience.
• 3 children – might seem a lot to look after. Amelia is one of four children so this may not be off-putting.
• There is no mention of animals which may suit her.
• Restricted on holidays – need to be taken when the family has theirs.

In assessing each answer award marks, looking for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, and of four or more relevant
considerations that makes use of analytical skills. Where one of these qualities is missing, move down one band. Where two
are missing move into the next band down etc.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a)
Level Mark(s) Descriptors

4 9–10 • Capacity to interpret evidence and sustained ability to present relevant arguments, analysis
and exemplification maintaining a strong focus on the main issues in the question.
• Comprehensive approach demonstrating ability to identify and select relevant information,
data, concepts and opinions and maintain a strong focus on the key issues.
• Shows the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in a fluent and organised manner.

3 6–8 • Moderate range of arguments, analysis and exemplification covering some of the main issues
in the question.
• Demonstrating some grasp of the nature of key issues but with a restricted range or a loss of
focus leading to the inclusion of some irrelevant material.
• Shows the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in a fluent and organised manner.

2 3–5 • Limited analysis shown in a response consisting of mainly undeveloped material.

• A modest range of selected points, perhaps some of which are irrelevant or incorrect.
• Ability to convey meaning but with limited powers of expression with some errors in spelling,
punctuation or grammar which impede the flow and hinder communication.

1 1–2 • Some simple, mainly unexplained or undeveloped points or perhaps a very narrow range –
with little interpretation or analysis and little development or exemplification.
• Limited range, dubious choice showing restricted appreciation of key issues.
• Ability to convey meaning but with limited powers of expression with some errors in spelling,
punctuation or grammar which impede the flow and hinder communication.

0 0 • A mark of zero should be awarded for no creditable content.

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Question Answer Marks

1(b) Considering five disadvantages, explain which one of the remaining two families would be the least suitable for 10
Amelia.

You should focus on your chosen family and not refer to the other families.

The Holden family

• Amelia is occasionally nervous around animals (1) and the Holdens have lots of pets. (1)
• Coming from a loving family herself, Amelia is keen to find a family with whom she can interact fully and build a
positive relationship (1) – her accommodation is separate to the family so she may not have much chance to
experience living ‘ family life’. (1)
• Father works away for long periods (1) so may mean increased hours. (1)
• English spoken (1) – no opportunity to learn a new language. (1)
• Four-hour flight – quite long for someone who might be anxious about flying and wants to return to see her mother.
(1)

The Podolski family

• Longest hours of all three families (1) – 35 compared to 30/flexible. (1)
• Walking the dog is in the list of duties (1)– she is nervous around animals. (1)
• French speaking (1) so no opportunity to learn/practice a new language. (1)
• September start (1) is not ideal for her work experience for medical school. (1)
• Holidays are to be taken when the family take theirs (1) – more restrictive (1) and may impact on visiting her
mother. (1)

1(b) • Despite her intention to train as a doctor and first aid certificate (1), supervising the insulin injections is a big
responsibility / she may be nervous.(1)
• The small town is quite far from the capital city (1) – may restrict leisure options. (1)

The Maccarone family

• Apartment which has no garden (1) – nowhere to relax. (1)
• Georgina is a single parent (1) – lots of responsibility for the au pair especially when she is away. (1)
• ‘Flexible hours’ can be interpreted in many ways (1) – may mean long hours. (1)
• She has to work every other Saturday (1) – she does not get the weekend off. (1)
• Longest flight /5-hour flight (1) – she is nervous about this. (1)
• Spanish not her strongest language (1) so she may be less confident. (1)
• holiday with family (1) gives her less flexibility. (1)

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Question Answer Marks

1(c) State the one piece of additional information provided that the least relevant to your decisions in questions 1(a) 1
and 1(b).

• Consideration 4 – Amelia has an allergy to dairy products.

1(d) In your opinion, suggest the benefits for Amelia of being an au pair. 4

• Learning another language/improving her language if she chooses the Spanish speaking family
• Exposure to another culture/way of life
• Economical way to see and travel in another country with board and lodgings paid for
• She would still be part of a family environment – she is ‘close to her family’
• Learn independence/cope without her family – good preparation for university
• Looks good on a CV – something different
• Credit any other relevant comments.

Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) Identify why the durian fruit is banned in public places. 1

• It smells bad; it pongs; it ‘smells like rotting rubbish’

2(a)(ii) State how the author knows her taste for the durian is unusual. 5

Needs the idea of unusual as not being the norm.

• Her Singaporean friends find her obsession hilarious. (1)

• Most foreigners can’t stand the smell. (1)
• People say to her “An ang-mo (white person) who likes durian? You must have a bit of Asian blood in you”. (1)
• A man laughed as he gave the author the thumbs up as she ate the fruit. (1)
• Another took her photo. (1)
• She is in her twenties (1) and not middle aged or above (1) /as most people she knows who eat durian are.

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Question Answer Marks

2(a)(iii) Give three examples from the material that show the durian is held in high regard by some. 3

• The oncologist is given them as a gift from patients

• It is described as the ‘King of fruits’
• An explorer said ‘worth a voyage to the East to experience’.

2(b) Explain the meaning of the following five words as they are used in the material. You may write your answer as
one word or a short phrase.

2(b)(i) ‘proscribing’ (line 4) 1

• outlawing / forbidding / banning

Any other reasonable alternative.

2(b)(ii) ‘obsession’ (line 16) 1

• compulsion / enthusiasm / fascination / infatuation

Any other reasonable alternative.

2(b)(iii) ‘indifference’ (line 28) 1

• disinterest / apathy / disregard

Any other reasonable alternative.

2(b)(iv) ‘snazzy’ (line 47) 1

• stylish / attractive / smart / lovely

Any other reasonable alternative.

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Question Answer Marks

2(b)(v) ‘established’ (line 48) 1

• traditional / usual / long-standing

Any other reasonable alternative.

2(c) Identify the words or phrases in the material that mean the same as

2(c)(i) a novel experience 1

• a new sensation.

2(c)(ii) makes me feel sick 1

• churns my stomach .

2(d) State why the younger people are increasingly rejecting durian as a fruit to eat. 5

Answer in about 50 words.

• Young people do not come across it so often (1) unless, for example, their parents take them out to eat it
(1)/encourage them to eat it (1);
• Younger people prefer a different diet (1) influenced by non-Asian/American food like hamburgers and pizza as
well as fruit from other countries like strawberries (1)
• Durian is expensive (1); young people prefer to eat in cheaper places (1) /fast food chains are cheaper than the
expensive durian fruit (1) and it is trendier among the young to eat trendy foods such as fast food rather than the
traditional durian (1)
• Is has too much sugar in it (1)
• Durian stalls are not sophisticated/attractive places to eat. (1)

Any relevant content above 50 words will not be credited.

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Question Answer Marks

2(e) Describe what durian traders are doing to try to attract a wider range of customers. 4

Answer using your own words as far as possible.

• Using famous people to promote their stalls (1) like they do in some restaurants in New York (1)
• Use social media a lot (1) by uploading photographs of shiny looking fruit (on Instagram or Facebook) (1) to get
people talking about their fruit (1)
• Making it a modern experience/moving with the times (1) and opening a new shop (e.g. The Durian shop last year
in north-east Singapore) (1)
• Using the internet to sell fruit / deliver fruit across Singapore (1)
• Others are going even further (1) in October the Mao Shan Wang Café opened in Chinatown, serving typical food
made with durian. (1)

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