Cambridge Assessment International Education: English Language 9093/32 March 2018
Cambridge Assessment International Education: English Language 9093/32 March 2018
Cambridge Assessment International Education: English Language 9093/32 March 2018
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 March 2018 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE®, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.
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.
• 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.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
• 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.
Rules must be applied consistently e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
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).
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.
1 Examiners need to be flexible in considering holistically what the candidates write in part (a) in
relation to their analysis in part (b). What may at first appear to be inappropriate choices of lexis
and register in (a) may turn out to be explained in (b).
There should be evidence that linguistic concepts have been understood and are being applied in
helpful ways. Knowledge and understanding of spoken/written language should be made explicit
in the comparative commentary (b), but there is likely to be evidence of its informed application in
the directed writing task (a).
Note: These must not be seen as a prescriptive or ‘finite’ list. Candidates should be rewarded
positively for any valid response to the task which relates to the Assessment Objectives.
Candidates should write clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for the prescribed purpose
and audience.
Note: Candidates should be rewarded positively for any valid response to the task which relates
to the Assessment Objectives.
Candidates should write with a degree of control and clarity. While it is important to strive for
accuracy of terms, the effective application of relevant evaluative/analytical skills is more
important than a mere surface correctness of terminology.
Weaker answers may show only partial understanding or vague awareness of such features.
Note: These must not be seen as a prescriptive or ‘finite’ list. Candidates should be rewarded
positively for any valid response to the task which relates to the Assessment Objectives.
• the use of metaphorical language: let her vinyl speak for itself; love affair with the dance
floor; her life’s answer; spinning her magic
• the use of adjectives including superlatives (India’s best; best clubs; finest DJs; biggest
beach party) and absolute adjectives (perfect; unique)
• the use of carefully chosen verbs: boast; snowballed; bringing down
• the use of alliteration: biggest beach; sunset sessions
• repeated use of contrast between past and present.
In Text B candidates may identify and comment on features of language and style related to the
form and content of a written interview: