Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2021 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 2
8021/22/M/J/21 · 2 questions · 50 marks · ≈56 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper8 pages








Mark scheme10 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.










Questions as text
Q1 · Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Gok would be most likely to…
1 (a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Gok would be most likely to choose Axian as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday destination or friends. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [8] (b) Considering two advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Tonja would be most likely to choose Axian as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday destination or friends. Answer in about 60 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [6] (c) Considering two advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Pia would be most likely to choose Zixa Beach Resort as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday destination or friends. Answer in about 60 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [6] (d) The description of Zixa Beach Resort is written in an informal style. Identify three examples of informal language. example 1 ......................................................................................................................... example 2 ......................................................................................................................... example 3 ......................................................................................................................... [3] (e) Suggest one disadvantage for a guest staying in an all-inclusive resort who never leaves the complex. Justify your answer. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]
Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Gok 8 would be most likely to choose Axian as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday or friends. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. He likes culture so he would appreciate the opportunity to visit Axian’s renowned art gallery and exhibition hall during the day, then could have a cultured evening as well by attending a concert, or taking in a theatre show or a film. He would be able to while away a pleasant time in a café in the centre, taking in all the activity in the square to his heart’s content. The Old Quarter would be a big lure for him as there are plenty of old buildings to admire, plus the ruined palace would be architecturally interesting for him. He would love the interior of The Plaza as it is lavish and decorated in the traditional style he prefers to see. He does not like to get hot and sweaty, so the cool, fresh climate of northern Rican will suit him. He feels ill when travelling in vehicles so the poor roads to Axian would exacerbate this condition, as well as the lengthy distance from the airport. All the points of interest are spread across the city so to visit all the attractions he would like to would involve lots of travelling around. However, hiring a taxi could overcome this problem as the drivers take the best routes. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed of three or more relevant considerations, including balance, that make use of analytical skills. 1(a) Level Mark(s) Descriptors • 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 4 7–8 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. • Moderate range of arguments, analysis and exemplification covering some of the main issues in the question. • Demonstrating some grasp of the nature of key 3 5–6 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. • 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. 2 3–4 • 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. • 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 1 1–2 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. • A mark of zero should be awarded for no creditable 0 0 content. 1(b) Considering two advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Tonja 6 would be most likely to choose Axian as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday destination or friends. Answer in about 60 words. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. She enjoys being among people (1) so she would appreciate the bustling nature of Axian. (1) She would like to stay at The Plaza (1) as it is frequented by locals as well as tourists. (1) As she likes to soak up local culture (1), the cafes and restaurants would provide many opportunities to converse with locals. (1) Taking taxis around the city (1) would allow her to pick up the best local knowledge regarding all aspects of Axian. (1) The cafes, restaurants and hotel all offer Rican food (1), so she could sample local specialities at every meal. (1) She would have the chance to visit markets (1) to see whether she could buy interesting artefacts as souvenirs. (1) As a lover of international films (1), she could visit one of the cinemas to catch a Rican film. (1) With both a forest and mountains nearby (1), there would be endless opportunities for the walks in nature she loves. (1) The Plaza is a large hotel (1), whereas she prefers accommodation on a smaller scale / where staff and guests can get to know each other. (1) There appears to be nowhere she could go for a massage (1) if she required her usual one after hiking. (1) Any relevant content well above 60 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 1(c) Considering two advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Pia 6 would be most likely to choose Zixa Beach Resort as the holiday destination. You must not refer to the other holiday destination or friends. Answer in about 60 words. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. Pia would appreciate it being modern and sleek (1) as she loves contemporary design and interiors. (1) She loves/adores sport / is a sports enthusiast / plays tennis to a high level (1) so she would make the most of all the sports facilities and classes on offer. (1) She would participate in the excursion to the island to see the wildlife (1) as she cares for wild animals in her free time. (1) She would probably enter / might win the talent competition (1) as she could showcase her singing talent to fellow guests. (1) The negative reviews that have been posted online might worry her (1) that not all the facilities promised might be available. (1) The hotel grounds are not as extensive as planned (1) so the accommodation and facilities might be all crammed together. (1) Any relevant content well above 60 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 1(d) The description of Zixa Beach Resort is written in an informal style. 3 Identify three examples of informal language. Credit any three of the following points. Forget the rest – you have found the best! (1) if hunger strikes you (at night) (1) guess what – and/or there is more! (1) Head off... (1) So, what are you waiting for? (1) Book your stay at Zixa Beach Resort right now and/or start to dream! (1) 1(e) Suggest one disadvantage for a guest staying in an all-inclusive resort 2 who never leaves the complex. Justify your answer. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. It is likely that the guest might never meet any local people / not be able to try out their language skills on the local people (1) as these complexes often have international owners / international staff. (1) The guest will not know what the country is really like (1) because they will not experience the variety or diversity to be found across the country. (1)
Q2 · State one of the problems air traffic controllers face
2 (a) State one of the problems air traffic controllers face. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [1] (b) Identify the two reasons why there is doubt that there were drones over Gatwick Airport. Answer in about 20 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (c) Explain why it is ‘tricky’ to stop drones flying over airports. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (d) Describe the two options for dealing with drones. Answer in about 20 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (e) From the material identify the phrase that means: (i) a system of arriving moments before required and leaving promptly ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) well-informed about the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) as the resulting effects of a significant unpleasant event are being felt ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) the single most likely method to succeed. ................................................................................................................................ [1] (f) Identify: (i) four advantages of using drones to wipe out the rats on the Galápagos Islands. advantage 1 ........................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ advantage 2 ........................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ advantage 3 ........................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ advantage 4 ........................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ [4] (ii) the factor about island ecosystems that has led them to be so unique. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (g) Explain the meaning of the four following words as they are used in the material. You may write the answer in one word or a short phrase. (i) disrupted (line 4) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) autonomously (line 43) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) invasive (lines 54, 56, 70 and 73) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) concerted (line 77) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (h) Use the original words in (g) in four separate sentences to illustrate their meanings as used in the material. Your sentences should not deal with the subject matter of the material. (i) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] [Total: 25]
Mark scheme: 2(a) State one of the problems air traffic controllers face. 1 They cannot know what a drone will do / or where it will fly. 2(b) Identify the two reasons why there is doubt that there were drones over 2 Gatwick Airport. Answer in about 20 words. The police / an officer thought it was possible no drone existed. (1) The two (people) arrested over the incident were released without charge. (1) Any relevant content well above 20 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(c) Explain why it is ‘tricky’ to stop drones flying over airports. 3 Answer using your own words as far as possible. Such tiny machines do not show up on radar. (1) People must be employed to see them in the sky. (1) Therefore, the reaction to a sighting takes time (1) and lacks a detailed / pinpoint location. (1) 2(d) Describe the two options for dealing with drones. 2 Answer in about 20 words. Jammers stop signals from remote controls, so drones return home. (1) (Geofencing) software in drones prevent them flying in sensitive airspace. (1) Any relevant content well above 20 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(e)(i) (a) just-in-time basis (1) 1 2(e)(ii) technologically savvy (1) 1 2(e)(iii) in the aftermath (1) 1 2(e)(iv) (the) only sure-fire way (1) 1 2(f)(i) Identify four advantages of using drones to wipe out the rats on the 4 Galápagos Islands. Credit any four of the following points. They are a practical way of addressing the threat on rugged island terrain (1) and are far simpler than (traditional) operations involving helicopters and (specialised) pilots. (1) They are more precise (1), increase feasibility (1) and reduce eradication costs (of invasive rodents) in (small and mid-sized) islands (worldwide). (1) 2(f)(ii) Identify the factor about island ecosystems that has led them to be so 1 unique. These ecosystems are often the result of stretches of evolution in which predators have been scarce. (1) 2(g)(i) Explain the meaning of the four following words as they are used in the 1 material. You may write the answer in one word or a short phrase. Disrupted (line 4): thrown into disarray/confusion/disorder, messed (up/with), played havoc (with), interrupted, interfered with (1) 2(g)(ii) Autonomously (line 43): independently, all by itself, by itself, on its / one’s / 1 their own, without anyone controlling/ any external control 2(g)(iii) Invasive (lines 54, 56, 70 and 73): invading, encroaching, intrusive, 1 incursive, conquering 2(g)(iv) Concerted (line 77): united, joint, collaborative, collective, coordinated, 1 combined, jointly planned/organised, widely agreed 2(h)(i) Use the original words in (g) in four separate sentences to illustrate their 1 meanings as used in the material. Your sentences should not deal with the subject matter of the material. The lions were disrupted from their feeding by the noisy arrival of several jeeps full of foreign tourists wielding mobile phones and cameras. 2(h)(ii) She could not wait to become an adult because she would finally be able to 1 take control of her life and make all her decisions autonomously. 2(h)(iii) Despite years of fame, he still found the paparazzi photographers far too 1 invasive and felt that his private space was being intruded upon on a daily basis. 2(h)(iv) Her teacher praised her for making a concerted effort with her friend to 1 organise a school charity event that raised hundreds of dollars for a local animal sanctuary.
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2021 May/June, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.