Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2021 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 3

1 (a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain which one of the education options would be most suitable for the family. You should concentrate on your chosen option and not refer to the other options. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (b) Considering the disadvantages and one advantage, explain which one of the two remaining education options would be least suitable for the family. You should concentrate on your chosen option and not refer to the other options. Answer in about 100 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (c) Using the material and your own knowledge, suggest why protests have been taking place recently at the oil company’s other sites (Additional Information 15). ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (d) Suggest other reasons, not identified in the material, why some parents may choose home-schooling over regular schooling even if their jobs do not take them away from their children. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain which one of 10 the education options would be most suitable for the family. You should concentrate on your chosen option and not refer to the other options. Answer in continuous prose. Abbeyvale Advantages • Sounds like a fantastic school with lots of sport facilities and Ricardo is very sporty (plays football) / Ethan an excellent swimmer and there is a pool on site. • the school has a good report for looking after student welfare so boys can get support if they miss their parents. • There are other children in a similar family situation who could offer support / befriend the boys. • They can keep in regular contact with their parents via video phone, social media, etc. which might reduce Tino’s anxiety. • Not too far away from grandparents who can visit if necessary or boys can visit them. • This school has the longest holidays (15 weeks) so more time to visit parents / see parents. • Ricardo has a girlfriend and the school still close to where she is. Disadvantages • Tino is 6 and the school is aged 7–18 so he may not be able to go straight away / problems of what to do with him until then. • Worst option for Tino (if he can go) as the change of school might make Tino anxious as he does not like to be away from his mother. • Only 50% of the cost of flights are covered by the company (in addition to school fees). • Expensive to pay for boarding school compared to state schools which are usually free. • 3 years in boarding school is a long time to be away from their parents and they could be unhappy. Home school Advantages • Adventure: huge learning experience / once in a lifetime opportunity • Survey site is well equipped with housing, cooking, etc. and basic medical so all basic necessities are there. • Keep the family together: Tino would prefer to be with his mother. • Mum could be the home-school teacher as she has teaching experience. • Can keep in contact with home via internet to maintain friendships e.g., girlfriend and school 1(a) Disadvantages • Jungle: possibly dangerous animals, diseases and heat. Is it the right place to take children? • Environmental protests could cause a risk for the safety of the boys. • Nearest proper town is 80 miles away. What happens if there is an emergency with one of the children? • 12-hour shifts might make it difficult to home-school. They may have to alternate which means that there would be no time together as a family. • Lack of social interaction with other children: boys would have to give up sports / Ricardo will have to give up football and his girlfriend. • Ethan may find home schooling difficult as he already struggles with school. • There are no pool/sports facilities and all the boys are sporty. • The work experience offer is not what Ricardo is interested in as he wants to be a doctor. 2 years out of school may jeopardise his exam performance. • Patchy internet connection may make tuition online difficult. Grandparents Advantages • Keeps the boys with their family even if not parents. This may suit Tino especially, who can get anxious. Parents may feel more reassured about this. • Continuation of current schooling, especially for Ricardo who has exams and wants to be a doctor. • Life outside school as they know it can continue. Sports activities such as football, swimming and cycling can continue / Ricardo can still visit his girlfriend. • Grandpa used to be a teacher and could help Ethan with catching up on his progress. • Grandparents could rent out their own house and make some money. • Grandparents could keep an eye on their own house as it is close by. Disadvantages • Grandma has been recently ill and still recovering – this could be hard work and may hinder her recovery. • 50% of airfare costs still need to be found to fly the boys out to where their parents are. • Status quo, so missed opportunity to do something different. • Grandparents have already done the parenting – they will get little respite in term time / may be tired. 1(a) 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 identify and 9–10 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 issues but with 6–8 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 3–5 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. • 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 1–2 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 content. 0 1(b) Considering the disadvantages and one advantage, explain which one of 10 the two remaining education options would be least suitable for the family. You should concentrate on your chosen option and not refer to the other options. Answer in about 100 words. Option 1: Abbeyvale Disadvantages • The change of school might make Tino anxious (1) as he does not like to be away from his mother. (1) • Ethan may find the transition hard academically (1) as he is currently finding school hard. (1) • Only 50% of the cost of flights are covered by the company (in addition to school fees) (1) this might be an extra expense for the family. • Ricardo may find it hard to see his girlfriend / continue to play for his football team (1) as it is away from their home. (1) Advantages • Sounds like a fantastic school with lots of sport facilities / there is a pool on site (1) Ricardo is very sporty (plays football) / Ethan an excellent swimmer. (1) • The school has a good report for looking after student welfare (1) so boys can get support if they miss their parents. (1) • There are other children in a similar situation (1) who could offer support to the boys. (1) • They can keep in regular contact with their parents (via video phone / social media, etc.) (1) which might reduce Tino’s anxiety. (1) • Not too far away from grandparents (1) who can visit if necessary / boys can visit them. (1) • Ethan might respond well to a change of school / good academic reputation (1) if things are not going well for him at the moment. (1) • Ricardo has a girlfriend (1) and the school still close to where she is. (1) • Longest holidays at this school (15 weeks) (1) - more time to visit parents / see parents. (1) Option 2: Home school Disadvantages • Jungle: possibly dangerous animals, diseases and heat. Is it the right place to take children? • Environmental protests (1) may make it unsafe for children. (1) • Nearest proper town 80 miles away (1), what happens if there is an emergency with one of the children? (1) • Alternate 12-hour shifts might make it difficult to home-school. (1) They may have to alternate which means that there would be no time together as a family. (1) • Lack of social interaction with other children: boys would have to give up sports / Ricardo will have to give up football and his girlfriend / Ethan cannot keep up his swimming (1) jungle is no place for football/pool (1) • Ethan may find home schooling difficult as he already struggles with school. • There are no pool/sports facilities and all the boys are sporty. • The work experience offer is not what Ricardo is interested in (1) as he wants to be a doctor. 2 years out of school may jeopardise his exam performance. (1) • Patchy internet connection may make tuition online difficult. 1(b) Advantages • The family can have an adventure together / huge learning experience / once in a lifetime opportunity. • Survey site is well equipped with housing / cooking / basic medical supplies (1) so all necessities for a family are there. (1) • This option would keep the family together (1) and Tino would prefer to be with his mother. (1) • Mum could be the home-school teacher (1) as has teaching experience. (1) • Can keep in contact with home to maintain friendships / see girlfriend / see school friends (1) links via internet. (1) Option 3: Grandparents Disadvantages • Grandma has been recently ill and still recovering (1). This could be hard work / may hinder her recovery. (1) • 50% of airfare costs still need to be found to fly the boys out to where their parents are. • Grandparents have already done the parenting (1) they will get little respite in term time. (1) Advantages • Keeps the boys with their family even if not parents (1) this may suit Tino especially who can get anxious / parents may feel more reassured about this. (1) • Continuation of schooling (1) especially for Ricardo who has exams / wants to be a doctor. (1) • Continuation of out of school activities (1) including sports activities (football/swimming/cycling) / seeing girlfriend. (1) • Grandpa used to be a teacher (1) and could help Ethan with catching up on his progress. (1) • Grandparents could rent out their own house (1) and make some money. (1) • Tino may be less anxious to be away from his mother (1) if grandparents are around. (1) Any relevant content well above 100 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 1(c) Using the material and your own knowledge, suggest why protests have 2 been taking place recently at the oil company’s other sites (Additional Information 15). • Tropical forest could be removed/damaged to make way for the extraction (1) and wildlife could be impacted / in danger (1) and local indigenous people affected negatively. (1) • Oil may leak out of pipelines and spill (1) causing damage in local rivers / affecting fishing / wildlife. (1) • Climate change concerns are increasing (1) we need to reduce fossil fuel use, not increase it. (1) 1(d) Suggest other reasons, not identified in the material, why some parents 3 may choose home-schooling over regular schooling even if their jobs do not take them away from their children. • A child may have specific medical needs (1) so needs to stay at home for care. (1) • Parents do not agree with formal school curriculum. (1) • The family is not stuck to rigid school calendar for holidays/flexibility. (1) • The child may not have a place at the school they want. (1) • The local school is not well regarded / parents do not like local school. (1) • Parents own experience of school may not have been a positive one (1) and do not want their children to go through the same experience. (1) • Parents want to avoid bullying. (1) • A child may be a gifted sports person and need to train a lot / fit school around the training. (1)

2 (a) According to the first two paragraphs, explain why scientists are so concerned about lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (b) Identify two reasons why the lionfish came to be in the Caribbean Sea in the first place. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (c) According to paragraphs 2 to 5, explain why lionfish have been able to dominate the Caribbean Sea. Answer in about 30 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (d) Identify evidence in the material to support the point that lionfish are ‘voracious predators’ (line 31). Answer in your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (e) Identify a word in the material that has the same meaning as the following word or phrase: (i) one of a kind ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) bad ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) on purpose ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) far-reaching ................................................................................................................................ [1] (v) courses of action. ................................................................................................................................ [1] (f) Identify three reasons why lionfish might become a popular restaurant dish in the future. Answer in about 30 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (g) Suggest the benefits and drawbacks of the solution to train sharks to eat the lionfish. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4] (h) Other than the difficulty of training sharks, identify two other reasons why it is so difficult to eradicate lionfish. reason 1 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... reason 2 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a) According to the first two paragraphs, explain why scientists are so 3 concerned about lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean. Answer using your own words as far as possible. • Lionfish have invaded the sea/they do not belong in the sea/region. (1) • Lionfish are having (very) bad impact on local fish, people and jobs. (1) • They have spread (quickly) across a wide area. (1) • scientists worry about their spread south (Florida down to Brazil) (1) within the next decade. (1) 2(b) Identify two reasons why the lionfish came to be in the Caribbean Sea in 2 the first place. Answer using your own words as far as possible. • Lionfish escaped by accident (from fish tanks) damaged during hurricane Andrew / massive tropical storm. (1) • set free on purpose by (amateurs)people who have stopped having fun / got fed up with / given up looking after their captured lionfish. (1) 2(c) According to paragraphs 2 to 5, explain why lionfish have been able to 3 dominate the Caribbean Sea. Answer in about 30 words. • They have no natural enemies / nothing eats them. (1) • Lionfish have a high reproductive rate / 2 million eggs a year from 1 female. (1) • Warm water encourages reproduction. (1) • Adaptable/Survive in a range of habitats and depths. (1) Any relevant content well above 30 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(d) Identify evidence in the material to support the point that lionfish are 3 ‘voracious predators’ (line 31). Answer in your own words as far as possible. • Lionfish are not fussy eaters / they eat anything they come across. (1) • Nothing predates/hunts them. (1) • They can eat up to 20 little fish / lots of fish in half an hour / they eat lots of fish at a rapid rate. (1) • They can eat fish more than half their size. (1) • A lionfish stomach can grow massively / get so much bigger / large expandable stomach after eating (so they can eat a lot). (1) • One lionfish can devastate young fish numbers (in a short time / very rapidly). (1) • Evidence shows many endangered varieties of fish have been found in lionfish stomachs. (1) 2(e)(i) Identify a word in the material that has the same meaning as the 1 following word or phrase: One of a kind Unique 2(e)(ii) Bad 1 Detrimental / unfortunate 2(e)(iii) On purpose 1 Intentionally 2(e)(iv) Far-reaching 1 Extensive 2(e)(v) Courses of action 1 Measures 2(f) Identify three reasons why lionfish might become a popular restaurant 3 dish in the future. Answer in about 30 words. • It has already been well received by some restaurants. (1) • The flesh tastes nice. (1) • There is plenty of supply. (1) • It has nutritional benefits, including Omega 3. (1) • (It is ‘guilt free eating’) as you are helping the environment by eating fish that is sustainable / eating the lionfish benefits the environment. (1) Any relevant content well above 30 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(g) Suggest the benefits and drawbacks of the solution to train sharks to eat the lionfish. Benefits • Sharks are a natural predator. (1) • There are plenty of sharks to hunt the lionfish. (1) • It is a cheaper than sending fishing boats out / paying people. (1) • Sharks are unlikely to predate on humans if they are full of lionfish. (1) Drawbacks • Possibly dangerous to the humans involved. (1) • It might be time consuming (rapid spread of lionfish). (1) • (It could be difficult to train) because shark behaviour is unpredictable / wild animals. (1) • tracking them in the water is difficult. (1) 2(h) Other than the difficulty of training sharks, identify two other reasons why it is so difficult to eradicate lionfish. • There are so many lionfish spread over such a wide area. (1) • Lionfish reproduce quickly and replace lost numbers quickly / it is hard to keep up with their rate of reproduction. (1) • Natural predators (grouper) are fewer in number due to overfishing (1) so they may struggle to predate on lionfish. (1)