Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2022 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 1
8021/21/M/J/22 · 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 scheme8 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.








Questions as text
Q1 · Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Mrs Dvorin would be most…
1 (a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Mrs Dvorin would be most likely to vote for Franzi’s podcast as the winner. You should not refer to the other podcasts. Answer using continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (b) Considering four advantages, explain why Mr Ortega would be most likely to vote for Zeenah’s podcast as the winner. You should not refer to the other podcasts. advantage 1 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 2 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 3 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 4 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [8] (c) Regarding Ugo’s podcast, explain (i) why, in your opinion, Mrs Dvorin was so quick to criticise his entry in particular. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) what emotion might have motivated Mr Grega to include it in his chosen three. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (d) Regarding the extract from the panel’s discussions, identify (i) a false statement made by Mrs Tillmann. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) an exaggeration made by Mr Ortega. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (e) In your opinion, explain why Mr Ortega said only that he ‘might’ be able to broadcast the winning podcast on Binde Xtra. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 25]
Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Mrs 10 Dvorin would be most likely to vote for Franzi’s podcast as the winner. You should not refer to the other podcasts. Answer using continuous prose. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. Highlighting a successful ex-student might help to counteract the negative impression of the recent dip in academic results to both students and parents and might inspire students to try to improve their performances in physics as she has won scientific awards. She might also encourage students to study music if they are able to see it is a career choice with prospects which might save Mrs Dvorin from having the difficult task of having to make a music teacher redundant. (She might be impressed) Franzi has done more than she was asked to for the competition as she has provided a full transcript of her podcast and a blog post that could be exploited in more ways than just the school’s website to enhance the school’s image, such as being published in the school magazine or local paper, and, according to experts, not everyone likes to listen to material; some prefer to read it, so Franzi’s entry would appeal to those kinds of people, plus she could be held up as a good example of a diligent student aiming high, showing that the school does have students of calibre still. A successful female scientist and a woman achieving great things in two fields would be an excellent role model for the female students at BHS. The quality of the intro and outro music will be exceptional as award- winning Dr Duchamp has composed it which could bring more positive publicity to BHS if Dr Duchamp acknowledges it/ uploads it to her own website/ the press hears about her musical contribution outweighing the quality of Franzi’s recording is not always good so this might adversely affect a listener’s enjoyment of the podcast or reflect badly on the technical abilities of BHS students if this were supposed to represent the best entry. Some male students might feel marginalised/ this podcast has limited appeal to them as it is solely focused on a woman and her achievements. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed of four or more relevant considerations, including balance, that make use of analytical skills. 1(a) Levels 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. 1(b) Considering four advantages, explain why Mr Ortega would be most 8 likely to vote for Zeenah’s podcast as the winner. You should not refer to the other podcasts. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. With 165-minutes’ worth of broadcasting material on sport (1), Mr Ortega would be able to fill some of the air time left by his star presenter’s walkout.(1) Mr Ortega would be very likely to meet Zeenah and Yurie to present the prize money (1) so he would have the opportunity to ask Yurie if he would like to take over the star presenter’s show. (1) The radio station’s ‘tarnished’ reputation might be restored by Yurie’s commentaries (1), which could be excellent as he is a professional player. (1) As the podcast is all about teenage boys playing basketball/ sport (1), there is a good chance that it would attract some of the young male demographic that they are missing at present, (1) and this could help them attract more advertisers (1) as this particular demographic is a key one for sales (1), which could generate more money for the station (1), so they would be able to attract more star presenters/afford to replace the star presenter.(1) The number of sports listeners might increase (1) as Yurie’s fans would be likely to tune into the station to listen to their hero. (1) 1(c)(i) Regarding Ugo’s podcast, explain why, in your opinion, Mrs Dvorin was 2 so quick to criticise his entry in particular. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. She did not want Ugo’s podcast to win (1) because it portrays a realistic picture of life at BHS (1) which might not reflect well on her/ her short tenure as principal (1). It would be on the school’s website for all parents to hear (1) which might put off more parents from sending their children to BHS. (1) 1(c)(ii) Regarding Ugo’s podcast, explain what emotion might have motivated 2 Mr Grega to include it in his chosen three. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. Revenge/ He might have done it to get back at Mrs Dvorin (1) because they have argued/ he feels undervalued by her. (1) 1(d)(i) Regarding the extract from the panel’s discussions, identify a false 1 statement made by Mrs Tillmann. Mrs Dvorin is to be commended for her interest in promoting an understanding of the media in her students. 1(d)(ii) Regarding the extract from the panel’s discussions, identify an 1 exaggeration made by Mr Ortega. Credit one of the following points. Our station holds such an important place in the hearts of everyone in the (local) community. (1) (I am sure) Binde Xtra would have given them some inspiration as to how to put together a broadcast (1) 1(e) In your opinion, explain why Mr Ortega said only that he ‘might’ be able 1 to broadcast the winning podcast on Binde Xtra. Credit one of the following points or any other valid points. Not all of the podcast would be suitable to broadcast on a local radio station. (1) Ugo’s podcast is probably only of interest to those with connections to BHS. (1)
Q2 · State the first reason given as to why ‘the world of accessible travel is changing fast’
2 (a) State the first reason given as to why ‘the world of accessible travel is changing fast’. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [1] (b) Explain the two realisations Robbie Crow had because of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. Answer in about 20 words. realisation 1 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... realisation 2 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (c) Identify two aids Robbie needs on board ship. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 2 ........................................................................................................................................ [1] (d) Explain how Euan MacDonald helps disabled travellers. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [7] (e) According to the material, explain why there is still ‘a long way to go’ for some disabled travellers. Answer in about 50 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [5] (f) Identify (i) the reason given to explain why ‘there has been a change in attitudes’. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) the life skills Robbie has now gained. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (iii) the reason why Tenerife might previously have been a problematic holiday destination for disabled travellers. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) the environmentally friendly aspect of this skiing holiday for certain disabled travellers. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (g) Identify the exact word or phrase that means the following (lines 1–36): (i) life-changing ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) limited ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) bringing happiness tinged with sadness or pain ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) improve performance ................................................................................................................................ [1] [Total: 25]
Mark scheme: 2(a) State the first reason given as to why ‘the world of accessible travel is 1 changing fast’. (Thanks to a number of) intrepid pioneers 2(b) Explain the two realisations Robbie Crow had because of Ocean Youth 2 Trust Scotland. Answer in about 20 words. Credit two of the following points. Sailing is more about what you feel than what you see/ You feel what the wind, ship and waves do. (1) He could be (as good as or) better than someone sighted. (1) Any relevant content above 20 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(c) Identify two aids Robbie needs on board ship. 1 Talking compass and a spotter (1) 2(d) Explain how Euan MacDonald helps disabled travellers. 7 Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any seven of the following points. He set up a (travel) website (1) highlighting excellent holidays destinations (for disabled travellers) (1). There are now over 7000 reviews (1) covering not only the UK but other countries. (1) Disabled travellers (or their carers) submit a review (1) when they have (actually) stayed at the destination, (1) therefore anyone reading it really knows (1) what the access is like there, (1) such as if there is parking close by. (1) It is a very important factor that (1) (the reviews make it obvious) which type of disabled traveller they are aimed at, (1) such as if it is for those with mobility issues (1) or sight issues (1) 2(e) According to the material, explain why there is still ‘a long way to go’ for 5 some disabled travellers. Answer in about 50 words. Credit any five of the following points. Toilet designers (still) think that one design suits all disabled travellers.(1) Flying is a stressful experience if you have complex needs. (1) (For some,) moving about inside a plane is difficult. (1) Aisle chairs work for those with trunk support (1). Those without (trunk support) need help from several people (1) so they do not fall out of the chair. (1) Passengers left stranded because their pre-booked assistance does not materialize. (1) Any relevant content above 50 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(f)(i) Identify the reason given to explain why ‘there has been a change in 1 attitudes’. (The recent estimates that) the ‘purple pound’ contributes $15 bn to the tourist industry in the UK alone. 2(f)(ii) Identify the life skills Robbie has now gained. 2 Credit any two of the following points. To take life’s challenges as they come/ solve immediate problems, (1) rather than the ones anticipated (1) to think on his feet. (1) 2(f)(iii) Identify the reason why Tenerife might have once been a problematic 1 holiday destination for disabled travellers. Its volcanic landscape (being) raw and rugged (1) 2(f)(iv) Identify the environmentally friendly aspect of this skiing holiday for 1 certain disabled travellers. (Wheelchair users can try one of the resort’s) new green electric buggies. 2(g)(i) Identify the exact word or phrase that means the following (lines 1–36): 1 life-changing. transformative 2(g)(ii) limited. 1 constrained 2(g)(iii) bringing happiness tinged with sadness or pain. 1 bittersweet 2(g)(iv) improve performance. 1 up their game
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2022 May/June, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.