Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2023 Feb/March Paper 2 · Variant 2

1 (a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Richard Bradfield is the more suitable candidate for the vacancy. You must not refer to Sandrine Jonas. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (b) Explain four advantages if Sandrine Jonas were to be selected to fill the vacancy. You must not refer to Richard Bradfield. advantage 1 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 2 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 3 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 4 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [8] (c) Suggest why Sandrine Jonas’ response to the ‘unexpected’ question might not have impressed the interviewers. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (d) Referring only to the quotes from two current Diamond D-ZINE employees, explain why Helena and Anton seem to have such different impressions of the work culture at Diamond D-ZINE. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (e) In your opinion, explain one way a company might achieve ‘carbon-neutral’ offices. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why 10 Richard Bradfield is the more suitable candidate for the vacancy. You must not refer to Sandrine Jonas. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point: Richard Bradfield is clearly keen to exploit his claimed creativity to the full, so will be well placed to come up with fresh ideas for (demanding) clients. The budgets involved in the film and music industry promotions are likely to be large, allowing him more artistic licence than he previously experienced with the small advertising firm/with which he has current experience. He has experience working for two organisations so far, including two years at one with multiple clients, much like Diamond D-ZINE. His fairly rapid movement between posts to date might indicate ambition; he is already seeking a managerial post within what appears to be a very prestigious company. His enthusiasm for the government health campaigns ties in with Diamond D-ZINE’s healthy meal choices offered in the on-site staff restaurant. Richard Bradfield is currently gaining/has three years’ deputy-managerial experience with his sub-team, and the new post would involve leading a team. His experience/leadership role is likely to make him better placed to organise the group activity at the selection day. He already works as part of a similar-sized group to the proposed new team at Diamond D-ZINE. His impressive linguistic competence will no doubt be invaluable for meeting with international clients of the business/travelling abroad when required and perhaps even greeting international guests at the glamorous premières etc. Richard Bradfield has excellent knowledge of (recent) horror films, in particular, presumably a part of Diamond D-ZINE’s portfolio. His scheme introducing work experience for under-privileged students/Involvement in the homeless shelter aligns well with/could enhance Diamond D-ZINE’s reputation for corporate social responsibility/local charities/ its sponsored internship scheme. also links well with the company’s interest in local charities. 1(a) His appearance in the government podcast would suggest he is likely to perform well at interview, especially the hour-long presentation. Having a preference for casual dress will work well for day-to-day attendance at the office, fitting in with the prevalent dress code. His participation in drama might make him more likely to succeed at interview, especially with ‘unexpected questions’ and in the hour-long presentation and perhaps give him confidence for representing the company at glamorous events/delivering presentations or pitches. He has extensive personal interests and activities, matching Anton’s claim that employees are encouraged to have a life outside work. Since Richard Bradfield already resides in Yaramanta, the company will not be required to pay any relocation expenses for him. He states that he loves to fly, which would be useful when expected to travel (abroad) to meet clients. His enthusiastic response to the ‘unexpected’ interview question showed a willingness to try to solve an unknown problem, and he seemed to make decisive/sensible calculations/use existing knowledge. which could outweigh Richard Bradfield’s working life extends to only five years to date and he seems to get tired/bored of his posts quite quickly. He likes the private office space he currently enjoys as a deputy manager and might therefore find the informal/open-plan environment at Diamond D- ZINE unsuitable/difficult. Richard Bradfield’s preference for casual dress/dislike of wearing suits might be a problem when meeting clients/attending glamorous events, as high standards of personal presentation are expected (and as a manager, perhaps even more so). He seems to find socialising with colleagues difficult, which might be a problem, as Diamond D-ZINE encourages such activities in the interests of improving working relationships. 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) Explain four advantages if Sandrine Jonas were to be selected to fill 8 the vacancy. You must not refer to Richard Bradfield. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point: Sandrine Jonas has worked for just the one company to date (1) which may indicate loyalty/an ability to work well with the people around her. (1) She has more/12 years’ experience (1) of working for a major international brand (1) which could translate well to the international music and film industry/help her adapt more easily. (1) – max. 2 She is used to sharing desk space and working in an open-plan office with her colleagues (1) so may be comfortable moving into Diamond D-ZINE’s informal/open-plan offices. (1) Her scheme to showcase local artists’ work (1); such artists might make eventual designers/be future employees. (1) Sandrine Jonas is clearly keen on art (painting wildlife and landscapes and promoting the local artists) (1) and so may thrive in the relaxed creative environment, for example the scribbling on the ‘graffiti walls’. (1) Sandrine’s interest in fashion, cosmetics and smart presentation (1) will be of huge benefit when meeting important clients/attending glamorous events. (1) She is used to meeting famous people from the world of television (not dissimilar to film) (1) and so should feel at ease when asked to attend events/meet VIPs. (1) 4  2 1(c) Suggest why Sandrine Jonas’ response to the ‘unexpected’ question 2 might not have impressed the interviewers. Credit any two of the following: She didn’t seem to see the point in it (1) and was happy to say so (1). She made no real attempt to work it out/just guessed an answer. (1) She stuttered/hesitated/sounded nervous/defensive (1) which might have made Diamond D-Zine think she was not manager material (1). She made excuses for not knowing the answer/information needed to work it out (1). 1(d) Referring only to the quotes from two current Diamond D-ZINE 3 employees, explain why Helena and Anton seem to have such different impressions of the work culture at Diamond D-ZINE. Credit any three of the following: Helena contrasts the work demands with the (extensive/impressive) facilities on offer (1) and seems happy to accept the trade-off (1). She mentions/appears to thrive on the buzz of working in such an environment. (1) Anton makes a contrast with the (much more pressured) work culture at his former workplace/the advertising agency. (1) He values being able to have time for a social life outside the workplace/not having to cancel plans at the last minute. (1) 2 + 1 or 3  1 1(e) In your opinion, explain one way a company might achieve ‘carbon- 2 neutral’ offices. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point: By planting trees (1) they could offset carbon emissions produced when heating the offices (1). They could recycle paper (1) reducing the need for trees to be cut down (1). Companies may retrofit their offices to reduce carbon emissions (1) such as by installing solar panels (1). 1 + 1

2 (a) Regarding Faruk Hossain, (i) identify the situation he is having to face and its cause (lines 1 to 6). ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) identify the changes in his life which may have an emotional impact on him (lines 7 to 12). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (b) State one positive and two negative developments since Cyclone Bhola (lines 13 to 18). Answer in about 30 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (c) Summarise the terrible situation of (i) the approximately 50000 people still displaced after Super-cyclone Amphan (lines 19 to 27). Answer in about 30 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (ii) Shahjahan Moral (lines 28 to 35). Answer in about 30 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (d) Identify two of the key features needed for sustainable solutions, according to Alexandra Bilak. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 2 ........................................................................................................................................ [2] (e) (i) Explain why it is important for Bangladesh to improve its ‘flood embankments’ (lines 42 to 50). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [4] (ii) Explain the main complaints about ‘flood embankments’ made by people in Amphan’s path (lines 55 to 58). Answer in about 20 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (iii) Explain the longer-term impact on Bangladesh’s population (lines 59 to 60). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1]

Mark scheme: 2(a)(i) Regarding Faruk Hossain, identify the situation he is having to face 2 and its cause (lines 1 to 6). 1 mark each for the situation and the cause: SITUATION: His house/family home has become uninhabitable (1) CAUSE: as the floodwater has failed to retreat/his house has not reappeared from the floodwater (caused by Super-cyclone Amphan which battered southern Bangladesh in May). (1) 2(a)(ii) Regarding Faruk Hossain, identify the changes in his life which may 3 have an emotional impact on him (lines 7 to 12). Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any three of the following points: Deserting his farm for employment (1) for the (nearest) city to live somewhere which he does not own/renting a little home in the (nearest) city. (1) Hossain will be moving out of his father’s residence (1) and not returning. (1) Everyone else in the family, his four brothers as well (1) resided in it/there for tens of years. (1) Those brothers departed some time back (1). Only Hossain/he remained. (1) For half a year he stayed in his father’s home (1) but it was not at all easy (1) and all remaining signs of their home (1) are finally, now, disappearing under the water. (1) 2(b) State one positive and two negative developments since Cyclone 3 Bhola (lines 13 to 18). Answer in about 30 words. While death tolls have reduced in recent times/over the last 50 years (1) the frequency of natural disasters makes recovery in villages more difficult (1) and many people are homeless/stranded (following repeated storms) (1). All/18 of Khulna’s/Pratapnagar’s villages are/remain under water (1). Any relevant content above 30 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(c)(i) Summarise the terrible situation of the approximately 50 000 people 3 still displaced after Super-cyclone Amphan (lines 19 to 27). Answer in about 30 words. Credit any three of the following points: They inhabit government land by rivers, roads or in (cyclone) shelters. (1) Exasperated, some people have relocated to nearby settlements. (1) Some have built new huts on stilts, on dry land. (1) Economic life/job opportunities already hindered by the pandemic (1) have worsened for the poorest, with missed agricultural opportunities. (1) Any relevant content above 30 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(c)(ii) Summarise the terrible situation of Shahjahan Moral (lines 28 to 35). 3 Answer in about 30 words. Credit any three of the following points: He used to farm/was a farmer, planting rice/paddy, with good profits. (1) He now sails his boat over the submerged land. (1) The fares passengers pay are insufficient for his family’s survival. (1) Any relevant content above 30 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(d) Identify two of the key features needed for sustainable solutions, 2 according to Alexandra Bilak. Credit any two of the following: Proper availability of displacement information (1) Initiatives for creating stable housing (1) Sustainable urbanisation/ecosystem management (1) 2(e)(i) Explain why it is important for Bangladesh to improve its ‘flood 4 embankments’ (lines 42 to 50). Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any four of the following points: People are unconvinced that sufficient action is taken (to assist people suffering after/affected by flooding). (1) Flood embankments constructed 60 years ago (1) have been eroded (following recurring cyclones) (1) while authorities have done nothing (1) despite demands for these to be fixed. (1) When (extreme) weather events occur (1) people are impoverished. (1) (Following (Super-cyclone Amphan), a canal was subsumed by the existing waterway (1) and has never reappeared/currently threatens people’s homes. (1) 2(e)(ii) Explain the main complaints about ‘flood embankments’ made by 2 people in Amphan’s path (lines 55 to 58). Answer in about 20 words. Credit any two of the following: Embankments were left unrepaired after previous storms. (1) Funding (applications) have not been granted (1) so repairs can only be made from already small yearly budgets. (1) Any relevant content above 20 words should not be considered as part of the answer. 2(e)(iii) Explain the longer-term impact on Bangladesh’s population (lines 59 1 to 60). Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit either of the following points: People are being forced to leave the countryside for packed urban centres (1), making slums grow. (1) 2(f) In your opinion, suggest why the problem of people being ‘forcibly 2 displaced’ needs action from ‘the international community’ (lines 66 to 69). Credit any two of the following or any other valid point: Bangladesh cannot solve these problems alone (1) and international expertise/financial assistance would no doubt help. (1) Rising sea levels (caused by climate change) are a global responsibility, wherever the effects are being felt (1) and may well have major impacts on human migration around the world. (1) The international community has a moral obligation to help displaced/destitute people/those affected by natural disasters. (1) 2  1 or 1  2