Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2023 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 2

1 (a) Explain the factors that might make Sandro choose Tomasei Publishing. Do not refer to Limoni Books. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [8] (b) Explain three factors that might make Sandro choose Limoni Books. Do not refer to Tomasei Publishing or Zio. 1......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... 2......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... 3......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [6] (c) (i) Explain what you learn about Zio’s character from his DM to Sandro and/or his talk with Sandro. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [5] (ii) Explain what you learn about Sandro’s character from the Additional Information. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (d) In your opinion, (i) state two reasons why people still buy hard copies of books in an increasingly digital world. 1 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ 2 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) explain what Frederick Douglass, the American writer and social reformer, meant when he said, ‘Once you learn to read, you will forever be free’. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Explain the factors that might make Sandro choose Tomasei 8 Publishing. Do not refer to Limoni Books. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following points and any other valid points. In both the DM and the initial talk, Emilia referred constantly to the content of his blog/was clearly interested in what he was writing about/was genuinely thrilled to meet him and his dogs, as she was also a dog owner, so she completely understood where he was coming from/could talk about the blog to him on the same level. Emilia heads up the company, so he would be dealing directly with the person who has the final say about his book. As he would be a first-time author, Emilia’s statement that ‘every book and author matters to Tomasei Publishing/Tomasei Publishing would work tirelessly on his behalf’ would be comforting. Plus, when he explained to her that he was a bit overwhelmed by all the attention/ by talk of book deals, she was very solicitous, and Tomasei Publishing is a small-to medium-sized company, so they would be able to keep a close eye on him as promised. It is also a relatively new company, so it is probably keen to make its mark/get as many authors on board as possible to keep growing/full of younger staff still passionate about publishing. Most of the books that Tomasei Publishing publishes are works of modern fiction, so they would have lots of expertise in this genre/regarding his book. As he loves Flindis, he would be pleased to be keeping everything about his book local/contributing to the wealth of Flindis by keeping it all local and he would be joining a stable of authors who were either inhabitants of Flindis or writing about Flindis, so he might feel at home/more in his comfort zone. By being allowed full editorial control of his book, the book would turn out exactly how he envisaged it. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of three or more relevant considerations that make use of analytical skills. 1(a) Levels Mark Descriptors 4 7–8 • 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 5–6 • 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 3–4 • 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. • Some simple, mainly unexplained or undeveloped 1 1–2 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.  A mark of zero should be awarded for no creditable 0 0 content. 1(b) Explain three factors that might make Sandro choose Limoni Books. 6 Do not refer to Tomasei Publishing or Zio. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. It has been established longer (1), so it is a well-known company/its expertise should be second-to-none (1) and it has connections to other types of companies (1) to make the book earn more money through spin-offs/TV programmes, films, live events. (1) It is a larger company/has a huge international reach/ readership (1), so his book is very likely to be a bestseller worldwide (1), meaning that he would probably earn more royalties with Limoni Books (1) as there would probably be more books sold in total (1), and they are offering him the bigger advance/$50 000 (1), so he would be more likely to be able to buy a flat (adding together the advance, royalties and spin-offs). (1) He has just received several huge bills in the post (1), so the more money he makes, the fewer money worries he will have. (1) 3  2 1(c)(i) Explain what you learn about Zio’s character from his DM to Sandro 5 and/or his talk with Sandro. Credit any five of the following points or any other valid points. He seems cold/distant (1) (as) his DM is very impersonal/has no reference to Sandro himself/contains just the bare facts that he wants to arrange a meeting. (1) He does not seem that fired up about his job/interested in this particular blog/it seems as if he is just going through the motions (1) (as) the DM looks as if it is just a routine one/a template/could have been sent by anyone. (1) At the start of the talk, he seems to be very business-focused (1) (as) he makes no attempt to seem friendly towards someone he is meeting for the first time. (1) He appears to lack people skills (1) (as) he did not use the normal psychological tactics employed by business people to win a deal (1), such as finding some common ground with your target (1) (or) engaging in small talk to build rapport. (1) He appears to be a formal sort of person/perhaps a little old-fashioned (1) (as) he is wearing a suit (1) and the language he uses is formal (1), starting off with ‘Good morning’. (1) It is likely he enjoys the status of being a professional (1) (as) he makes no attempt to reassure an intimidated Sandro (1) until he learns something to his advantage (1) which makes him become devious rather than genuinely helpful towards Sandro. (1) As a hard-hearted businessman (1), he is probably going to change the deal to favour Limoni Books more (1) (and) he seems quite happy to exploit Sandro’s naivety/lack of business nous. (1) 1(c)(ii) Explain what you learn about Sandro’s character from the Additional 3 Information. Credit any three of the following points or any other valid points. He is a kind-hearted person (1) because both of his dogs are from a rehoming centre for dogs. (1) He is probably patient (1) as elderly people often need more time to do things as they age. (1) He is caring/considerate of others less fortunate than himself (1) as he raises money for local charities. (1) 2 + 1 or 1 + 2 or 1 + 1 + 1 1(d)(i) In your opinion, state two reasons why people still buy hard copies of 2 books in an increasingly digital world. Credit any two of the following points or any other valid points. A certain book might bring back special memories for them. (1) A certain book might have cultural/spiritual significance for them. (1) Some people like the feel/smell of a hard copy of a book. (1) Some people like the cover art work/the illustrations you get with a hard copy. (1) It is nicer to give a hard copy of a book than an e-book as a present. (1) It might be a rare/antique/first edition/out of print/valuable hard copy of a book. (1) It might be a coffee table book that a person wants to put on display. (1) 1(d)(ii) In your opinion, explain what Frederick Douglass, the American writer 1 and social reformer, meant when he said, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.’ Credit one of the following points or any other valid point. Books can take you into other worlds beyond your own. (1) Books can give you the chance to escape from everyday life. (1) This skill provides you with the tool for a lifetime of making discoveries/learning new things. (1) You will have the ability to research something for yourself. (1) You will be able to make up your own mind about anything/will not be dependent on being told about something by others. (1)

2 (a) According to the material, (i) identify what the authorities in many African cities did at the peak of the 2020 pandemic. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) identify the opportunity the authorities will have in 2021. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (b) As stated in lines 7 to 14, (i) explain why the paratransit sector is so important to some people. Answer in about 20 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) explain how governments will start to reform the sector. Answer in about 20 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (c) With reference to lines 15 to 31, (i) identify three advantages of using technology in the paratransit sector. 1 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ 2 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ 3 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ [3] (ii) identify one possible disadvantage for customers of using technology. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) identify three disadvantages of formalising the paratransit sector. disadvantage 1....................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ disadvantage 2....................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ disadvantage 3....................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................ [3] (d) As stated in lines 40 to 48, (i) explain why carpooling is ‘a huge opportunity’. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (ii) explain ‘what a world without SOVs’ looked like in 2020. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3]

Mark scheme: 2(a)(i) According to the material, identify what the authorities in many African 1 cities did at the peak of the 2020 pandemic. They temporarily banned (vehicles that make up) the semi-official paratransit sector. (1) They temporarily banned the taxis (14-seater minibuses) and the boda- bodas (motorbike taxis) (1) 2(a)(ii) According to the material, identify the opportunity the authorities will 1 have in 2021. Credit one of the following points or any other valid point. (They will have the opportunity) to reform the paratransit sector/to make the paratransit sector more efficient, reliable and customer-friendly. (1) 2(b)(i) As stated in lines 7 to 14, explain why the paratransit sector is so 2 important to some people. Answer in about 20 words. Credit two of the following points. It is essential for travelling from home to work (1) for residents who are poor and without a car (1) and whose workplace is too far away to walk to. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 2(b)(ii) As stated in lines 7 to 14, explain how governments will start to reform 2 the sector. Answer in about 20 words. Credit two of the following points. They will do this with better regulation. (1) In Kampala, the government has started to register the paratransit sector. (1) Providers have to apply for and obtain an operating licence. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 2(c)(i) With reference to lines 15 to 31, identify three advantages of using 3 technology in the paratransit sector. Credit any three of the following points. Ride-hailing apps will support the formalisation and management of the industry (1) through registering vehicles and determining routes (1) and they will allow customers to connect to riders/drivers contactlessly. (1) 2(c)(ii) With reference to lines 15 to 31, identify one possible disadvantage for 1 customers of using technology. They will have to pay using their smartphones. (1) 2(c)(iii) With reference to lines 15 to 31, identify three disadvantages of 3 formalising the paratransit sector. Credit any three of the following points. A better service could mean a higher price for users. (1) In Accra, a 15% fare increase has been agreed. (1) It compensates owners for not being able to operate to full capacity. (1) This increase is being fully passed on to consumers. (1) It is likely to be the case with other reforms too. (1) It might stifle the/this industry (1), an industry that has been providing employment, is generally innovative, largely self-financing and is an essential service for many. (1) 2(d)(i) As stated in lines 40 to 48, explain why carpooling is ‘a huge 3 opportunity’. Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any three of the following points. It means fewer cars being driven/on the road. (1) If every car seat is occupied, (1) then there are no fewer travellers, (1) but (one-fifth) fewer pollutants would be produced, (1) the price we pay for SOVs/fuel would decrease (1) and there would be fewer traffic jams. (1) 2(d)(ii) As stated in lines 40 to 48, explain ‘what a world without SOVs’ looked 3 like in 2020. Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any three of the following points. The distance people drove every day diminished (1) dramatically/by almost two-thirds (1) around the world (in April). (1) The cars (still in use) could travel without any hindrance. (1) Some cities decided to ban cars from certain roads, (1) constructed routes specifically for cyclists (1) and allowed restaurants to operate from car parks. (1) 2(e)(i) As stated in lines 49 to 64, identify two negative trends that appeared 2 post-lockdown. Answer in about 20 words. Credit any two of the following points. The future of efficient transport systems could be further away (than hoped). (1) There has been a dramatic increase in the demand for cars/SOVs. (1) People are avoiding using public transport. (1) People are using SOVs for every type of transportation/are heavily dependent on SOVs. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 2(e)(ii) As stated in lines 49 to 64, identify two ways to encourage ride-sharing. 2 Answer in about 20 words. Credit any two of the following points. Local authorities will have to provide stronger incentives regarding ride- sharing (1) by increasing congestion charges (1) and expanding schemes such as reserved lanes for high-occupancy vehicles. (1) Governments should introduce tax incentives for employers encouraging carpooling (1) and tax incentives for staff who are carpooling. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 2(f)(i) Identify the exact phrase or sentence which means the following: 1 allowing for less of a backlash towards the government from unhappy voters (lines 7 to 14). (with) reduced political pain. (1) 2(f)(ii) Identify the exact phrase or sentence which means the following: we 1 are unable to improve our transport choices by governments just building more and more roads (lines 32 to 39). (we) cannot pave our way to better transportation habits. (1)