Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2023 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 3

1 (a) Considering only the advantages, explain why Nicoletta is more likely to favour Footpath Focus. You must not refer to Total Tartaruga. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [8] (b) Explain two disadvantages for Jamil if the three friends choose Footpath Focus. Do not refer to Total Tartaruga. reason 1 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... reason 2 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4] (c) Explain two disadvantages for Jamil if the three friends choose Total Tartaruga. Do not refer to Footpath Focus. reason 1 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... reason 2 ............................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4] (d) Explain two reasons why Simon would prefer Total Tartaruga. Do not refer to Footpath Focus. reason 1............................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... reason 2............................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4] (e) Using evidence from the extract from the conversation only, suggest why the reader might think that Nicoletta is bossy. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (f) Using your own knowledge, state another example of voluntary work which might be worthwhile. Justify your response. Do not repeat any material from Section A. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering only the advantages, explain why Nicoletta is more likely 8 to favour Footpath Focus. You must not refer to Total Tartaruga. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point. Footpath Focus requires high levels of physical fitness and Nicoletta will be a perfect fit as a keen triathlete. The three-year project is nearing completion and Nicoletta would appreciate the visible results of their work. The completed trail work/steps and rails should help prevent soil erosion over the next 50 years and she is keen to get involved in work with a long-lasting impact. She seems pleased that the travel costs of the Footpath Focus option are low (with their student discount) and, with the lower cost of food and accommodation, it’s much cheaper overall. The remote star-gazing/campfire opportunity seems to have captured her imagination, and she is keen to persuade the other two that they would enjoy this. She is rather scornful of Simon’s comments on the lack of creature comforts/need for fun on a holiday, so probably wouldn’t mind the basic accommodation facilities/working outside in all weathers. As the only one with the tent and other camping equipment, she might enjoy feeling superior to the others by providing the tent they will share. We can assume Nicoletta has camped like this before so she clearly loves this activity. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of three or more relevant considerations, that make use of analytical skills. 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. 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 two disadvantages for Jamil if the three friends choose 4 Footpath Focus. Do not refer to Total Tartaruga. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. The high levels of physical fitness required will not suit Jamil (1) given his ongoing recovery from his broken ankle/fear of reinjuring it. (1) The strenuous hiking on the day off may not appeal (1) given his preference for watching golf on television over getting involved. (1) Jamil is concerned about mixing with a large group (1) so spending time with 32+ people may be too difficult for him. (1) 1(c) Explain two disadvantages for Jamil if the three friends choose Total 4 Tartaruga. Do not refer to Footpath Focus. Credit any of the following points or any other valid points. Jamil is keen to have a special time with his two friends (1) but there appears to be a need to share their cabin with a fourth person. (1) The cost of the Total Tartaruga working holiday (travel, food and accommodation) is more expensive / $600 (1) and Jamil is not well-off. (1) The trip would take four weeks out of his school holiday (1) but he needs to work and earn money for as much time as he can to pay for university. (1) The work might be less useful than hoped to his future career plans in animal conservation (1) given the online reviews of recent participants commenting they hardly saw any turtles. (1) 1(d) Explain two reasons why Simon would prefer Total Tartaruga. 4 Do not refer to Footpath Focus. Credit any two of the following points or any other valid points. Simon seems keen to have a reasonable level of comfort (1) and he describes the beach cabins as sounding amazing. (1) Simon may get the opportunity to practise his languages (1) as it is expected there will be international visitors among the volunteers. (1) He is keen on sustainable travel and tourism (1) so the solar-powered/ eco resort would satisfy his ethics. (1) Since Simon is a vegetarian, (1) he would most likely approve of the meat- free menu in the resort. (1) He is apparently very good with computers (1) so will have the opportunity to contribute to the work/develop his skills with the spreadsheets and film editing. (1) Simon also likes having fun whilst he is away (1) and the resort offers the opportunity to snorkel/swim. (1) 1(e) Using evidence from the extract from the conversation only, suggest 3 why the reader might think that Nicoletta is bossy. Credit any three of the following or any other valid points. Nicoletta dismisses Jamil’s concern about the cost of train travel for Footpath Focus. (1) During their conversation Nicoletta told him there is ‘no need to worry’. (1) She uses assertive statements to express her opinion on the relative costs. (1) She states that the cost of flights for Total Tartaruga is ‘far too much to spend’. (1) She rejects Simon’s desire for a bit of comfort for his holiday. (1) and refers to him as ‘shallow’. (1) She uses a rhetorical question to persuade Simon/the other two about the joys of the stars. (1) During their discussion she says, ‘Wouldn’t you like seeing all those stars, so far from the light pollution of the city...?’ (1) She addresses Simon and Jamil by name/with their specific interests (1) in order to persuade them by saying, ‘You’ve always been interested in spirituality and culture, Simon.’ (1) She often gives them instructions (1) for example, she tells Jamil that he must bring his guitar for sing-songs round the campfire! (1) 1(f) Using your own knowledge, state another example of voluntary work 2 which might be worthwhile. Justify your response. Do not repeat any material from Section A. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point. Working with children (1): to nurture future generations at an important stage of their lives/and be a role model. (1) Helping homeless people (1): offering basic support for survival/and the contact a friendly face provides to lonely/vulnerable people. (1) Campaigning for global organisations (1): Possibility to support a cause you believe in/and contribute to the impact of its efforts. (1) Fundraising for a local charity (1): significant help can be given to a smaller charity/ whose work may affect your own area or family. (1)

2 (a) From the material identify the exact word or phrase that means: (i) regular sequence (lines 1 to 10) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) established a base (lines 1 to 10) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) absorbs (lines 26 to 34) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) (to) take apart (lines 58 to 68) ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (b) Suggest (i) the wider consequences for Earth of astronaut Tim Peake’s observations from the International Space Station. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) why scientists insist that the domestic details of space station life are important (lines 13 to 17). Answer in about 10 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [1] (c) Explain how the break-up of the former Soviet Union offered an opportunity to NASA (lines 18 to 31). Answer in about 40 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4] (d) Explain why (i) Professor Ian Crawford believes the high expenditure on the ISS was worth it (lines 36 to 38). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (ii) Professor Lord Martin Rees takes the opposite view (lines 39 to 44). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (iii) Professor Anu Ojha, despite his initial doubts, is convinced of the success of the ISS (lines 47 to 48). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2]

Mark scheme: 2(a)(i) From the material identify the exact word or phrase that means: 1 regular sequence (lines 1 to 10) Steady rotation 2(a)(ii) From the material identify the exact word or phrase that means: 1 established a base (lines 1 to 10) set up camp 2(a)(iii) From the material identify the exact word or phrase that means: 1 absorbs (lines 26 to 34) soaks up 2(a)(iv) From the material identify the exact word or phrase that means: (to) 1 take apart (lines 57 to 68) (to) dismantle 2(b)(i) Suggest the wider consequences for Earth of astronaut Tim Peake’s 2 observations from the International Space Station. Credit any two of the following points and any other valid points. The Earth’s atmosphere is (relatively) fragile for human survival. (1) Issues such as air pollution / climate change are crucially important. (1) (The ISS missions) can help to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our home/planet/the Earth. (1) 2(b)(ii) Suggest why scientists insist that the domestic details of space 1 station life are important (lines 13 to 17). Answer in about 10 words. They demonstrate that people can flourish away from Earth/in inhospitable surroundings. (1) Any content above 10 words will not be credited. 2(c) Explain how the break-up of the former Soviet Union offered an 4 opportunity to NASA (lines 18 to 31). Answer in about 40 words. Credit any four of the following points. Initial plans for the space station (in the 1980s) looked very expensive. (1) Russian/Soviet space engineers already had experience of extended space missions. (1) To prevent rogue states poaching Soviet experts (as the USSR fractured). (1) The USA/America proposed a joint/international programme. (1) Russian rockets/trips ultimately contributed most to the construction phase. (1) Any content above 40 words will not be credited. 2(d)(i) Explain why Professor Ian Crawford believes the high expenditure on 3 the ISS was worth it (lines 36 to 38). Answer in your own words as far as possible. Credit any three of the following points. The ISS is a great illustration of (1) a well-known collaboration between countries. (1) Gaining knowledge of survival (1) and study in space (1) should prove to be excellent preparation (1) for renewed future lunar missions (1) and (perhaps), manned missions to the red planet. (1) 2(d)(ii) Explain why Professor Lord Martin Rees takes the opposite view (lines 2 39 to 44). Answer in your own words as far as possible. Credit any two of the following points. One would not be able to defend (1) the massive costs of constructing the ISS (1) In terms of (science), any gains have been minimal. (1) We know some more (1) regarding the way we respond to (1) extended times in space (1) and we have cultivated a small number of crystals (1) in an environment without gravity. (1) The ISS exclusively comes to people’s attention when (1) lavatories stop working (1) or an astronaut performs a song (1) on his guitar, weightless in the air. (1) 2(d)(iii) Explain why Professor Anu Ojha, despite his initial doubts, is 2 convinced of the success of the ISS (lines 47 to 48). Answer in your own words as far as possible. Credit any two of the following points. We now have the knowledge to construct (1) large facilities/installations in space (1) and to survive in space for extended lengths of time (1) as well as coping with every type of event (1) which has occurred. (1) 2(e)(i) Explain what has been learned about the impacts of prolonged periods 2 of zero gravity on the human body (lines 50 to 53). Answer in about 20 words. Credit any two of the following points. Recovering an astronaut’s lost bone density can take many years. (1) Using treadmills / weight machines / gym equipment prevents the worst muscle loss. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 2(e)(ii) Explain why this knowledge will be significant for NASA’s future 2 cutting-edge space missions. Credit any two of the following points or any other valid point. NASA’s future missions involve sending humans into space for extended periods in zero gravity. (1) NASA will be better prepared for such missions. (1) 2(f) In your opinion, from the three examples of ‘private enterprise’ 3 interested in taking over the ISS, which one is most likely to be successful? Justify your response. Do not refer to the other two examples. No mark for the choice but credit any valid points in justification, up to a maximum of three. The Texas-based company: the construction of a module sounds like a longer-term investment (1) and the research element is in line with the original goals of the ISS (1) and links with NASA/existing stakeholders may be easier to establish/maintain. (1) The film project: Very high-profile names (actor and director) are involved (1) so the film is likely to attract their millions of fans, (1) the film is likely to be a very high-end production (1) and have the most exposure internationally. (1) The reality TV show: Reality TV shows establish a path to ‘space tourism’ as something achievable (1). Such a prize is ‘a first’ (1) so would be of massive commercial interest/benefit to the TV company and any sponsors. (1)