Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2024 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 2

1 (a) With reference to the Additional Information, explain why Olivia ‘refused emphatically’ to put herself forward for election, despite Mr Beppe’s pleas. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (b) With reference to Elisavetta’s leaflet and the Additional Information, explain why she might not be a suitable candidate. Do not refer to Armando. Answer in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (c) With reference to the Additional Information, (i) identify the exaggerated claim Armando made in his leaflet regarding his skills. Justify your choice. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (ii) identify the promise Armando made in his leaflet that he would not be able to keep. Justify your choice. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (iii) explain how Armando could get help from Brianna to carry out his duties as class representative if he was to be elected. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [2] (d) Explain why Mr Beppe might overturn the election result if Elisavetta was to be elected. Answer with reference to her question-and-answer session only. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (e) Explain why some of the college rules might actually be abolished if Armando was to be elected. Answer with reference to his question-and-answer session only. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (f) In your opinion, explain why the ballot boxes are placed in the college reception rather than the classrooms. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) With reference to the Additional Information, explain why Olivia ‘refused 2 emphatically’ to put herself forward for election, despite Mr Beppe’s pleas. Credit any two of the following points or any other valid point. She is hoping to achieve top grades in both her ballet and piano examinations this year, (1) which will both require hours of practice outside college hours / but, as a final year student, she knew she would have a lot of homework / so she probably thought that the extra responsibility of being class representative would be too much / would affect adversely her performances in these examinations. (1) 1 + 1 1(b) With reference to Elisavetta’s leaflet and the Additional Information, 10 explain why she might not be a suitable candidate. Do not refer to Armando. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point. Her leaflet is very casual/informal in style, with its informal language and heart- shaped bullet points and hearts/balloons as border, (leaflet) so she might find it difficult to represent her class to the best effect/effectively in formal council meetings/and make notes at the meeting which are published to the whole college. (Additional Information) She seems/appears to be relieved/ surprised to make it to the final year of college, so this suggests she might have found college life difficult to negotiate academically/ pastorally. (leaflet) Some classmates might think that, having had a female class representative the year before, it might be the turn of a male student to be class representative. (leaflet) She claimed to have never let any of them down doing things/ to love getting things done (leaflet), but she was supposed to help Brianna organise a charity event last year, but kept making excuses instead. (Additional Information) She said that classmates could come to her and she would take the time to listen to them (leaflet), but once, on finding a classmate in tears, she told them she was too busy to stop and talk. (Additional Information) Her motivation for standing for election is not really the best: she recently realised that she had not taken part in any extra-curricular activities to write about on any university application form (Additional Information) or other information that indicates Elisavetta is applying out of self- interest/selfishness. Elisavetta crashed into Mrs Eriksson’s car recently (Additional Information), so Mrs Eriksson, who attends every meeting, might not allow her a proper hearing at council meetings/ the class’ proposals might not get a positive reception at council meetings.(Additional Information) In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of three or more relevant considerations, including balance, that make use of analytical skills. 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(c)(i) With reference to the Additional Information, identify the exaggerated 2 claim Armando made in his leaflet. Justify your choice. I am exceptional at winning arguments. (1) During his time in the Debating Society, he has been on the victorious team 35 per cent of the time. (1) 1 + 1 1(c)(ii) Identify the promise Armando made in his leaflet that he would not be 2 able to keep. Justify your choice. Credit any two of the following points. You have my guarantee that I shall be at all the meetings. (1) The Debating Society meets every third Monday after lessons finish but council meetings are held on Mondays / on a Monday. / There may be a clash between the Debating Society (and council) meetings. (1) 1 + 1 1(c)(iii) With reference to the Additional Information, explain how Armando 2 could get help from Brianna to carry out his duties as class representative if he was to be elected. (When he is attending Debating Society meetings / unable to attend council meetings,) he could ask Brianna to deputise for him (1) (which she would be likely to do) as they are good friends. (1) 1 + 1 1(d) Explain why Mr Beppe might overturn the election result, if Elisavetta 2 were to be elected. Answer with reference to her question-and-answer session only. Credit any one of the following developed points, or any other valid developed point. He might disapprove of her view that the college should get rid of all the punishments, (1) thinking that it would have a negative effect on the students and the college. (1) He might not be impressed by her uncomfortable performance / hesitation / looking unsure, (1) which could reflect badly on his class. (1) He might not be impressed by her lack of preparation regarding what she might be asked / her inability to think things through on her feet, (1) leading to her making rash statements. (1) 1  2 1(e) Explain why some of the college rules might actually be abolished if 3 Armando were to be elected. Answer with reference to his question-and-answer session only. Credit any three of the following points or any other valid point. He clearly understands the problem with the / the need for a punishment system, (1) making an important distinction between rules that help the well-being and smooth running of college (1) and the petty ones that could be abolished without adverse effects, (1) which would be more likely to be approved by college authorities, (1) and he had started to get his classmates to think the same way as he did, (1) so, there would be a good chance of convincing a majority of class representatives / the council meeting too. (1) 2  1 + 1 or 3  1 1(f) In your opinion, explain why the ballot boxes are placed in the college 2 reception rather than the classrooms. Credit any two of the following points or any other valid point. Students are voting on ‘neutral territory’, (1) so, this could help prevent any intimidation / tampering / interference, (1) as there always has to be a receptionist on hand to greet visitors/answer the phone (1) whereas the class teacher is not always in their classroom (to keep an eye on proceedings). (1) 2 1 or 1 + 1

2 (a) Identify three of the reasons given why chess was not very popular before millions tuned in to watch The Queen’s Gambit series. 1......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... 2......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... 3......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (b) Explain how Allan Scott and the game of chess are similar in character. Answer in about 30 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (c) Explain the origins of chess as stated in lines 12 to 16. Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [5] (d) According to Elena Touroni, (i) identify three different cognitive benefits of playing chess (lines 19 to 24). Answer in about 30 words. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ [3] (ii) identify two different reasons why mastering a skill is important (lines 25 to 32). 1 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ 2 ............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ [2] (e) Describe Jon McKnight’s current approach to playing chess (lines 37 to 45). Answer in about 30 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (f) Identify two different reasons why chess is used in therapy sessions (lines 47 to 53). Answer in about 20 words. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (g) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the following: (i) steal the attention at the expense of others (lines 1 to 7) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (ii) young person with exceptional qualities or abilities (lines 25 to 32) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iii) experiences from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned (lines 44 to 53) ................................................................................................................................ [1] (iv) able to be successful in the end (lines 54 to 59). ................................................................................................................................ [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a) Identify three of the reasons given why chess was not very popular 3 before millions tuned in to watch The Queen’s Gambit series. Credit any three of the following points. It was associated with old men, (1) sour looks, (1) hours of boredom (1) and genius levels of memory and logic. (1) 3  1 2(b) Explain how Allan Scott and the game of chess are similar in character. 3 Answer in about 30 words. Credit any three of the following points. He showed determination as the series producer and (co-) creator. (1) It took many years, directors and rewrites (to complete The Queen’s Gambit). (1) Chess is about perseverance and commitment too. (1) Any content above 30 words will not be credited. 3  1 2(c) Explain the origins of chess as stated in lines 12 to 16. 5 Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any five of the following points. There are those who think it started (1) with a sad story (1) from the time of the Gupta rulers of India. (1) It appeared that a prince died (1) while leading his men in war / at the head of the fighting / in the field. (1) His brother explained what had happened (1) to his mournful mother (1) by way of a board with 64 squares (1) on which, up until then, people had played Ashtāpada. (1) 5  1 2(d)(i) According to Elena Touroni, identify three different cognitive benefits of 3 playing chess (lines 19 to 24). Answer in about 30 words. Credit any three of the following points. Players (must) memorise (many) complex combinations of moves and outcomes. (1) It helps improve memory and problem-solving skills. (1) It increases self-esteem and empathy. (1) One can enter a flow state, / meaning being totally involved (in something). (1) Any content above 30 words will not be credited. 3  1 2(d)(ii) According to Elena Touroni, identify two different reasons why 2 mastering a skill is important (lines 25 to 32). Credit any two of the following points. It can make you feel good about yourself / competent and confident. (1) It can help you feel more in control. (1) It can help you become more resistant to negative emotions / can even be used to treat depression. (1) 1 + 1 2(e) Describe Jon McKnight’s current approach to playing chess (lines 37 3 to 45). Answer in about 30 words. Credit any three of the following points. It is about control and sacrifice. (1) He can work out three moves (ahead in every direction), (1) enough to defeat most people. (1) He loves knowing which sacrifice gains his desired outcome. (1) His opponent thinks they are winning, (1) so wrapped up in his ‘mistake’ they miss his motive. (1) He plays aggressively, but is not like that in life. (1) His aim is not to control them, but anticipate their moves. (1) Any content above 30 words will not be credited. 3  1 2(f) Identify two different reasons why chess is used in therapy sessions 2 (lines 47 to 53). Answer in about 20 words. Credit any two of the following points. Chess (powerfully) enables people to open up and improve relationship(s). (1) It establishes trust in the relationship. / It establishes trust between therapist and patient. (1) The relaxed environment allows easier expression of thoughts / feelings / emotions. (1) It has proven effective in treating neurobehavioural conditions. (1) Any content above 20 words will not be credited. 1 + 1 2(g)(i) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following. steal the attention at the expense of others (lines 1 to 7) . (to) hog the limelight (1) 2(g)(ii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following. young person with exceptional qualities or abilities (lines 25 to 32). prodigy (1) 2(g)(iii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: experiences from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned (lines 44 to 53). life lesson(s) (1) 2(g)(iv) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: able to be successful in the end (lines 54 to 59). can win the day (1)