Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2025 Feb/March Paper 2 · Variant 2

1 (a) Considering the advantages, explain why the commemorative statue is more likely to be chosen. Do not refer to the new road bridge. Answer in continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (b) Explain three disadvantages of choosing the new road bridge. Do not refer to the commemorative statue. disadvantage 1 ......................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... disadvantage 2 ......................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... disadvantage 3 ......................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [6] (c) With reference to the Additional Information only, (i) state the one piece of information which is the least relevant when deciding which proposal to choose. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) state the one piece of information which suggests that Justina’s claim that ‘decision‑makers in Mosman have done absolutely nothing to help us here’ is untrue. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (d) With reference to the television interview extracts only, (i) explain why Justina has a vested interest in favouring the new road bridge. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) identify the comment by Bernardo which supports Justina’s claim that her ‘region is too often neglected’. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (e) In your opinion, explain two possible problems with the format of the proposed referendum, as outlined in the Background. problem 1 .................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... problem 2 .................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [4] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages, explain why the commemorative statue is 10 more likely to be chosen. Do not refer to the new road bridge. Answer in continuous prose. Credit any of the following or any other valid points: Berti Andersen is an award-winning sculptor of international reputation, suggesting the statue would be of high quality/value for money/attract more tourists to the capital city, Mosman. Andersen is from Karimba/trained at art college in Mosman and the late King Viktor was a keen supporter of the local arts scene. The sculptor has also overcome his deafness and the late king supported several disability charities in Karimba. The size and dynamic nature of the proposed statue should become a focal point for visitors to Mosman/the gallery, and locals, to meet and significantly improve the current bleak state of the square (since the demolition of the old fountain). It is the cheaper option by some margin/the costs are fixed, only requiring $1 million of taxpayers’/the population’s funds in addition to the royal contribution (of $5 million) which aligns with King Viktor’s apparent desire not to over-burden the taxpayers of Karimba. The statue itself will cost nothing for people to view, aligning with the departed monarch’s move to make the royal residences accessible to visitors/his donations to the country’s finances. 1(a) The ongoing maintenance costs will be minimal, similarly posing limited funding challenges/meaning the statue will continue to look good for many years to come. Creating the high-profile statue solely from recycled materials actively reflects Karimba’s new government’s desires to improve the country’s environmental record/the late king’s interest in the environment (his solar energy farm). There is obvious support for the commemorative statue and its proposed sculptor from Bernardo, a politician who presumably holds some influence/will be seen in the television broadcast. The company making the television programme is based in Mosman/no longer based in Nelia (for reasons unknown), so may be biased in its presentation, impacting the vote in favour of the statue. Since 5 million people/20% of Karimba’s population live in Mosman, the statue will have the greater reach in terms of access and impact, while those from the smaller cities also have reasonably easy access by means of connecting flights to Mosman, increasing its likely reach still further. [These points could also be argued negatively, since 80% don’t live in Mosman/flights may be expensive etc.] Since Mosman has Karimba’s only international airport, it is reasonable to assume that an attraction located in Mosman and next to an existing one is more likely to attract (international) tourists. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of four or more relevant considerations, 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(b) Explain three disadvantages of choosing the new road bridge. 6 Do not refer to the commemorative statue. Credit any three of the following or any other valid point: Concerns were raised by wildlife campaigners relating to the bridge’s impact on the river estuary eco-system (1) which might lead to protests/further delays/worsen Karimba’s environmental credentials further/does not reflect King Viktor’s known interest in animals (1). The proposed new road bridge will be situated a long way/at the opposite end of the country from the capital city, Mosman (1) and will only directly improve the lives of up to 2.5 million people/10% of Karimba’s population/far fewer people will be directly benefitted by the scheme/outcome (1). The project is the (much) more expensive/its final costs are unknown (1), putting more demand on taxpayer funding to complete (1). Revenue from the tolls is not guaranteed (1) if prices are set too high (as yet unknown) (1) as drivers could still take the existing/longer route and avoid them (1). (Max. 2) Long-term maintenance and repairs will be costly (1), posing further financial demands on the government/public (for many years to come) (1). The expected uplift in Froyan’s economic fortunes may be optimistic (1) since its post-industrial status/poverty may outweigh improved journey times/a bridge may make little difference to a region designated by the government as being in need of significant help (1). Nelia is an unattractive city (1) and may be off-putting as an entry point to Froyan for prospective new businesses/visitors (1). The nearest international airport is at Mosman/400km away (1) so the expected additional tourism to the region may not materialise/the region is still difficult to access (1). The bridge is to be named after the late king (1) which may anger the growing number of anti-monarchists in Karimba/which residents of the poorest region may find insulting (1). 3  2 1(c)(i) With reference to the Additional Information only, state the one piece of 1 information which is the least relevant when deciding which proposal to choose. Point 8/ The television programme will illustrate both of the proposals in exactly the same way: using sketches and 3D models. (1) 1(c)(ii) With reference to the Additional Information only, state the one piece of 1 information which suggests that Justina’s claim that ‘decision-makers in Mosman have done absolutely nothing to help us here’ is untrue. Point 7/ (Recognising Karimba’s growing inequality,) Simone Gilovski’s new government has designated Froyan as a ‘Priority Development Target Zone’ for her five-year term in office. (1) 1(d)(i) With reference to the television interview extracts only, explain why 2 Justina has a vested interest in favouring the new road bridge. Credit any two of the following: Justina owns a restaurant/business in Froyan (1). The new bridge should bring more custom for her (restaurant) (1). She wants to see (more) tourists coming to Froyan (1) to try the local food/eat in her restaurant (1). 1  2 or 2  1 1(d)(ii) With reference to the television interview extracts only, identify the 1 comment by Bernardo which supports Justina’s claim that her ‘region is too often neglected’. (Bridge or no bridge,) I’ve certainly no desire to go to Froyan,/ wherever that might be – no one really cares! (1) 1(e) In your opinion, explain two possible problems with the format of the 4 proposed referendum, as outlined in the Background. Credit any two of the following developed points, or any other valid developed point: Limiting the referendum to those over 30 years of age (1) neglects the young people in the population/those likely to be impacted in the longer term. (1). It is likely that not everyone will see the television programme (1) as it will only be screened once (1) so they may be uninformed of the details of the two projects proposed (1). – max. 2 The referendum will take place six weeks after the broadcast (1) so people may have forgotten the details/all about it (1). The referendum is to be conducted online only (1). We do not know the internet penetration rate of Karimba/this may exclude those in rural areas/the elderly (1). / The Froyan region, being poor, suggests fewer people may have internet access/understand how to vote online (2). – max. 2 2  2

2 (a) (i) Identify two of the main aims of Operation Mincemeat during the Second World War, as stated in lines 1–6. aim 1 ................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... aim 2 ................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) Identify two reasons given for the success of the deception (lines 9–13). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (b) Suggest what each of the three pieces of ‘wallet litter’ was intended to show about ‘Major Martin’ (lines 19–25). Answer in about 30 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (c) Explain why Macintyre uses the term ‘hidden hero’ in connection with the people who devised the plan (lines 26–29). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (d) Explain the importance of creativity in Operation Mincemeat (lines 30–35). Answer in about 40 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4] (e) Identify the two ways in which the theatre company updated the story for modern audiences (lines 43–48). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (f) (i) Explain how creating Martin could be seen as ‘morally doubtful’ (lines 49–51). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) Explain how Michelle Ashford justifies ‘the less ethical aspects of the story’ (lines 56–59). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (g) Explain the present‑day justifications offered for having used the dead man in Operation Mincemeat. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (h) Referring to lines 14–25 only, identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means: (i) impeded ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) wily ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) appropriate for. ..................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a)(i) Identify two of the main aims of ‘Operation Mincemeat’ during the 2 Second World War, as stated in lines 1–6. Credit any two of the following points: To convince the Germans that the Allied forces were planning to invade Greece (rather than Sicily) (1). Planting forged documents upon a dead body (before setting him adrift in Spanish waters) (1) with the aim of the papers ending up in German hands (1). 2(a)(ii) Identify two reasons given for the success of the deception (lines 9–13). 2 Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. Credit any two of the following points: The naval intelligence officers involved were engrossed in the story (1). They invented a believable narrative for the dead/homeless man (1) and gave him a completely new identity/life/name (1). As William Martin, Glyndwr Michael ‘gained’ military rank and a future wife (1). Examiners should place a vertical red line after 20 words but consider the remainder of any incomplete phrase/idea which concludes after that point. 2(b) Suggest what each of the three pieces of ‘wallet litter’ was intended to 3 show about ‘Major Martin’ (lines 19–25). Answer in about 30 words using continuous prose. Credit any three of the following points: The bank manager’s letter shows that he was in debt (1). Club/theatre tickets showed his fondness for going out (1). Letters (from ‘Pam’) were evidence of his wartime love affair/romance/fiancée/relationship/commitment (1). Examiners should place a vertical red line after 30 words but consider the remainder of any incomplete phrase/idea which concludes after that point. 2(c) Explain why Macintyre uses the term ‘hidden hero’ in connection with 2 the people who devised the plan (lines 26–29). Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any two of the following points: Those involved existed at second-hand (1) by means of their fiction (1). They could not actively be involved (1) in the physical fighting (1) so envisaged their roles (1) fighting secretly alongside the military (1). Macintyre considers it poignant (1) and astonishing/highly admirable (1) that these individuals played a vital but unacknowledged role/the officers succeeded in secret (1). 2(d) Explain the importance of creativity in Operation Mincemeat (lines 30 to 4 35). Answer in about 40 words using continuous prose. Credit any four of the following points: The planners needed to think like writers/draw on their creative skills/resources/creativity was needed to invent the /William Martin’s life/ backstory/fictional identity/the Mincemeat plot (1). Many writers were involved, (as the film highlights) (1). James Bond author Ian Fleming probably devised several outline deception plans./ Ironically, James Bond writer Ian Fleming was behind/inspired the deception. (1) Many excellent 20th-century authors also served in the secret services (1). (Like authors,) spies persuade others of their invented truth (1). Examiners should place a vertical red line after 40 words but consider the remainder of any incomplete phrase/idea which concludes after that point. 2(e) Identify the two ways in which the theatre company updated the story 2 for modern audiences (lines 43–48). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. Credit any two of the following points: They cast a male character as female, and vice versa (1). A man sings the love song from Martin’s fiancée’s letters (1). Examiners should place a vertical red line after 20 words but consider the remainder of any incomplete phrase/idea which concludes after that point. 2(f)(i) Explain how creating Martin could be seen as ‘morally doubtful’ (lines 2 49–51). Answer using your own words as far as possible. It’s not difficult to become carried away (1) with the fairy-tale features of the narrative/exciting narrative of spying in a period of conflict/hostilities (1). They needed to locate a person (1) whose absence nobody would notice, (1) a corpse/dead person to be dealt with (1) and their real existence completely erased. (1) 2(f)(ii) Explain how Michelle Ashford justifies ‘the less ethical aspects of the 2 story’ (lines 56–59) Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any two of the following points: (In the film) she was eager to reflect (1) Montagu’s inner turmoil/dilemma (1) over the moral ambiguities (1). The Mincemeat team may have had no other option (1). (They were) working at a time of international fighting (1) and such conflict frequently demands (1) (very) difficult decisions (being taken) (1). 2(g) Explain the present-day justifications offered for having used the dead 3 man in Operation Mincemeat. Credit any three of the following points: The gravestone (in Huelva, Spain) acknowledges both the man’s original name and his faked identity. (1) The (engraving on the) gravestone recognises that he served his country (during the war). (1) The invasion plan ultimately succeeded/the Allies successfully invaded Sicily. (1) The Germans believed Sicily to be a decoy in the invasion plans. (1) (Unlike fiction,) this invention produced tangible results/significantly changed the progress/outcome of the war. (1) 2(h)(i) Referring to lines 14–25 only, identify the exact word or phrase in the 1 material which means: impeded stymied (1) 2(h)(ii) Referring to lines 14–25 only, identify the exact word or phrase in the 1 material which means: wily shrewd (1) 2(h)(iii) Referring to lines 14–25 only, identify the exact word or phrase in the 1 material which means: appropriate for befitting (1)