Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2025 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 1

1 (a) Explain one of the reasons why 300 years ago Anakii Old Town could not continue to be the capital city. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (b) With reference to the descriptions of the two attractions and the Additional Information: (i) identify the exaggerated claim made by Mayor Ena Voun. Justify your choice. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) identify the exaggerated claim made by Ivo Grix. Justify your choice. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [2] (c) Identify the personal reason why Linus Frijmann would probably not give Jorjina permission to review Sottiex Marina. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (d) Identify the reason why the Neeniot Echo reserves the right to refuse to publish a review not up to its standards. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (e) Explain why Jorjina would need to declare conflicts of interest (i) if Serge were to accompany her to Anakii Old Town. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) if Amalie were to accompany her to Sottiex Marina. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (f) Identify the problem for Jorjina of delivering a review of Sottiex Marina by Friday 1 December. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (g) Explain why it could be important for Jorjina’s career that she impresses Linus Frijmann. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (h) Apart from impressing Linus Frijmann, explain why Jorjina would most likely prefer to review Sottiex Marina. Do not refer to Anakii Old Town. Answer in continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [8] (i) Explain two factors which might make Jorjina choose to review Anakii Old Town. Do not refer to Sottiex Marina. factor 1 ...................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... factor 2 ...................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [4] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Explain one of the reasons why 300 years ago Anakii Old Town could 2 not continue to be the capital city. Credit one of the following developed points or any other valid point. It occupied a small mountain plateau (1), so it would have been impossible to expand to accommodate a growing population. (1) OR It was located in the far north (1), so it would have been difficult to govern/ communicate with/travel to the rest of country. (1) 1 × 2 1(b)(i) With reference to the descriptions of the two attractions and the 2 Additional Information, identify the exaggerated claim made by Mayor Ena Voun. Justify your choice. Credit the following two points. Claim: I can guarantee that no visitor will ever get bored (while staying in Anakii Old Town) (1), Justification: as some online reviews / visitors to Anakii Old Town recommend staying only a couple of days (at most as you could easily see everything of real interest in that time). (1) 1 + 1 1(b)(ii) With reference to the descriptions of the two attractions and the 2 Additional Information, identify the exaggerated claim made by Ivo Grix. Justify your choice. Credit the following two points. Claim: I have a (proven) track record over the years of building the kind of luxurious resort / a dream holiday destination (1), Justification: as he closed (down) his previous (construction) company, leaving behind him a half-finished building / site. (1) 1 + 1 1(c) Identify the personal reason why Linus Frijmann would probably not 1 give Jorjina permission to review Sottiex Marina. Credit the following point. He is an experienced yachtsman / probably keen to review Sottiex Marina himself. (1) 1(d) Identify the reason why the Neeniot Echo reserves the right to refuse to 1 publish a review not up to its standards. Credit one of the following points. It is a prestigious newspaper / national newspaper. (1) 1(e)(i) Explain why Jorjina would need to declare conflicts of interest (i) if 1 Serge were to accompany her to Anakii Old Town. Credit the following point. Serge is a good friend of the Mayor’s son / Ena Voun’s son. (1) 1(e)(ii) Explain why Jorjina would need to declare conflicts of interest (ii) if 1 Amalie were to accompany her to Sottiex Marina. Credit the following point. (As a student,) Amalie worked for Grix Property Development (in the holidays and earned enough money to pay for her Master’s degree). (1) 1(f) Identify the problem for Jorjina of delivering a review of Sottiex Marina 1 by Friday 1 December. Credit one of the following points. The opening date for guests to stay at Sottiex Marina is (Friday) 17th November / Jorjina will only have two weeks / limited time to fit in a stay and/or write and submit her review. (1) 1(g) Explain why it could be important for Jorjina’s career that she impresses 2 Linus Frijmann. Credit two of the following points or any other valid points. She is currently unemployed / struggling to find a job (since graduating) (1), and he might offer her an interview / a job (1). 2 × 1 1(h) Apart from impressing Linus Frijmann, explain why Jorjina would most 8 likely prefer to review Sottiex Marina. Do not refer to Anakii Old Town. Answer in continuous prose. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of three or more relevant considerations that make use of analytical skills. Credit three of the following developed points or any other valid points. Jorjina shares a passion for scuba diving with her best friend Amalie, so they would be able to indulge in their hobby together by exploring the coral reef/sea/river at Sottiex Marina. They would likely enjoy learning to do other water-based sporting activities/ improving their current skills levels in other water-based sports, and Sottiex Marina offers tuition at all levels for groups in a wide range of water sports. Jorjina has never travelled further south in Neeniot than Chyme City (where she lives) and is eager to rectify this lack of knowledge, so by staying at Sottiex Marina located next to the Southern Neeniot Sea she would be achieving an ambition. Jorjina has become interested in environmental issues, so she would probably want to visit the aquarium undertaking pioneering conservation work with dolphins. Jorjina became a vegetarian three years ago, so she would appreciate Sottiex Marina having a restaurant offering plant-based dishes. In assessing each answer, use the table below. Levels Mark(s) 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(i) Explain two factors which might make Jorjina choose to review Anakii 4 Old Town. Do not refer to Sottiex Marina. Credit two of the following developed points or any other valid points. As Serge has been paying her rent (1), Jorjina might want to pay him back for his kindness by asking him to accompany her to Anakii Old Town (1), especially as she would know, as his sister, that he would want to visit Anakii Old Town (1) as he is so fascinated by Neeniot’s history and culture (that he studied both at university) (1). She would not be a prize-winner if Serge had not entered her into the competition (1), so she might feel obliged to review an attraction that he himself would like to visit (1). She has never had the opportunity to climb a real mountain (only a climbing wall at her local sports centre), (1) but from Anakii Old Town there are mountain trails/climbing routes to explore. (1) 2 × 2

2 (a) Identify the memory that drives Francisco Elle deep into the dense rainforests day after day. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (b) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means the following: (i) move in at speed (lines 15–19) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) a person arranging business deals between other people (lines 30–37) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) sticky (lines 44–52) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iv) not worried (lines 48–58). ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (c) State three pieces of evidence that show it is difficult to walk through the rainforest (lines 3–7). Answer in about 30 words in continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (d) According to Francisco, identify what ‘nature’s revenge’ was. ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (e) State the three reasons given as to why landslides and flash floods are occurring more regularly. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [3] (f) Explain how Marc justifies his illegal logging activities. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (g) Explain how Francisco now regards trees (lines 42–43). Answer using your own words as far as possible. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (h) According to the material, suggest why Francisco is a brave individual. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4] (i) State the exact meaning of the following four words or phrases as they are used in the material: (i) (have) taken their toll (lines 20–21) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) (to) defy (line 28) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) vows (line 48) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iv) (to) ensure (line 48). ..................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a) Identify the memory that drives Francisco Elle deep into the dense 1 rainforests day after day. Credit the following point. (He is haunted by) the faces of children he could not save. (1) 2(b)(i) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: move in at speed (lines 15–19) Credit the following point. barrel in (1) 2(b)(ii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: a person arranging business deals between other people (lines 30–37) Credit the following point. (a) middleman (1) 2(b)(iii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: sticky (lines 44–52) Credit the following point. claggy (1) 2(b)(iv) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material that means the 1 following: not worried (lines 48–58). Credit the following point. unfazed (1) 2(c) State three pieces of evidence that show it is difficult to walk through 3 the rainforest (lines 3–7). Answer in about 30 words in continuous prose. Credit any three of the following points. Francisco has to dip under a thick ceiling of leaves. (1) He must avoid tripping over exposed (tree) roots. (1) The trail they are following is (only) faint. (1) (The journalist/ Laura Bicker says) following Francisco is tough going. (1) Clouds roll down the hillside brushing the branches with rain. (1) Any relevant content well over 30 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 1 + 1 + 1 2(d) According to Francisco, identify what ‘nature’s revenge’ was. 1 Credit the following point. More than 1000 people were killed (when his village, along with several others, was washed away) by a landslide (in 2004). (1) 2(e) State the three reasons given as to why landslides and flash floods are 3 occurring more regularly. Credit any three of the following points. 90% of the original rainforest is now gone. (1) Illegal logging, mining and quarrying (have taken their toll). (1) There are no tree roots for stability. (1) There are no vast forest canopies to absorb the heavy rains. (1) The frequency and severity of the storms is increasing. (1) 2(f) Explain how Marc justifies his illegal logging activities. 3 Credit any three of the following points. He says that God gave all of this to them so that they could use it. (1) It is the only source of income for some of the poorest Filipinos / Marc has no other source of livelihood. (1) They do not actually want to do this / have no choice. (1) He / They can only get money for basic necessities from farming. (1) 3 × 1 2(g) Explain how Francisco now regards trees (lines 42–43). 2 Answer using your own words as far as possible. Credit any two of the following points. Cutting off (1) (even) a (single) branch (1) is amongst the worst crimes (a person can commit) (1) in terms of the environment. (1) 2(h) According to the material, suggest why Francisco is a brave individual. 4 Credit any four of the following points. He is now a forest ranger. (1) (A Global Witness report identified) the Philippines as one of the most dangerous places to be an environmental activist. (1) He once called out to someone to tell them to stop cutting down trees, (1) (telling them he was not there to pick a fight) but to explain what would happen to everyone if they continued. (1) Such encounters do not always end peacefully; (1) for example, two rangers were attacked and wounded (in 2021). (1) 4 × 1 2(i)(i) State the exact meaning of the following four words or phrases as they 1 are used in the material: (have) taken their toll (lines 20–21) (have) caused damage/damaged, harmed, caused destruction/ detriment, had a bad effect, affected negatively, negatively impacted (1) 2(i)(ii) State the exact meaning of the following four words or phrases as they 1 are used in the material: (to) defy (line 28) (to) go against, disobey, disregard, ignore, challenge, flout, fly in the face of, oppose, work / fight against, not follow the law/rule of (1) 2(i)(iii) State the exact meaning of the following four words or phrases as they 1 are used in the material: vows (line 48) pledges, promises, commits (to), swears, affirms, undertakes (1) 2(i)(iv) State the exact meaning of the following four words or phrases as they 1 are used in the material: (to) ensure (line 48) (to) make certain, guarantee, check, assure, make sure (of), confirm (1)