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

1 (a) Considering the advantages, explain why Tony and Paula Larsen would be most likely to choose Camp Imagi as the summer camp for Zendy and Julian. Do not refer to Camp Venchure or Camp Anim8. Answer in continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (b) Considering two advantages, explain why Zendy might choose Camp Venchure as her summer camp destination. Do not refer to the other summer camps or any other family members. advantage 1 .............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... advantage 2 .............................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [4] (c) Explain three reasons why Paula might choose Camp Anim8. Do not refer to the other summer camps or other family members. reason 1 .................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... reason 2 .................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... reason 3 .................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [6] (d) In your opinion, explain why Tony might prefer his children to attend an international summer camp. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (e) Identify the one piece of the Additional Information that is the least relevant when Tony and Paula are deciding which summer camp to choose for Zendy and Julian. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (f) With reference to the description of Camp Venchure, identify two different informal language features. feature 1 ................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... feature 2 ................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Considering the advantages, explain why Tony and Paula Larsen would 10 be most likely to choose Camp Imagi as the summer camp for Zendy and Julian. Do not refer to Camp Venchure or Camp Anim8. Answer in continuous prose. In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly expressed, of four or more relevant considerations that make use of analytical skills. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point. Julian might enjoy the drama classes offered at Camp Imagi as he has performed in several school plays and would like to be an actor. Zendy might enjoy the music as she has been learning to play the guitar for eight years / might enjoy the writing courses as she has just started songwriting / is thinking of studying music performance at university. Camp Imagi employs guest instructors to lead their workshops, which could provide Zendy and Julian with expert tuition in areas of their chosen professions/drama and music. Zendy and Julian are very close so they want to attend the same camp, and Camp Imagi offers activities which interest both of them. The small class sizes at Camp Imagi should mean that Zendy and Julian will receive personalised learning/more attention so they can make more progress in their classes, which means Paula may feel happier about health and safety as her children will be monitored in a smaller class. The creative learning spaces (stages, music rooms, recording studio with latest software) might provide Zendy and Julian with a professional learning environment which will give them a realistic picture of their chosen professions / Julian becoming an actor and Zendy a songwriter. The opportunity to perform at the final day of exhibitions, presentations and performances should enable Zendy and Julian to develop confidence in their performance skills. In assessing each answer, use the table below. 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) Considering two advantages, explain why Zendy might choose Camp 4 Venchure as her summer camp destination. Do not refer to the other camps or any other family members. Credit any of the following points or any other valid point. Camp Venchure is 75 km away from Zendy’s home/the distance from home (1) would facilitate her wish to attend a residential camp (1), allowing her, at 17, some independence from her parents / feeding into her adventurous spirit (1). – max. 2 Camp Venchureoffers a range of adrenaline-filled activities/activities for thrill- seekers (1) and Zendy is a daredevil/adrenaline junkie/risk-taker which is evident in her birthday gift of a tandem skydive. (1) Zendy has a canoeing award as a proficient paddler (1), so she may enjoy the kayaking on offer at Camp Venchure. (1) 2  2 1(c) Explain three reasons why Paula might choose Camp Anim8. 6 Do not refer to the other summer camps or other family members. Considering Paula is concerned about safety in summer camps/ Given the negative newspaper reports (Paula has read) (1), Camp Anim8 being situated on a private estate might allay her fears (1). Camp Anim8 has a dedicated welfare team and wellbeing room which is available 24 hours a day (1) and Julian has previously experienced homesickness on a school trip. (1) Camp Anim8 is only 20 km away from their home (1) and they would not be too far away (1) Max 1 3  2 1(d) In your opinion, explain why Tony might prefer his children to attend an 2 international summer camp. It might give Zendy and Julian the opportunity to practise speaking Spanish with other campers (1) / to meet campers from Spain (1) / enjoy cultural activities with other Spanish speaking children (1). 1  2 or 2  1 1(e) Identify the one piece of the Additional Information that is the least 1 relevant when Tony and Paula are deciding which summer camp to choose for Zendy and Julian. 12 Paula and Tony compete in amateur tennis tournaments as a doubles pair. (1) 1(f) With reference to the description of Camp Venchure, identify two 2 different informal language features. The use of ‘you’ and ‘your’ / Direct address to the reader (1) Rhetorical questions (1) (Are you ready to push yourself beyond your limits? / Why not check our website for further details?) Colloquial language (Grab your bags/jam-packed/nerves of steel/on hand/around the clock / whisk (you) down / thrill-seekers) (1)

2 (a) Identify the creature which has inspired the robotic innovation. .......................................................... [1] (b) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases in the material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (i) excellent burrowers (line 3) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) spaces that might be difficult to access (lines 4–5) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) filled with gel (line 19) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iv) though it’s not as fast on a flat surface (lines 20–21) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (v) it’s able to move deeper (line 21) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (c) Describe three ways robotic worms can imitate earthworms (lines 8–11). Answer in about 30 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (d) Explain why the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) group’s earthworm-type robot is a significant innovation (lines 24–28). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (e) Regarding bioinspired earthworm robots, identify one practical function researchers aim to copy. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (f) Identify two differences between earthworms and bioinspired earthworm robots. difference 1 ............................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... difference 2 ............................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [2] (g) Identify the organisation which continues to work with General Electric (GE) on tunnelling robots. .......................................................... [1] (h) (i) Identify three different advantages of the GE robot for commercial clients. advantage 1 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 2 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... advantage 3 ...................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [3] (ii) Identify two different disadvantages of GE’s connection with the military. disadvantage 1 .................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... disadvantage 2 .................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (i) Identify two advantages of using earthworm-like robots after an earthquake (lines 59–64). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [2] (j) Identify the exact word in the material which means the following: (i) forthcoming (lines 34–39) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) strategic (lines 44– 48) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) furtive (lines 44– 48). ..................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a) Identify the creature which has inspired the robotic innovation. 1 (the humble) earthworm (1) 2(b) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases as used in the 5 material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (i) excellent burrowers (line 3) very good at digging (1) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases as used in the material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (ii) spaces that might be difficult to access (lines 4–5) places which could prove hard to reach (1) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases as used in the material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (iii) filled with gel (line 19) packed with liquid (1) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases as used in the material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (iv) though it’s not as fast on a flat surface (line 20–21) despite not being so quick over level areas (1) Explain the meaning of the following five phrases as used in the material. Answer using your own words as far as possible. (v) it’s able to move deeper (line 21) the robot can descend further (1) 2(c) Describe three ways robotic worms can imitate earthworms (lines 8–11). 3 Answer in about 30 words using continuous prose. Robotic worms can mimic earthworm bristles, which help worms to anchor. (1) Copying the fluid in earthworms’ segments helps them to move. (1) The distinctive movement of the earthworm has been captured. (1) Any relevant content well above 30 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 2(d) Explain why the Italian institute of Technology (IIT) group’s earthworm- 2 type robot is a significant innovation (lines 24–28). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. All parts can extend in a couple of directions. (1) This creates earthworm-type locomotion similar to contraction and expansion waves. (1) Any relevant content well above 20 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 2(e) Regarding bioinspired earthworm robots, identify one practical function 1 researchers aim to copy. an earthworm’s soft yet strong structure. (1) 2(f) Identify two differences between earthworms and bioinspired earthworm 2 robots. The robot’s size, with a diameter of 4 cm and a length of 45 cm or the IIT robot is considerably larger than an actual earthworm. (1) (Earthworm robots typically) have pumps / other systems for movement that add to their bulk/ limits their potential. (1) 2(g) Identify the organisation which continues to work with General Electric 1 (GE) on tunnelling robots. US Department of Defense (1) 2(h)(i) Identify three different advantages of the GE robot for commercial 3 clients. It can create its own tunnels or it has been tested in real soil of different types. (1) It would be useful for installing underground utility infrastructure. (1) It is less environmentally damaging than some conventional drilling. (1) The cost should / will be lower than some conventional drilling. (1) Uses include fibre internet, electrical power and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. (1) 2(h)(ii) Identify two different disadvantages of GE’s connection with the 2 military. GE is limited in what it can publish / publicly disclose about the research. (1) Not every roboticist wants to work towards military applications / be funded by the military. (1) 2(i) State two advantages of using earthworm-like robots after an 2 earthquake (lines 59–64). Answer in about 20 words using continuous prose. The robot’s camera could show where to concentrate rescuers’ efforts (1) and (being small), it would not disturb the ground/debris. (1) Any relevant content well above 20 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 2(j)(i) Identify the exact word in the material which means the following: 1 forthcoming (lines 34–39) imminent (1) 2(j)(ii) Identify the exact word in the material which means the following: 1 strategic (lines 44–48) tactical (1) 2(j)(iii) Identify the exact word in the material which means the following: 1 furtive (lines 44–48) stealthy (1)