Cambridge A Level English General Paper 8021 — 2025 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 3

1 (a) (i) Identify two reasons why Jonah’s language ability did not improve while in Sellacka. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... 2 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) According to Mrs K, identify the two different ways the Bonngat Private Language School promotes language learning. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... 2 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (b) Apart from the cost, explain three possible disadvantages for the students of Muttumbox High School if their teachers choose Bonngat Private Language School. Do not refer to the Language Exchange Programme to Sellacka. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [6] (c) Considering only the advantages, explain why the Language Exchange Programme to Sellacka would be the better option for Muttumbox High School. Do not refer to Bonngat Private Language School. Answer in continuous prose. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [10] (d) Explain what Mrs Yoder means when she says, ‘I’m working flat out.’ ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (e) Explain why Mrs Yoder might be against a visit to Sellacka Community School. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (f) In your opinion, explain why it is important to learn a foreign language. Do not repeat material from Section A. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a)(i) Identify the two reasons why Jonah’s language ability did not improve 2 while in Sellacka. Credit the following two points. The host family’s TV shows were hard to understand. (1) Nobody in the house spoke to the visiting student. (1) 1(a)(ii) According to Mrs K, identify the two different ways the Bonngat Private 2 Language School promotes language learning. Credit the following two points. The language school provides the students with high-quality teaching. (1) They organise a city tour guide who teaches the students so many useful phrases. (1) 1(b) Apart from the cost, explain three possible disadvantages for the 6 students of Muttumbox High School if their teachers choose Bonngat Private Language School. Do not refer to the Language Exchange Programme to Sellacka. Credit three of the following developed points or any other valid points. Some of the students going on the trip are vegetarian (1) and Bonngat is known for its traditional meat-based meals. (1) The student requiring a wheelchair would find it difficult (1) to get through the streets of Bonngat as they are known to be very busy. (1) They may be unable to take part in the evening / social activities (1) as the expectations are very high / past students had too much work to complete. (1) The journey would take nine hours. (1) which is a long way for only four days in Bonngat (1) / and concentrating on the intense lessons (after such a trip) would be difficult. (1) 1(c) Considering only the advantages, explain why the Language Exchange 10 Programme to Sellacka would be the better option for Muttumbox High School. Do not refer to Bonngat Private Language School. 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 four of the following points or any other valid points. Being paired with a young person of a similar age is more likely to expose the Muttumbox High School students to informal language which might help the students to sound more authentic / fluent in their upcoming exams. Sellacka is only five hours away which will undoubtedly result in a more comfortable journey / more time will be spent on language learning instead of travelling. Learning a language with a host family in a more passive way might reduce exam pressure and benefit the students’ wellbeing. The staff and students at Sellacka Community School are known to be extremely welcoming and will undoubtedly cherish Mrs Yoder’s hard work when she gives the visiting school’s presentation. The cost of the trip is $400 per student and if the school is successful with their application for the bursary this would reduce the cost of the trip, making it more affordable for the families. This option provides a longer time span / one week in Jummba, so the students would be fully immersed in the local language which would give them the best opportunity to get a better exam result. Sellacka Community School is well known for its innovative teaching / learning programmes and could provide the Muttumbox teachers with inspiration they desperately need. Muttumbox High School is keen to promote cultural awareness and visiting a school which has won many awards for promoting the local traditions / boasts a memorable / interactive evening of traditional singing and dancing would be a perfect choice. Spending evenings and weekends with the host families will expose the visiting students to the local customs / way of life. This will give them long- lasting memories to share with others, whilst also promoting the great work of the Languages Department. 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(d) Explain what Mrs Yoder means when she says ‘I’m working flat out’. 1 Credit the following point. She is working as hard as she can / could not do any more. (1) 1(e) Explain why Mrs Yoder might be against a visit to Sellacka Community 2 School. Credit the following two points. There is an expectation that visiting teachers prepare presentations for the whole school / Mrs Yoder would be tasked with preparing the presentation. (1) Mrs Yoder is craving a break / she is too exhausted to do it excitedly. (1) 2 × 1 1(f) In your opinion, explain why it is important to learn a foreign language. 2 Do not repeat material from Section A. Credit any two of the following or any other valid points or any developed point. Feel more comfortable in a foreign country (1) as you will be able to better understand sign posts and instructions. (1) To communicate with foreign language speakers (1) so that you are able to make friends with people around the world / ask for help when abroad. (1) Improve job opportunities / career prospects (1) for example, an international company may prefer multilingual employees. (1) 1 × 2, 2 × 1

2 (a) Identify one of the reasons why ‘the days of single-dimensional viewing of monuments and museums’ have gone. ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [1] (b) (i) Identify the reason why monuments are likely to become outdated soon. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) Identify the solution offered to prevent a monument from becoming outdated. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (c) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means the following: (i) improving (lines 1–7) ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) new ideas (lines 1–7) ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) fixed (lines 8–14). ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (d) According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state three benefits of technology. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [3] (e) According to monument-goers, state the two different aims of visiting heritage sites. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [2] (f) Answering using your own words as far as possible, state the meaning of the following five phrases as they are used in the material (lines 34–43): (i) a multilingual audio guide system ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) the levitating emblem at the reception ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iii) visitors travel back in time ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (iv) bring alive the words ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (v) making it engaging. ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (g) (i) Explain how technology is helping to amplify campaigns around the cultural heritage of India (lines 44–49). Answer in about 30 words in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [3] (ii) Explain how smart technologies are enhancing the experience beyond the actual monument visit (lines 51–58). Answer in about 40 words in continuous prose. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [4] (h) State the exact meaning of the following two words as they are used in the material: (i) disseminating (line 25) ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) emergence (line 30). ..................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 25]

Mark scheme: 2(a) Identify one of the reasons why ‘the days of single-dimensional viewing 1 of monuments and museums’ have gone. Credit one of the following points. Modern technologies (are redefining the way we explore and preserve our history and culture). (1) Smart Tourism / smart technology (1) 2(b)(i) Identify the reason why monuments are likely to become outdated soon. 1 Credit one of the following points. The way history is currently being told is not interesting / relevant for the younger generation. (1) The monuments currently use conventional static displays / graphic content. (1) 2(b)(ii) Identify the solution offered to prevent a monument from becoming 1 outdated. Credit one of the following points. The visitors must be at the centre of the monument. / Activities must be created that revolve around the visitors. (1) Digital heritage sites / the use of interactive technologies (to enhance the experience). (1) 2(c)(i) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means the 1 following: improving (lines 1–7) Credit the following point. enriching (1) 2(c)(ii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means the 1 following: new ideas (lines 1–7) Credit the following point. innovations (1) 2(c)(iii) Identify the exact word or phrase in the material which means the 1 following: fixed (lines 8–14) Credit the following point. static (1) 2(d) According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state three benefits of 3 technology. Credit any three of the following points. It is key in engaging with young people. (1) It is a catalyst for inclusion in the development of the country. (1) It adds experiential value to heritage sites. (1) It makes for an interactive and impactful human experience. (1) 3 × 1 2(e) According to monument-goers, state the two different aims of visiting 2 heritage sites. Credit the following points. To gain knowledge / learn (about the Indian history and culture) (1) Entertainment / escaping everyday life (1) 2 × 1 2(f)(i) Answering using your own words as far as possible, state the meaning 1 of the following five phrases as they are used in the material: (lines 34–43). a multilingual audio guide system Credit the following point. a spoken information program in (many) different languages (1) 2(f)(ii) Answering using your own words, as far as possible, state the meaning 1 of the following five phrases as they are used in the material: the levitating emblem at the reception Credit the following point. a floating symbol in the entrance (1) 2(f)(iii) Answering using your own words, as far as possible, state the meaning 1 of the following five phrases as they are used in the material: visitors travel back in time Credit the following point. guests relive history (1) 2(f)(iv) Answering using your own words, as far as possible, state the meaning 1 of the following five phrases as they are used in the material: bring alive the words Credit the following point. animate/enliven the language (1) 2(f)(v) Answering using your own words, as far as possible, state the meaning 1 of the following five phrases as they are used in the material: making it engaging Credit the following point. creating fun/excitement (1) 2(g)(i) Explain how technology is helping to amplify campaigns around the 3 cultural heritage of India (lines 44–49) Answer in about 30 words in continuous prose. Credit any three of the following points. The metaverse/rapid flow of information help to improve the campaigns. (1) The Har Ghar Tiranga project was amplified using digital platforms. (1) (The project) increased the level of patriotism amongst Indian people (1) And, in addition, it raised awareness of the National Flag (1) Fans uploaded selfies (with the flag) onto a dedicated website. (1) Conversations about the campaign went viral on social media. (1) Any relevant content well over 30 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 2(g)(ii) Explain how smart technologies are enhancing the experience beyond 4 the actual monument visit (lines 51–58). Answer in about 40 words in continuous prose. Credit any four of the following points. There are now pre- and post-visit stages of the experience. (1) Many sites offer an insight of what awaits when booking. (1) After the visit, trip souvenirs are sent to visitors’ phones. (1) Sites hope the memories will be posted on social media. (1) People can visit sites from home with online virtual reality. (1) Any relevant content well over 40 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point. 2(h)(i) State the exact meaning of the following two words as they are used in 1 the material: disseminating (line 25) spreading, broadcasting, distributing, circulating, sharing (something), publishing, presenting, sending out (1) 2(h)(ii) State the exact meaning of the following two words as they are used in 1 the material: emergence (line 30). start, beginning, birth, introduction, rise, appearance, arrival (1)