Cambridge IGCSE English - Literature in English 0475 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 4 · Variant 1
0475/41/O/N/23 · 25 marks · ≈28 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper8 pages








Mark scheme5 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.





Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
Cambridge IGCSE™ 0475/41 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH October/November 2023 Paper 4 Unseen 1 hour 15 minutes You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet. You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed) INSTRUCTIONS • Answer one question: either Question 1 or Question 2. • Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. INFORMATION • The total mark for this paper is 25. • All questions are worth equal marks. This document has 8 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 *2508722277*
Question paper, page 2
You are advised to spend about 20 minutes reading the question paper and planning your answer. Answer either Question 1 or Question 2. Either Read carefully the poem on page 3. The poet gives a voice to the feelings of a passionate fourteen-year-old girl. 1 How does the poet convey the girl’s emotions? To help you answer this question, you might consider: • how the poet conveys the girl’s frustrations • how she imagines the girl’s desires • the effect of the girl’s unanswered questions. 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 2
Question paper, page 3
Hanging Fire I am fourteen with the door closed. [Turn over 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 3 Content removed due to copyright restrictions.
Question paper, page 4
Or Read carefully the following extract from a novel which is set in the time of the mythical war between the Ancient Greeks and the Trojans. Achilles, the greatest hero of the Greeks and the son of a 2 goddess, is refusing to fight and is preparing to sail home. His friend, Patroclus, is now on the battlefield in his place and is violently killed by Hector, the Trojan leader. The passage shows Achilles’ reaction. How does the writer make this such a dramatic moment? To help you answer this question, you might consider: • how the writer portrays the death of Patroclus • how she conveys Achilles' attempts to deny what he has heard • the impact of the silence at the end of the passage. On the battlefield, Patroclus hears Achilles calling his name and for a second his concentration falters. A second, but long enough, because suddenly there’s Hector straight in front of him. He tries to raise Achilles’ sword but already it’s too late. Hector drives the spear hard into his side – it goes in so easily – and suddenly he’s on the ground, thrashing like a fish in a pool that’s drying out. Dark shapes of Trojan fighters crowd in, blocking off the light. ‘Achilles!’ he shouts. And again, as the red blood spurts out of him and his spirit begins to slip away into the dark: ‘Achilles. . .’ A mile away, Achilles lifts his head. Just for a moment there he’d thought he heard Patroclus calling his name. Patroclus? Well, no, it can’t be. A man’s voice, though, which is strange because the men are all out there fighting. There are only women left in the camp. The bitterness of that realization bites into him. He knows whose voice it was, but he’s afraid to let himself think what that could mean. So he tells himself, No, it was a gull. Their cries sound amazingly human sometimes. . . Lifting his gaze to the rafters, he tries to pray, but prayer never comes easily to him – he’s his mother’s son, he knows too much about the gods – and after a few stumbling words he abandons the attempt. No point sitting here. Time he was back on the ship, though if the advance continues at that rate, they’ll soon be out of sight. He’s barely reached the door when he hears his name being called again, and this time there’s no mistaking it. So they are back! Somehow or other – god knows how – they’re back. He throws the door open and steps on to the veranda, expecting to see the yard teeming with men and horses, but there’s nobody there. Only silence, and somewhere in the distance a door banging loose on its hinges. 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 4
Question paper, page 5
Back on to the ship, see what’s happening. Halfway up the rope ladder, he stops, because something’s caught his eye. A movement. And then he sees it: a chariot being driven hard and fast, the horses emerging from a cloud of dust. Somehow – and he knows this immediately – he has to stop that chariot getting here, because when it does, he’s going to hear the worst words he’s ever heard. And so he exerts the full force of his will to push it back, but not even his power can stop time or solidify air. He takes a deep breath, lets himself drop to the ground and walks into the centre of the yard to wait for what he knows is coming. Nothing moves in the huts around him. Not a breath of wind stirs. White sun. Black shadows, knife-edged. Silence. 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 5
Question paper, page 6
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Question paper, page 7
BLANK PAGE 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 7
Question paper, page 8
BLANK PAGE Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. 11_0475_41_2023_1.14 © UCLES 2023 8
Mark scheme, page 1
This document consists of 5 printed pages. © UCLES 2023 [Turn over Cambridge IGCSE™ LITERATURE IN ENGLISH 0475/41 Paper 4 Unseen October/November 2023 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 25 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2023 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.
Mark scheme, page 2
0475/41 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 5 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
Mark scheme, page 3
0475/41 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 5 English & Media subject specific general marking principles (To be read in conjunction with the Generic Marking Principles (and requiring further guidance on how to place marks within levels)) Components using level descriptors: • We use level descriptors as a guide to broad understanding of the qualities normally expected of, or typical of, work in a level. • Level descriptors are a means of general guidance and should not be interpreted as hurdle statements. • Where indicative content notes are supplied for a question, these are not a prescription of required content, and must not be treated as such. Alternative correct points and unexpected answers in candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the knowledge and skills demonstrated. • While we may have legitimate expectations as to the ground most answers may occupy, we must at all times be prepared to meet candidates on their chosen ground, provided it is relevant ground (e.g. clearly related to and derived from a relevant passage/text and meeting the mark scheme requirements for the question). Components using point-based marking: Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer shows confusion. From this it follows that we: a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term). b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct. c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons…). d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used incorrectly.) e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities. f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted). g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However, spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion).
Mark scheme, page 4
0475/41 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 5 Introduction For general administrative guidance, see Notes for Examiners Handbook. All questions are marked out of 25. Assessment Objectives The Assessment Objectives are evenly weighted across each question. The assessment objectives for the paper are: AO1 show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts, supported by reference to the text AO2 understand the meanings of literary texts and their contexts, and explore texts beyond surface meaning to show a deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes AO3 recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure, and form to create and shape meanings and effects AO4 communicate a sensitive and informed personal response. The Band Descriptors cover marks from 0 to 25, and apply to the marking of each question. They guide examiners to an understanding of the qualities normally expected of, or typical of, work in a band. They are a means of general guidance, and must not be interpreted as hurdle statements. For the purposes of standardisation of marking, they are to be used in conjunction with the Practice and Standardisation scripts discussed during the coordination meeting and with Team Leaders, as well as the question-specific notes. The supplementary notes for each question are related to the assessment objectives above. Because of the nature of the subject, they are for general guidance; they are not designed as prescriptions of required content and must not be treated as such. The syllabus aims to encourage candidates to make some personal response in their reading. Whilst there are legitimate expectations of the content of most answers, examiners may see responses that include ideas not covered in the supplementary guidance. For these cases, examiners should credit valid responses fairly and not penalise candidates for including valid points outside the mark scheme.
Mark scheme, page 5
0475/41 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 5 BAND DESCRIPTOR TABLE Band 8 25 24 23 • demonstrates knowledge by incorporating well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair (AO1) • sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight (AO2) • responds sensitively and in considerable detail to the way the writer uses language to achieve effects (AO3) • sustains personal and evaluative engagement with task and text (AO4) Band 7 22 21 20 • demonstrates knowledge by integrating much well-selected reference to the • text (AO1) • shows a clear critical understanding of the text (AO2) • responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer uses language to achieve effects (AO3) • sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response (AO4) Band 6 19 18 17 • demonstrates knowledge by supporting with careful and relevant reference to the text (AO1) • shows a clear understanding of the text and some of its deeper implications (AO2) • makes a developed response to the way the writer uses language to achieve effects (AO3) • makes a well-developed, detailed and relevant personal response (AO4) Band 5 16 15 14 • demonstrates knowledge by showing some thoroughness in the use of • supporting evidence from the text (AO1) • shows understanding of the text and some of its deeper implications (AO2) • makes some response to the way the writer uses language (AO3) • makes a reasonably developed relevant personal response (AO4) Band 4 13 12 11 • demonstrates knowledge by using some supporting textual detail (AO1) • shows some understanding of meaning (AO2) • makes a little reference to the language of the text (AO3) • begins to develop a relevant personal response (AO4) Band 3 10 9 8 • demonstrates knowledge by making a little supporting reference to the text • (AO1) • makes some relevant comments (AO2) • shows a basic understanding of surface meaning of the text and language • (AO3) • attempts to communicate a basic personal response (AO4) Band 2 7 6 5 • demonstrates knowledge by making a little reference to the text (AO1) • makes a few straightforward comments (AO2) • shows a few signs of understanding the surface meaning of the text and • language (AO3) • some evidence of simple personal response (AO4) Band 1 4 3 2 1 • demonstrates knowledge by limited textual reference (AO1) • shows some limited understanding of simple/literal meaning (AO2) • a little awareness of surface meaning of text and language (AO3) • limited attempt to respond (AO4) Band 0 0 No answer/Insufficient to meet the criteria for Band 1.
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 Oct/Nov, Paper 4 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.