Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education

FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH 0500/21

Paper 2 Reading Passages (Extended) October/November 2016
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

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 will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2016 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.

IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.

This document consists of 12 printed pages.

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All Examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated. Nonetheless, the content must be clearly related to and derived from the passage.

Question 1

This question tests reading assessment objectives R1 to R3 (15 marks)

R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings

R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R3 analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions

and writing assessment objectives W1 to W4 (5 marks)

W1 articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined

W2 sequence facts, ideas and opinions
W3 use a range of appropriate vocabulary
W4 use register appropriate to audience and context

You are a newspaper reporter. Following Selkirks rescue from the island, you investigate the
events surrounding his abandonment and the sinking of the ship. You interview Stradling,
Selkirk and other surviving members of the crew, in order to write a newspaper report.

Write your newspaper report.

In your newspaper report you should:

describe the events leading to Selkirk being left alone on the island and the ship setting
sail
explain how Selkirk managed to survive for so long alone and how his feelings changed
suggest how far those involved in the events could be blamed.

Base your newspaper report on what you have read in Passage A, but be careful to use your
own words. Address each of the three bullet points.

Begin your newspaper report with this headline: Castaway found alive!

Write about 250 to 350 words.

Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 5 marks for the qua lity of
your writing. [20]

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General notes

Candidates should select ideas from the passage (see pages 6 and 7) and develop them relevantly,
supporting what they write with details from the passage. Look for an appropriate register for the
genre, and a clear and balanced response which covers the three areas of the question, is well
sequenced, and is in the candidates own words.

Annotate A1 for references to events leading to Selkirk being left alone on the island and the ship
setting sail
Annotate A2 for references to how Selkirk managed to survive for so long alone and how his feelings
changed
Annotate A3 for references to how far those involved in the events could be blamed.

Responses might use the following ideas:

A1: describe the events leading to Selkirk being left alone on the island and the ship setting sail

In search of treasure (det. pirates, October 1703) [dev. sense of adventure]

Order to sail onwards (det. near/past/from a remote island, South Seas) [dev. Stradling
captain / in charge]
Crew advised by Selkirk to refuse / said ship would sink (det. ship infested with
woodworm, leaked) [dev. was unseaworthy, they would drown]
Physical fight between Stradling and Selkirk (det. Stradling mocked, Selkirk hit him)
Stradling left Selkirk on an island to perish (det. remote, belongings unloaded from the ship;
punishment for inciting mutiny) [dev. worried others might agree with Selkirk]
Selkirk begged for forgiveness (det. in water pleading) [dev. Selkirk desperate]

A2: explain how Selkirk managed to survive for so long alone and how his feelings changed

Had his belongings (det. sea chest, spare clothes, bedding, gun with ammunition) [dev.
comfort / protection]
Found food / edible resources of the island (det. fish, pimentos, watercress) [dev. could eat
well and stay healthy / strong]
Stayed active (det. stopped him getting depressed) [dev. came to appreciate what he did
have, accepted his fate]
Built a shelter (det. glade, steep climb, wooded mountains) [dev. offered protection from
elements / attack / good view to keep a lookout for rescue]
Fresh water available (det. fast , clear stream) [dev. avoid disease / could wash and drink
safely]
He was resourceful (det. grilled fish in embers of fire, used pimentos to flavour food ,
gathered supplies) [dev. instinct to survive , logical/ pragmatic approach]
He learnt to appreciate the beauty of the place / was no longer afraid (det. hummingbirds,
fragile ferns) [dev. lost his fear of the wild / learnt to appreciate the beauty]

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A3: suggest how far those involved in the events could be blamed.

Selkirk was not to blame (for the most part)

Right about the ship (det. off Peruvian coast, one month later, it sank) [dev. allowed him to
survive]
Selkirks anger / physical violence (det. using fists) [dev. had a short temper, (easily)
provoked, passionate defence]
Selkirk spoke to crew not captain / disobeyed the captain (det. he was a crew member) [dev.
knew he was undermining him, concern for others, brave]

Stradling to blame (mitigated to an extent)

refused to listen / ignored Selkirks warning (det. justified as the ship was leaking and it sank
a month later) [dev. greedy / arrogant / self-centred]
Stradling showed no mercy / wanted to punish / felt justified (det. said he wanted Selkirk to
die there, ignored his begging and promises to obey him) [dev. vindictive / bully; example for
the others]
Stadling did not care for the lives of his crew members (det. only 31 of them survived)
[dev. made sure he was safely on a life raft; captain did not go down with his ship, responsible
for what happened]
Role as captain (incompetent / pirate) (det. ship not well-maintained) [dev. irresponsible,
feared mutiny]

Crew partially to blame

Other members of the crew did not support or consider Selkirks warning despite evidence
(det. boat was leaking) [dev. put finding treasure before their own safety , didnt respect
Selkirks opinion, frightened of the captain]
Crew members reacted without compassion (det. actively pushed Selkirk back from small
boats as he tried to get on board) [dev. took some pleasure in his punishment, afraid of
Stradling]

The discriminator is the development of the writers opinions and use of the evidence to create an
interesting newspaper report, as this requires candidates to draw inferences. Ideas and opinions must
be derived from the passage, developing the implications.

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Marking Criteria for Question 1

Table A, Reading:
Use the following table to give a mark out of 15 for Reading.

Band 1 1315 The response reveals a thorough reading of the passage. Developed ideas
are sustained and well related to the passage. A wide range of ideas is
applied. There is supporting detail throughout, which is well integrated into
the response, contributing to a strong sense of purpose and approach. All
three bullets are well covered. A consistent and convincing voice is used.

Band 2 1012 The response demonstrates a competent reading of the passage. A good
range of ideas is evident. Some ideas are developed, but the ability to sustain
them may not be consistent. There is frequent, helpful supporting detail,
contributing to a clear sense of purpose. All three bullets are covered. An
appropriate voice is used.

Band 3 79 The passage has been read reasonably well. A range of straightforward
ideas is offered. Opportunities for development are rarely taken. Supporting
detail is present but there may be some mechanical use of the passage.
There is uneven focus on the bullets. The voice is plain.

Band 4 46 There is some evidence of general understanding of the main ideas,

although the response may be thin or in places lack focus on the passage or
the question. Some brief, straightforward reference to the passage is made
.There may be some reliance on lifting from the text. One of the bullets may
not be addressed. The voice might be inappropriate.

Band 5 13 The response is either very general, with little reference to the passage, or a
reproduction of sections of the original. Content is either insubstantial or
unselective. There is little realisation of the need to modify material from the
passage.

Band 6 0 There is little or no relevance to the question or to the passage.

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Table B: Writing: Structure and order, style of language

Use the following table to give a mark out of 5 for Writing.

Band 1 5 The language of the response sounds convincing and consistently appropriate.
Ideas are firmly expressed in a wide range of effective and/or interesting
language. Structure and sequence are sound throughout.

Band 2 4 Language is mostly fluent and there is clarity of expression. There is a sufficient
range of vocabulary to express ideas with subtlety and precision. The response
is mainly well structured and well sequenced.

Band 3 3 Language is clear but comparatively plain and/or factual, expressing little
opinion. Ideas are rarely extended, but explanations are adequate. Some
sections are quite well sequenced but there may be flaws in structure.

Band 4 2 There may be some awkwardness of expression and some inconsistency of

style. Language is too limited to express shades of meaning. There is structural
weakness and there may be some copying from the passage.

Band 5 1 Expression and structure lacks clarity. Language is weak and undeveloped.
There is very little attempt to explain ideas. There may be frequent copying from
the original.

Band 6 0 The response cannot be understood.

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Question 2

This question tests Reading Objective R4 (10 marks):

R4 demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects

Re-read the descriptions of:

(a) Selkirks surroundings and how they make him feel in paragraph 4, beginning All courage
left him

(b) The island at night in paragraph 5, beginning The sun dipped down

Select four words or phrases from each paragraph. Your choices should include
imagery. Explain how each word or phrase selected is used effectively in the context.

Write about 200 to 300 words.

Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer.

[10]

General notes

This question is marked for the ability to select powerful or unusual words and for an understanding of
ways in which the language is effective. Expect responses to provide words (listed in the mark scheme
on page 10) that carry connotations additional to general meaning.

Mark holistically for the overall quality of the response, not for the number of words chosen, bearing in
mind that there should be a range of choices to demonstrate an understanding of how language works
for the higher bands, and that this should include the ability to explain images. It is the quality of the
analysis that attracts marks. Do not take marks off for inaccurate statements; simply ignore them.

The following notes are a guide to what good responses might say about the selections. They can
make any sensible comment, but only credit those that are relevant to the correct meanings of the
words in the context and that have some validity. Alternative acceptable explanations should be
credited. Credit comments on effects created by non-vocabulary choices such as grammar/syntax and
punctuation devices. They must be additional to comments on vocabulary.

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(a) Selkirks surroundings and how they make him feel in paragraph 4, beginning All courage left
him

The general effect is one of isolation and fear. Selkirk feels trapped and imprisoned by the
sea and cannot escape.

Stretched out endlessly: the sea is flat and huge, infinite, seeming to go on for ever,
emphasises his isolation.
Thinly-pencilled line (of the horizon) (image): skyline is flat, horizon appears indistinct,
sketchy, only faintly visible; nothing between him and the horizon and nothing beyond it; no
sign of civilisation or hope.
(Once) beckoned freedom and fortune (image): the sea used to offer opportunities and
riches, as if calling him for adventure; romanticised view of the sea.
Locked him in (image): he cannot escape; trapped and imprisoned by the sea; sea has
become his gaoler.
Prison (image): the island limits his freedom, solitary confinement.
A man without a voice (image): unable to speak or express himself; no one to hear his
voice; emphasises feelings of helplessness, can do nothing to help himself; as if part of
himself is missing.
Like a billowing sail: wind in the ships sails, representing hope of rescue, reminds him of
the ship he needs to escape and the exhilaration of sailing
Trapped in the bay: caught, cornered, can go no further, the surrounding cliffs make the bay
seem like a cage to him.

(b) The island at night in paragraph 5, beginning The sun dipped down

The general effect is one of nightmares and terror; the island and its inhabitants seem hostile
and threatening in the dark of the night.

(The sun dipped down, the air cooled,) the mountain darkened: night is approaching, the
sense of foreboding, like a massive looming presence.
Moon cut a path (image): the light of the moon on the ocean, eerie and beautiful at the
same time, teasing him with an escape route.
(Seals howled) Monsters of the deep: frightening, werewolf / mythical sea creatures
transformed by the night sound terrifying and mysterious.
(seemed quiet. Then it started again,) a croak, a howl: mysterious and sudden noises
seem to come from the dark and terrify him.
Dancing shadows of night (image): his imagination creates figures moving in the dark, as
if celebrating or mocking him and his fear of the night.
Hostile presence (sensed his every move) (image): an undefined enemy, unfriendly
manifestation; as if being watched; a sense of mystery and terror is created; feels threatened
by the unknown.
Wind surged: sudden increase in the power of the wind, emphasises power of wind moving
forwards and upwards.
Swished and crashed: onomatopoeic effect of wind on the trees, sweeping them upwards
and then dashing them to the ground; emphasises destructive power of the wind.

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Marking Criteria for Question 2

Table A, Reading: Language analysis:

Use the following table to give a mark out of 10 for Reading.

Band 1 910 Wide ranging and closely focused discussion of language with some high quality
comments that add associations to words in both parts of the question, and
demonstrate the writers reasons for using them. Tackles imagery with some
precision and imagination. There is clear evidence that the candidate
understands how language works.

Band 2 78 Explanations are given of appropriately selected words and phrases, and effects
are identified in both parts of the question. Images are recognised as such and
the response goes some way to explaining them. There is some evidence that
the candidate understands how language works.

Band 3 56 A satisfactory attempt is made to identify appropriate words and phrases. The
response mostly gives meanings of words and any attempt to suggest and
explain effects is basic, vague or very general. One half of the question may be
better answered than the other.

Band 4 34 The response provides a mixture of appropriate choices and words that
communicate less well. The response may correctly identify linguistic or literary
devices but not explain why they are used. Explanations of meaning may be few,
general, slight or only partially effective. They may repeat the language of the
original or do not refer to specific words.

Band 5 12 The choice of words is insufficient or rarely relevant. Any comments are
inappropriate and the response is very thin.

Band 6 0 The response does not relate to the question. Inappropriate words and phrases
are chosen or none are selected.

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Question 3

This question tests reading assessment objectives R1, R2 and R5 (15 marks)
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R5 select for specific purposes

and writing assessment objectives W1 to W3 (5 marks)

W1 articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2 sequence facts, ideas and opinions
W3 use a range of appropriate vocabulary

(a) Notes

According to Passage B, why are ships broken up and what makes the process so
dangerous?

Write your answer using short notes. Write one point per line.

You do not need to use your own words.

Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer. [15]

(b) Summary

Now use your notes from Question 3(a) to write a summary of why ships are broken up
and what makes the process so dangerous, according to Passage B.

You must use continuous writing (not note form) and use your own words as far as
possible.

Your summary should include all 15 of your points in Question 3(a) and must be 200 to
250 words.

Up to 5 marks are available for the quality of your writing. [5]

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Reading content for Question 3(a)

Give 1 mark per point listed below, up to a maximum of 15.

Why are ships broken up, and what makes the process so dangerous

Give 1 mark for a point about:

1. (Men) tear apart ships with their bare hands / use their bare hands / lack of protective
equipment for hands
2. Do not let outsiders in (anymore) / secrecy surrounds the industry
3. Explosion(s) / spark(s) igniting fuel (allow gas or diesel) / risk of fire / torch igniting gas
4. (Owners) put profits above safety / poor attitude to safety
5. Ageing ships expensive to maintain / old ships unprofitable to operate / a ships lifespan is 25-
30 years
6. Steel (body) is valuable / steel (hulk) is melted down (for use in construction) / metal hulk is
valuable / steel carcass is melted down
7. Debris can fall on people / sections fall from the ships
8. Its the only way of disposing of ships
9. Not designed to be taken apart / designed to withstand extreme forces
10. Constructed with toxic materials / constructed with asbestos and lead
11. The ships materials are recycled / (more than) 90% is recyclable
12. Liquids are resold / diesel fuel and engine oil resold
13. Machinery stripped / fittings removed / parts are sold to salvage dealers [accept any
example(s) e.g. copper wiring sold]
14. Unskilled workers / young workers / inexperienced workers / untrained workers
15. (Risk of) serious injury / scars, missing fingers and blindness (accept any two) / range of
different injuries [n.b. (risk of) injury on its own is insufficient needs an example]
16. Workers can fall from heights / working at heights / falling from heights / no safety harnesses

Notes:

Only one point per numbered bullet in an answer can be credited.

Additional incorrect information negates.
Credit responses in 3a which convey the essence of the point.

Although lifting of words and phrases from the passage is acceptable, candidates should show
evidence of understanding and selection by clearly focusing on the key details.

Over-lengthy lifting (e.g. of whole sections containing a number of points) should not be credited.

Where errors of grammar / spelling seriously affect the accuracy of an idea, the point should not be
awarded.

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Marking Criteria for Question 3(b)

Table A, Writing (concision, focus, use of own words):

Use the following table to give a mark out of 5 for Writing.

Band 1 5 The response is well focused on the passage and the question. All points are
expressed clearly, concisely and fluently, and in the candidates own words
(where appropriate) throughout.

Band 2 4 The summary is mostly focused but may have a redundant introduction or
conclusion.
Most points are made clearly and concisely. Own words (where appropriate) are
used consistently.

Band 3 3 There may be occasional loss of focus or clarity. There are some areas of
concision. Own words (where appropriate) are used for most of the summary.
Responses may be list-like or not well sequenced.

Band 4 2 The summary is sometimes focused. It may lack some clarity. It may include
comment, repetition, unnecessarily long explanation or lifted phrases.

Band 5 1 The summary is unfocused or wordy. It may be answered in the wrong form (e.g.
narrative, commentary or as notes) or lack clarity. There may be frequent lifting
of phrases and sentences.

Band 6 0 Excessive lifting; no focus. The response cannot be understood or consists

entirely of the words of the passage.

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