Cambridge O Level

SECOND LANGUAGE URDU 3248/01

Paper 1 Reading and Writing For examination from 2024
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

Specimen

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
SPECIMEN from 2024

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 descriptions 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 descriptions for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptions 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 descriptions.
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 descriptions in mind.

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
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This component tests the following assessment objectives (AOs):

AO1: Reading

R1 identify and select relevant information

R2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
R3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
R4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, writer’s purpose, intention and feelings

AO2: Writing

W1 communicate information/ideas/opinions/key points clearly, accurately and effectively

W2 organise ideas into coherent paragraphs using a range of appropriate linking devices
W3 manipulate the target language accurately to use appropriate examples of grammatical structures
and vocabulary in context
W4 show control of punctuation and spelling
W5 use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and audience

Overview of exercises on Paper 1

Exercise Task type Reading Marks for Writing Marks for Total
objectives Reading objectives Writing available
tested objectives tested objectives marks
1 Short answer R1, R2, R3, 8 8
reading R4
2 Multiple matching R1, R2, R3 9 9
3 Note-making R1, R2, R3, 9 9
R4
4 Summary R2, R3 4 W1, W2, 6 10
W3, W4, W5
5 Writing exercise W1, W2, 14 14
W3, W4, W5
Total 50
marks

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
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Exercise 1

Question Answer Marks

1 1

2 1

3 1

4 2

5 2

6 1

Exercise 2

Question Answer Marks

7 B 1
8 C 1
9 A 1
10 D 1
11 B 1
12 A 1
13 C 1
14 D 1
15 C 1

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
SPECIMEN from 2024

Exercise 3

Question Answer Marks

16 2

17 3

18 2

19 2

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
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Exercise 4

Question Answer Marks

20 10

Both aspects of the question should be equally addressed. 2 marks + 2 marks

Award up to 10 marks, with up to 4 marks for content and up to 6 marks for

accurate and concise language.

Content:

4 marks
Makes four clear points that answer the question.

3 marks
Makes some clear points that answer the question.

2 marks
Makes one or two points relevant to the question.

1 mark
Content has limited relevance to the question.

0 marks
No creditable response.

Language:

6 marks
Very good attempt to use own words and to organise and sequence points
cohesively. A concise summary.
Wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, used accurately.
Assured control of punctuation and spelling.

5 marks
Good attempt to use own words and to organise and sequence points
cohesively.
Good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, used accurately.
Good control of punctuation and spelling.

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
SPECIMEN from 2024

Question Answer Marks

20 4 marks
Reasonable attempt to use own words and to organise and sequence points
cohesively.
A range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, used mostly accurately.
Some inaccuracies of punctuation and spelling but these do not obscure
meaning.

3 marks
Some reliance on language from the text, but with an attempt to organise and
sequence points.
Satisfactory use of language, although sometimes inaccuracies obscure the
meaning.

2 marks
Mainly reliant on language from the text with no attempt to organise and
sequence points cohesively.
Inaccuracies of vocabulary, grammatical structures, punctuation and spelling
make the meaning frequently unclear.

1 mark
Copying entirely from text with little or no use of own words.
Multiple language inaccuracies.

0 marks
No creditable response.

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
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Exercise 5

Question Answer Marks

21 Award up to 6 marks for content and up to 8 marks for the style and accuracy 14
of language.

Content:
(2 marks for each point. This could be either two separate points or a point
and an elaboration of the same point.)

Indicative content:
• when and where did this incident take place
• how did you help the stranger
• how did the stranger thank you

Table A

Content: relevance and development of ideas

Level Description Marks
3 • Fulfils the task, with appropriate register and a good 5–6
sense of purpose and audience.
• Ideas are well developed and communicated
effectively at appropriate length.
• Effectively organised and coherent.
2 • Fulfils the task, with mostly relevant points. The 3–4
register may not be consistent. Demonstrates a
reasonable sense of purpose and audience.
• Although ideas are adequately developed,
communication is sometimes unclear.
• Generally well organised and coherent.
1 • Limited engagement with the task, with few relevant 1–2
points. Inappropriate register and insufficient
awareness of purpose and/or audience.
• There is some attempt at development of ideas,
although in places this is incomplete and/or repetitive.
• Organisation may lack coherence.
0 • No creditable response. 0

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3248/01 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme For examination
SPECIMEN from 2024

Question Answer Marks

21 Table B

Language: style and accuracy

Level Description Marks
4 • Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex 7–8
structures consistently and appropriately.
• Consistently appropriate style and register. Uses
well-constructed and linked paragraphs.
• High level of accuracy with excellent control of
language. There may be a few minor errors.
3 • Uses a range of vocabulary and structures mostly 5–6
appropriately.
• Appropriate style and register. Uses well-constructed
paragraphs.
• Mostly accurate with good control of language. Any
errors do not impede meaning.
2 • Uses a limited range of vocabulary and mainly simple 3–4
structures. Some successful attempts to use more
ambitious vocabulary.
• Some attempt to use appropriate style and register.
Some attempt to group ideas into paragraphs.
• Uses simple structures with some control of
language. Inaccuracies occur when attempting more
ambitious language. Meaning is generally clear.
1 • Uses basic vocabulary and simple structures. 1–2
• Style and register may be inconsistent or
inappropriate. Limited or no use of paragraphs.
• Limited control of language. Meaning is sometimes in
doubt.
0 • No creditable response. 0

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