Cambridge International AS Level

ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER 8021/22

Paper 2 Comprehension May/June 2020
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

Published

Students did not sit exam papers in the June 2020 series due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.

This mark scheme is published to support teachers and students and should be read together with the
question paper. It shows the requirements of the exam. The answer column of the mark scheme shows the
proposed basis on which Examiners would award marks for this exam. Where appropriate, this column also
provides the most likely acceptable alternative responses expected from students. Examiners usually review
the mark scheme after they have seen student responses and update the mark scheme if appropriate. In the
June series, Examiners were unable to consider the acceptability of alternative responses, as there were no
student responses to consider.

Mark schemes should usually be read together with the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. However,
because students did not sit exam papers, there is no Principal Examiner Report for Teachers for the June
2020 series.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the June 2020 series for most Cambridge
IGCSE™ and Cambridge International A & AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 8 printed pages.

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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.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a) Considering only the advantages, in your opinion explain why 6

Thorsten and Susi might choose Moni Galli.

You should not refer to the other photographers.

Answer in about 60 words.

Credit any 6 of the following points or any other valid material.

Only one who has stated that she is fully qualified (1) so they can be
assured of a certain quality (1)
which is backed up by the fact that she is a member of professional bodies.
(1)
She gives money to an animal charity (1) which Susi would approve of as
Susi cares about nature (1)
and Thorsten is said to be caring too (1), doing charity work for Simsone. (1)
Moni works in a carbon-neutral way (1) and Susi wants to play her part in
protecting the environment. (1)
Moni states she can do both indoor and outdoor event photography (1)
which Hotel Luxus lends itself to with lots of varying venues within the
complex. (1)
As a quiet, thoughtful couple (1), they might appreciate that Moni is a quiet
person too (1) and like that she builds relationships with her clients (1)
and might like the fact that she will create meaningful images for them. (1)
The fees are the second cheapest (1) so would probably represent a
reasonable budget to them. (1)
Any relevant content above 60 words will not be credited.

6 × 1 or 3 × 2

1(b) Considering only the disadvantages, in your opinion explain why 6

Thorsten and Susi might reject Rafe Spitz.

You should not refer to the other photographers.

Answer in about 60 words.

Credit any 6 of the following points or any other valid material.

Rafe is only an amateur photographer (1) so the couple might worry about
his reliability. (1)
and Thorsten has to be professionally creative as a graphic designer himself
(1) so might not trust in Rafe’s untrained abilities. (1)
There is no mention of Rafe ever having undertaken such a commission
(1) so they might have no previous examples to look at. (1)
His rates are so low (1) that they might feel this reflects badly on him, (1)
especially as his work was poorly received, (1) implying that it was not good
enough to be on show in a public place. (1)
Any relevant content above 60 words will not be credited.
6 × 1 or 3 × 2

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Question Answer Marks

1(c) Considering the advantages and at least one disadvantage, explain 8

why the parents might choose Happy Ever After.

You should not refer to the other photographers.

Answer in continuous prose.

In assessing the answer award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly

expressed, of three or more relevant considerations that make use of
analytical skills and is balanced.
Credit any valid material. Candidates are at liberty to interpret any of the
data provided in other ways from those suggested below.
They are probably only going to get such an occasion once in their lives as
Thorsten and Susi have no siblings.
They want to push the boat out because of this and, as money seems to be
no object, they would not mind that Happy Ever After is the most expensive
choice.
The parents would also appreciate the fuss that the company would make of
the couple as they regard them as most special too.
It is the only one to mention engagements specifically as a speciality so a
smooth, slick operation is to be expected.
The facilities at the company’s disposal are the best available, plus mention
is made of the flash drives, photobooks and albums all being top quality.
Thorsten’s father would particularly appreciate the drone footage as he likes
being up in a hot air balloon and the weather forecast means that the drone
will be able to be flown so, for the people who can’t attend, film of the event
will be preferable as they could feel as if they had almost been there too,
and filming from the sky would make the most of the wonderful setting which
could outweigh the fact that the couple do not relish being in the limelight at
all as they are a reserved couple/ the couple might not be able to build up
much of a relationship with whoever turns up on the day to take photos as
there are so many in the company/ and the online reviewer could not even
name their photographer/ It is the most expensive option, but the couple do
not want anybody’s money wasted on their part/ but the parents might feel
they would put up with it for one day/ the children do try to please them with
their wishes

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Question Answer Marks

1(c) In assessing the answer, award marks for a coherent appraisal, clearly
expressed, of four or more relevant considerations (including balance) that
make use of analytical skills. See Level Table

Level Marks Description

4 9–10 • Comprehensive approach demonstrating ability to

identify and select relevant information, data,
concepts and opinions and maintain a strong focus
on the key issues.
• 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.
• Shows the ability to communicate clearly and
accurately in a fluent and organised manner.

3 6–8 • 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.
• Moderate range of arguments, analysis and
exemplification covering some of the main issues in
the question.
• Shows the ability to communicate clearly and
accurately in a fluent and organised manner.

2 3–5 • A modest range of selected points, perhaps some

of which are irrelevant or incorrect.
• Limited analysis shown in a response consisting of
mainly undeveloped material.
• Ability to convey meaning but with limited powers of
expression and with some errors in spelling,
punctuation or grammar, which impede the flow
and hinder communication.

1 1–2 • Limited range, dubious choice showing restricted

appreciation of key issues.
• Some simple, mainly unexplained or undeveloped
points or perhaps a very narrow range – with little
interpretation or analysis and little development or
exemplification.
• Ability to convey meaning but with limited powers of
expression and 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.

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Question Answer Marks

1(d) State which two pieces of the additional information provided would 2
have been least relevant when Thorsten, Susi and both sets of parents
were making their choice of photographer.

Point 7 (1) and point 9 (1)

1(e) Explain why you think that there is a desire in humans to keep images 3
of certain celebrations in their lives.

Credit 3 of the following points or any other valid material. (2 x 1 +1 or 3 x 1)

Celebrations are a means to create mementoes (1) of important stages
throughout a person’s life. (1)
Can be helpful through bad times to keep you optimistic (1) if you have a
record of happy times. (1)
People like to have triggers (1) to look back at their past/ reminisce/ to be
nostalgic/ to reconnect with the past, (1) to remember those who have since
passed. (1)

Question Answer Marks

2(a) From the material identify the words or phrases that mean the
following:

2(a)(i) have resisted the decline (paragraph 8) 1

have bucked the downward trend

2(a)(ii) succeed in achieving something difficult (paragraph 10) 1

pull off such a trick

2(a)(iii) a time when someone hits upon a discovery (paragraph 13) 1

a eureka moment

2(b) Describe Kevin Rushby’s nightmare vision of a British high street. 3

Answer in about 30 words

Credit any 3 of the following points.

Most shops are boarded up; (1) there is an increasing amount of takeaway
litter; (1) only a tattoo parlour provides entertainment; (1) the charity shops
have gone too. (1)
Any relevant content well above 30 words will not be credited.

2(c) Identify the usual solution offered in paragraph 4 to improve the 1

profitability of high street shops.

Higher spending can be generated by a diverse town centre which can

satisfy customer needs for the immediate purchase for the goods they want/
if it’s in stock, people might buy it. (1)

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Question Answer Marks

2(d) State the causes of this steep decline in high street retail, according to 2
one expert.

Answer using your own words as far as possible.

Expansion of supermarkets (1), retail parks located on edge of town (1),

online shopping (1), councils, trader and landlords hardly speaking to each
other (1), ease of shopping has become of primary importance. (1)

2(e) Regarding Beppe Lombardo,

2(e)(i) State the two factors that have ensured his success. 2

There was no good ice-cream in York when he arrived. (1) His high
standard of sociability and friendliness. (1)

2(e)(ii) Identify what could threaten his success. 1

If any more cafes and restaurants open up. (1)

2(f) Regarding Bishopthorpe Road, state:

2(f)(i) Three different features which contribute to its retail success. 3

Answer in about 30 words.

It has many elements that are on everyone’s wishlist / A handful of excellent

cafes and restaurants, hardware shop, chemist, baker, two greengrocers, a
couple of small supermarkets, pub, bike shop, delicatessen, and butcher/ It
has many of the shops necessary to sustain everyday life and to
entertainment. (1)
Most are independent. (1) Many have won awards. (1)
Any relevant content above 30 words will not be credited.

2(f)(ii) Three different reasons why it is a surprise that it is not in retail 3

decline.

Answer using your own words as far as possible.

it is not an attractive area, (1) modest accommodation, (1) the shops are not
special, (1) it would not normally attract visitors, (1) it’s not an area
exclusively for wealthy people. (1)

2(g) At the street party, identify the characteristic displayed by people 1

which suggested to Shrimpton that Bishopthorpe Road would survive.

So much good will

2(h) State the meaning of the following three words or phrases as they are
used in the material.

You may write each answer in one word or a short phrase.

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Question Answer Marks

2(h)(i) ‘traumatic’ (line 9) 1

.deeply/most/ very disturbing, distressing, upsetting, affecting (negatively);

harrowing, devastating

2(h)(ii) ‘to revive’ (line 38) 1

revitalize, regenerate, breathe fresh life into, give a new lease of life,
rejuvenate, resuscitate

2(h)(iii) ‘instrumental’ (line 55) 1

crucial, pivotal, key, essential, very important, very useful, effective

2(i) Use the words or phrases in Question 2 (h) in three separate 3

sentences to illustrate their meanings as used in the material.

Your sentences should not deal with the subject matter of the material.

She found it traumatic enough to leave home for the first time, let alone
leave behind all her family and friends too.
By making a television documentary, his aim was to revive interest in the
long-forgotten artworks of his grandfather and make him famous once
again.
Juan was very grateful to his teacher as the latter was instrumental in
helping him achieve the necessary grades in order for him to go to his
chosen university

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