Cambridge International AS Level

ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER 8021/23

Paper 2 Comprehension October/November 2022
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 International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 9 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) According to Thomas’ point of view, explain why some employees      10
might prefer working from home.

Answer in continuous prose.

They might like not having to commute because transport can be unreliable
and this can make commuting stressful
Therefore, can save money by not paying for their transport and yet their
salary stays the same, so they are better off than working in the office.
Commuting time can be used for working so they can start work earlier and
therefore finish earlier.
Lunchtime can include getting out into nature/ going for a walk and this can be
beneficial for health.
They can make their own lunch which can be quicker and allowing them to
spend more time working.
Making lunch at home is cheaper than buying near work and this can save
money.
Technology is available to make this work e.g., video conferencing for
meeting and keeping in touch can be done via weekly meetings so
employees don’t feel left out.
If they have a well-equipped office, they will not need to have to add too
much equipment / the space to work is already there.
In assessing each answer award marks look for a coherent appraisal, clearly
expressed, of four or more relevant considerations that makes use of
analytical skill.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a)

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.

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Question Answer Marks

1(b) Explain four disadvantages that Louisa, as an employee, could use to 8

express her doubts about working from home.

People might be disparate / feel isolated / lonely(1) and lose a sense of

working together / common goal (1) opportunities to try out ideas /
brainstorm / network face to face is lost. (1) MAX 2

Parents (women) with childcare / domestic responsibilities will find it difficult

(1)may be discriminated against/ feel things are unfair. (1)

Homeworking is not as structured as an office (1) everyone will be doing

different things at different times of the day. (1)

Only those who constantly engage with their bosses (1) may get promoted.
(1)

People may not take work seriously (1) if they are working from their kitchen
/ could get distracted. (1)

Technology may sometimes be unreliable (1) causing frustration / lower

productivity. (1)

There is no need to get dressed up / which may give a sense of purpose /

make you feel you professional / helps switch onto work (1) which could
lead to complacency.

1(c)(i) Finex hopes to encourage most of its employees to work from home 3
so it can close its large office building in the city centre and rent a
smaller one.

In your own opinion, explain why Finex still wants to keep a small
office open in the city centre.

Do not repeat any material used in 1(a).

The overheads on a small office will be a lot less (1) and this impact positive
on a company’s profits (1)
This allows meetings to happen with clients/business meetings face to face
when necessary. (1)
It keeps a presence in the city (1) which could be good for future business.
(1)
Competitors may have a presence (1) and there is a need to keep up with
them. (1)
An company office might get a better IT service from an IT provider (1) than
an individual at home. (1)
Allow any other plausible suggestion.

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Question Answer Marks

1(c)(ii) Explain two ways Finex’s board of directors can ensure its employees 4
work effectively from home.

Do not repeat any material used in 1(a).

They can use software package keyboard activity (1) to check an employee
is actually working at a computer. (1)
They can monitor deadlines to see if employees are meeting them (1) and
discipline accordingly if they miss them. (1)
They can check search history (1) to ensure employees are not on illegal/
irrelevant websites. (1)
Job descriptions can be amended(1) to take into account new working
practices. (1)
They could reinforce health and safety messages through training (1) e.g. the
importance of regular breaks and exercise. (1)
Credit any other valid points.

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Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) Referring to lines 1 to 18, identify two pieces of evidence in the material 2
that shows climbing at The Arch is a popular activity.

The crowd (at the Arch). (1)

(the climbing wall) is packed. (1)
There are scores of people (mill around/hanging around). (1)

2(a)(ii) Referring to lines 1 to 18, identify the three pieces of evidence showing 3
that the atmosphere at The Arch is positive.

Answer in your own words as far as possible.

Visitors / participants are talking to one another. (1)

Participants are not pushing in. (1)
They are cheering on (each other). (1)
The atmosphere is friendlier. (1)

2(a)(iii) Referring to lines 1 to 18, identify the two reasons why young 2
professionals prefer rock climbing to going to the gym.

Answer in your own words as far as possible.

They like to relax after a day in the office. (1)

it is friendlier option. (1)
than running on a machine / lifting weights (at the gym). (1)

2(b)(i) Explain the meaning of the following phrase as used in the passage: 1
bringing it into the mainstream

making something part of everyday life

2(b)(ii) Explain the meaning of the following phrase as used in the passage: 1
selling out

betraying principles / going against roots

2(b)(iii) Explain the meaning of the following word as used in the passage: 1
recanted

abandoned belief

2(b)(iv) Explain the meaning of the following word as used in the passage: 1
Boycott

refuse to go, embargo, avoid, spurn, pass up, not go to

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Question Answer Marks

2(c) According to the material, suggest why sports like rock climbing and 3
skateboarding are not typical Olympic sports.

Answer in about 30 words.

They are counter cultural and have anti-establishment roots (1)

they are not the mainstream (1)
They are more art than sport so not suitable for the games (1)
These are extreme sports (1)

Any relevant content above 30 words should not be considered as part of

the answer.

2(d)(i) Identify a word or phrases in the passage that means the same as 1
adorn.

FESTOON

2(d)(ii) Identify a word or phrases in the passage that means the same as 1
honest.

FRANK

2(e) Explain why the International Olympic Committee has added new sports 2
such as skateboarding and surfing to future Olympic Games.

Answer in your own words as far as possible.

It wishes to attract (1)

a new audience of more youthful people (1)
who are not so knowledgeable about traditional (Olympic) sports (1)
for example, track and field, weightlifting and horse riding. (1)

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2(f) Using the information in the material and your own knowledge, state 3
three reasons why the sportsmen, previously against surfing and
climbing becoming Olympic sports, are now hoping to become
Olympians.

Material
They excel at what they do (1)
They want to be world class/ they want global/world recognition  / want to be
the best in the world(1)

Own knowledge
They would like the satisfaction of winning Olympic medals (1)
They may be patriotic (1) want to stand on a podium and hear national
anthem (1)
They might want the adulation that goes with an Olympic competition/win (1)
They do not want pride to get in the way of competing (1)
They could attract sponsorship (1) and increase their earning potential (1)
As professionals, they would see as part of their job (1) and they need to enter
competitions such as this (1)
Not entering the competition might be perceived as the wrong thing to do by
fans or current sponsors (1)

Credit any other valid response.

2(g)(i) Using your own knowledge, suggest why some countries may choose 2
to host large sporting events such as the Olympic Games or the
football World Cup.

It is an opportunity for the world to see the country/global stage (1)

Sport can be a form of soft power (1) and attract visitors who will generate
income (for the host country) (1)
It gives a country a reason to improve sports facilities (1)
The might be a legacy of sport/ locals could use the facilities afterwards(1)
and promote a healthy lifestyle amongst population (1)
Credit any other valid point

2(g)(ii) Using your own knowledge, suggest what might be the challenges of 2
hosting a large sporting event, such as the Olympic Games, for a
country.

Answer in about 30 words.

It can be prohibitively expensive to host (1) due to the building of stadia etc
(1)
Completing such extensive facilities on time can be difficult (1)
There needs to be security for athletes and dignitaries (1)
There will be lots pressure on transport infrastructure will be needed for
everyone (1)
Credit any other valid point.

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