Cambridge O Level

* 6 0 2 6 2 0 1 3 2 5 *

ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1123/21

Paper 2 Reading May/June 2023

1 hour 45 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: Insert (enclosed)

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● Dictionaries are not allowed.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 50.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● The insert contains the reading passages.

This document has 8 pages.

DC (EF) 315309/2
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 2

Section 1: Reading for Ideas

Read Passage 1, Working from home, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

1 (a) Notes

Identify and write down the advantages of working from home and the disadvantages of
working from home, as outlined in the passage.

USE MATERIAL FROM PARAGRAPHS 2 TO 7 INCLUSIVE.

At this stage, you do not need to use your own words. Use note form. To help you get started,
the first point in each section of notes is done for you. You may find it helpful to use bullet
points when listing the content points.

You will be awarded up to 12 marks for content points.

Content Points

Advantages of working from home

• no time is spent travelling to and from work

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Disadvantages of working from home

• technology might let you down

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(b) Summary

Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the advantages of working from home
and the disadvantages of working from home, as outlined in the passage.

Use your own words as far as possible. You will be awarded marks for producing a piece of
writing which is relevant, well organised and easy to follow.

Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form). You are advised to write
between 150 and 180 words, including the 10 words given below.

Begin your summary as follows:

People working from home do not have to spend time ............................................................

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2 Re‑read paragraphs 1, 3 and 6, and write down one piece of advice given by the writer from each
of these paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 .....................................................................................................................................

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Paragraph 3 .....................................................................................................................................

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Paragraph 6 .....................................................................................................................................

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[Total: 25]

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Section 2: Reading for Meaning

Read Passage 2, The new fountain pen, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

From paragraph 1

3 (a) Why was Farris ‘becoming increasingly unhappy in his job’?

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(b) What did the advert claim?

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From paragraph 2

4 (a) Why do you think Mr Arsalan and his colleagues stared at Farris ‘in amazement’ when he
spoke?

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(b) One of Farris’s colleagues ‘ventured’ to speak out. Which one word used earlier in the
paragraph conveys this idea of ‘ventured’?

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(c) ‘“Well done, Farris,” announced Mr Arsalan coldly.’ Why did Mr Arsalan speak coldly?

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From paragraph 3

5 (a) Farris got through the meeting without ‘any of the anxiety that had plagued him’ since early
childhood. Explain in your own words how he had felt since early childhood.

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(b) In the past, what two physical changes would Farris have experienced after a confrontation
with Mr Arsalan?

(i) ...........................................................................................................................................

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(ii) ...........................................................................................................................................

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[2]

From paragraph 4

6 (a) Mr Benjamin said to Farris: ‘I was very struck by your analysis’ of the company’s objectives.
Explain in your own words Mr Benjamin’s reaction to what Farris had said at the meeting.

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(b) What was the ‘opportunity’ that would totally alter the course of Farris’s life?

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From paragraph 5

7 Give two reasons why the restaurant was ‘the best restaurant in town’.

(i) ...................................................................................................................................................

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(ii) ...................................................................................................................................................

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[2]

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From paragraph 6

8 (a) ‘Time stood still for Farris.’ What emotion do you think Farris was feeling?

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(b) Why did Farris give up his search for the fountain pen?

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9 From paragraphs 2–6

For each of the words below, circle the letter (A, B, C or D) which has the same meaning that the
word has in the passage.

(a) misgivings (line 16)

A decisions B ambitions C worries D strengths [1]

(b) repeatedly (line 21)

A constantly B calmly C certainly D clearly [1]

(c) shielded (line 28)

A helped B disguised C hidden D protected [1]

(d) generous (line 37)

A kind B wide C large D bold [1]

(e) yelled (line 41)

A asked B shouted C pronounced D muttered [1]

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10 Re‑read paragraphs 2 and 6, which contain phrases about (a) Mr Arsalan and (b) the taxi driver.

Give:

• the meaning of each phrase as it is used in the passage

• the effect of each phrase as it is used in the passage.

(a) ‘as usual, Mr Arsalan had plenty to say’ (line 9)

Meaning: ...................................................................................................................................

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Effect: ........................................................................................................................................

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[2]

(b) ‘the taxi driver accelerated back’ (line 42)

Meaning: ...................................................................................................................................

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Effect: ........................................................................................................................................

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[2]

[Total: 25]

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© UCLES 2023 1123/21/M/J/23