Example Candidate Responses

Paper 1
Cambridge IGCSE™ / IGCSE (9-1)
First Language English 0500 / 0990
For examination from 2020

Version 1
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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................4

Question 1.........................................................................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – high............................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – middle........................................................................................................................9
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................12

Question 2.......................................................................................................................................................................16
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................16
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................19
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................23

Question 3.......................................................................................................................................................................26
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................26
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................30
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................32
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge IGCSE / IGCSE (9-1) First
Language English 0500 / 0990, and to show how different levels of candidates’ performance (high, middle or low)
relate to the subject’s curriculum and assessment objectives.
In this booklet, candidate responses have been chosen from March 2020 scripts to exemplify a range of answers.
For each question, the response is annotated with a clear explanation of where and why marks were awarded or
omitted. This is followed by examiner comments on how the answer could have been improved. In this way, it is
possible for you to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and what they could do to improve their
answers. There is also a list of common mistakes candidates made in their answers, where relevant.
This document provides illustrative examples of candidate work with some examiner commentary. These help
teachers assess the standard required to achieve marks beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Therefore, in
some circumstances, such as where exact answers are required, there will not be much comment.
The questions and mark schemes used here are taken from:

March 2020 Question Paper 12

March 2020 Paper 12 Mark Schemes

Past exam resources and other teaching and learning resources are available on the School Support Hub:
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support

4
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

How to use this booklet

Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1
This booklet goes through the paper one question at a time, showing you the high-, middle- or low-level response for
Question 1
each question. The candidate answers are set in a table. In the left-hand column are the candidate answers, and in
the right-hand column are the examiner comments.
Question 1
Example Candidate
Example CandidateResponse
Response– Question
– high 1, high Examiner comments
Examiner comments

Example Candidate Response – high 1 Text A explains

Examiner comments that National
Doctors’ Day is ‘meant to bring
attention to thethat
1 Text A explains service
National of all
Doctors’ Day
doctors’. is ‘meant
This answerto bring
correctly
attention to ‘What
identifies the service of all
is meant to be
1 doctors’. This answer correctly
the purpose?’. The
identifies ‘What is meant to beadditional
1 comment
the purpose?’. giving the opinion of
The additional
the writer/narrator
comment is not
giving the opinion of required,
although it canisbe
the writer/narrator nottolerated
required, as it
although
does not it can be tolerated
negate as it
understanding of
does not negate understanding of
2
2 the intended purpose
the intended purpose of the day.
of the day.
Mark
Mark forfor(a)(a)= 1=out
1 of
out1 of 1

Thisresponse
22 This response covers covers
both both
strands ofof
strands meaning.
meaning. It explains
It explains
the doctors’ ‘contribution’ through
3 the
Examiner doctors’
comments ‘contribution’
are through
3 the example of the treatment they
the
offerexample
alongside andtheshows of
answers. theThese
understandingtreatment
of they
offer
explain andhealth’
where
‘individual shows
and why understanding
marksto
as referring of
Answers are by real candidates in exam conditions. ‘individual
everyone’s health’
wellness.
were awarded. This helps you as referring to
Mark for (b)(i) =
everyone’s 2 out of 2
wellness.
These show you the types of answers for each level. to interpret the standard of
Discuss and analyse the answers with your learners in Mark
Cambridge for (b)(i)
exams = 2you
so outcanof 2
3 ‘To reflect on’ is clearly
the classroom to improve their skills. 4 help explained
your learners to refine
as ‘to think about’. The
their3idea‘To
exam reflect
technique.
of ‘wellbeing’ on’ is clearly
is explained as
4 explained
‘health’, dealing as with
‘to think about’.
one aspect of The
idea of ‘wellbeing’
the second strand of meaningis explained
in as
this quotation.
‘health’, The opportunity
dealing with oneisaspect of
How the candidate could have improved their answer missed to include the candidate’s
the second strand of meaning in
own words for ‘doctors’. There
• Although the candidate scored full marks for this question, by adding extra, unnecessary this quotation.
information
is just enough evidence The
in opportunity is
short-
of
answer questions, they ran the risk of negating and/or diluting evidence of understanding missed
understanding to include
award the candidate’s
and was toself-penalising the mark
own
for thiswords
secondfor ‘doctors’.
strand of meaning.There
in terms of the extra time it took to include it. Providing only the information required by the
Mark question was likely to
is justforenough
(b)(ii) = 2 evidence
out of 2 of
be a far more efficient use of examination time.
understanding to award the mark
4 The candidate clearly identifies
for this second strand of meaning.
two
theways
This section explains howMark forthat
candidate doctors’
(b)(ii) = 2attitudes
could
their work might be affected, using
out of 2 to
have improved each answer. This helps
the bullets to helpyou focus totheir
interpret the standard of Cambridge exams and
The candidate clearly identifies
4response.
helps your learners to refine Mark
two their
ways exam
for (c) = technique.
2 out
that of 2
doctors’ attitudes to
their work might be affected, using
the bullets to help focus their
response.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question Mark for (c) = 2 out of 2
• Less effective responses to the Comprehension task included those with diluted evidence of understanding. For
example, through adding extra guesses in their responses to (a–e), or offering circular answers, repeating the
language of the question where the use of the candidate’s own words was required.

Often candidates were not awarded Lists the common mistakes candidates made
marks because they misread or in answering each question. This will help your
misinterpreted the questions. learners to avoid these mistakes and give them
the best chance of achieving the available marks.
6

5
6
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Question 1

Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments

1 Text A explains that National

Doctors’ Day is ‘meant to bring
attention to the service of all
doctors’. This answer correctly
identifies ‘What is meant to be
1
the purpose?’. The additional
comment giving the opinion of
the writer/narrator is not required,
although it can be tolerated as it
does not negate understanding of
2 the intended purpose of the day.
Mark for (a) = 1 out of 1

2 This response covers both

strands of meaning. It explains
the doctors’ ‘contribution’ through
3 the example of the treatment they
offer and shows understanding of
‘individual health’ as referring to
everyone’s wellness.
Mark for (b)(i) = 2 out of 2

3 ‘To reflect on’ is clearly

4 explained as ‘to think about’. The
idea of ‘wellbeing’ is explained as
‘health’, dealing with one aspect of
the second strand of meaning in
this quotation. The opportunity is
missed to include the candidate’s
own words for ‘doctors’. There
is just enough evidence of
understanding to award the mark
for this second strand of meaning.
Mark for (b)(ii) = 2 out of 2

4 The candidate clearly identifies

two ways that doctors’ attitudes to
their work might be affected, using
the bullets to help focus their
response.
Mark for (c) = 2 out of 2

6
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

5 This answer clearly identifies

the two ways in which hospitals
could make things better for
5 doctors (reducing the time worked
and reducing the number of
patients).
Mark for (d)(i) = 2 out of 2

6 The candidate is guided by the

number of marks for the question
6 to cover all three aspects of why
doctors can find it hard to ask for
help, according to paragraphs 3
and 4 of Text A.
Mark for (d)(ii) = 3 out of 3

7 This answer evidences

7
understanding of gratitude, for
example, it does not mean that
all doctors can have a day off and
that all doctors get is a ‘working
lunch’. All three key ideas are
covered in the candidate’s own
words.
Mark for (e) = 3 out of 3

8 Whilst planning is not marked

8 for Question 1f, it is clear from
looking at the crossed-out notes
that the candidate carefully
considers the dual focus of the
task; both the ‘attractions’ and the
‘challenges’, before writing their
answer.

9 Understanding of point 4 on
the mark scheme is shown and
‘other people’s curiosity about the
job’ is clearly communicated in the
candidate’s own words.

10 There is some understanding

communicated here of the idea in
the text that it is possible to have
another job as well as that of an
9 MSF doctor.

11 The idea that, as an MSF

10 doctor, you get to work with other
incredible doctors is securely
11 understood.

7
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

12
12 The idea that the job makes
13 a difference to people, and so is
satisfying, is partially understood.
14
13 There is suggestion of a slight
15
misreading here in relation to
MSF/emergency medicine.

14 The candidate understands

and communicates, using their
16 own words, the idea that being
able to help whilst remaining
unbiased and impartial is an
attraction of the role.

17 15 The candidate understands

that the standard of the
accommodation is variable and
that meals are prepared for you.
18
16 There is clear recognition of a
logistical challenge (no flights) and
that the area, being in conflict, is
likely to make things more difficult.

17 A final challenge in relation

to having to tackle diseases is
clearly communicated.
Mark for (f) reading = 10 out of 10
Mark for (f) writing = 5 out of 5

18 A very effective response which

demonstrated understanding
of a wide range of ideas,
communicated clearly and
accurately using own words.
The answer was mostly well-
focused. There was thorough
understanding of the requirements
of a selective summary, with both
parts of the task addressed to
offer an overview.
Reading Level 5
Writing Level 3
Total mark awarded =
30 out of 30

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Although the candidate scored full marks for this question, by adding extra, unnecessary information in short-answer
questions, they ran the risk of negating and/or diluting evidence of understanding and was self-penalising in terms of
the extra time it took to include it. Providing only the information required by the question was likely to be a far more
efficient use of examination time.

8
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle Examiner comments

1 There is evidence of both

misunderstanding and misreading
in this response. The word ‘meant’
is spotted later in line 20 of the
1 text and is not understood in the
context of intended purpose.
Mark for (a) = 0 out of 1

2 The doctors’ ‘contribution’ is

explained in terms of one example
of what they do, they ‘care for
2 their patients’. ‘Individual health’ is
not explained; the answer simply
repeats the word ‘health’ from the
text and so misses the opportunity
to score the second mark.
Mark for (b)(i) = 1 out of 2

3 The candidate does not

3
focus on explaining the meaning
of the given quotation and,
consequently, does not deal
with ‘to reflect on’, but does
however offer some evidence of
understanding ‘the wellbeing of
doctors’ and so is awarded one
mark.
Mark for (b)(ii) = 1 out of 2
Mark for (c) = 2 out of 2

4 This answer identifies just one

4
of the two ways in which hospitals
can make things better for
doctors, according to the text.
Mark for (d)(i) = 1 out of 2

5 The answer offers just one idea

as an explanation for why doctors
5 can find it hard to ask for help,
according to the text.
Mark for (d)(ii) = 1 out of 3

9
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

6 The first sentence of the

answer indicates that more careful
reading of the text is required in
relation to the point about the
value of the ‘reward’ doctors can
6 expect to receive. The writer of
Text A suggests that a day off
would be a meaningful reward
for doctors and that, currently,
they do not all get a day off.
The point, in relation to National
Doctors’ Day achieving nothing,
since the problems are ongoing
and continue year after year, can
be awarded a mark as there is
evidence that this separate idea
has been understood.
Mark for (e) = 1 out of 3

7 The response rewords some of

the information in the introduction
to touch on some potentially
relevant ideas related to conflict
7
and disease. However, the
candidate misses opportunities
8
to present them in terms of the
focus of the question set. Partial
understanding of points 2 and 9
on the mark scheme is suggested.

8 There is some understanding

of the need to travel as part of the
9 role, although there is little sense
of going abroad.

9 This section repeats excess

information from the text with fairly
limited modification. There is little
focus on what is relevant to the
question as set.

10
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

10 The idea that logistics could

10 be a potential challenge is
understood, although it is not
concisely expressed.

11 There is understanding that

the help MSF doctors provide is
11 impartial.

12 Providing this as additional

12
information is missing an
opportunity to combine the two
strands of the idea that MSF help
is unbiased. The phrase ‘principle
of not getting involved in the
politics’ is lifted from the text.
Mark for (f) reading = 5 out of 10
13 Mark for (f) writing = 3 out of 5

13 The response was partially

effective with some understanding
of relevant ideas and a reasonable
grasp of the requirements of the
task, but there was also some
excess and occasional loss of
focus. Whilst clear and largely
communicated in own words, the
response did lack concision.
Reading Level 3
Writing Level 2
Total mark awarded =
15 out of 30

How the candidate could have improved their answer

This candidate needed to ensure that they were focused on each task as set, paying careful attention to the guidance
offered, for example, by taking account of the way that the parts in this question moved candidates through the
text chronologically, and how the number of marks and/or bullets helped to plan/focus each answer. Checking their
understanding of any quotations or ideas in the context of both the text and task would have allowed this candidate to
be awarded higher marks.

11
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

1 1 This is not what is ‘meant to be

the purpose of National Doctors’
Day’ according to the text (lines
1–2).
Mark for (a) = 0 out of 1

2 The answer does not relate

2 to the quotation given and also
suggests a misreading of the text.
Mark for (b)(i) = 0 out of 2

3 There is evidence of
misreading the text in this answer.
The repetition of the language of
the text further indicates that the
meaning of this quotation is not
3
understood.
Mark for (b)(ii) = 0 out of 2

4 The candidate correctly

identifies just one of the four
4
ways in which the physical and
emotional effects of burnout might
affect doctors’ attitudes to their
work, according to paragraph 2 of
Text A.
Mark for (c) = 1 out of 2

12
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

5 Paragraph 3 of the text

suggests two ways in which
5 hospitals can make things better
for doctors. This answer suggests
some understanding of one of
those ways – how hours worked
can be made more reasonable.
Mark for (d)(i) = 1 out of 2

6 This answer does not relate

6
to the information and ideas in
paragraphs 3 and 4 of the text.
Mark for (d)(ii) = 0 out of 3

7 The text does not suggest

that people are worried about
not getting treatment if doctors
7
are given a holiday on National
Doctors’ Day. This answer is not
rooted in the text.
Mark for (e) = 0 out of 3

13
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

8 This comment explaining the

type of text suggests a lack of
focus and understanding of the
summary task.

9 The ideas of tackling disease

and working in conflict zones are
only suggested through lifting the
8
text from the introduction.

10 This answer mentions ‘other

peoples’ curiosity’ (mark scheme
9 point 4) and hints at the idea that
travel abroad is involved (mark
scheme point 1). However, this is
still repeating the text, rather than
10 summarising key points in terms
of attractions and/or challenges.

11 This is an additional
speculative example introduced
by the candidate and not included
in the text, suggesting a lack of
focus on the summary task.
11
12 The language of the text is
reproduced; these are the words
of the interviewer repeated.
12
13 The idea of working in conflict
zones is repeated although with
some understanding that logistics
13
can be challenging (mark scheme
point 10).

14 This is a repeat of mark

14
scheme point 1 (travel abroad).

15 There is some general

15
understanding that working with
local doctors is an attraction (mark
scheme point 5).

14
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

16 There is an incomplete grasp

of the accommodation point (mark
scheme point 11), although it is
not incorrect.
16
17 This point is unclear, although it
is showing some grasp of the idea
17 that having local people cook for
them is an attraction for the MSF
18
doctors.
Mark for (f) reading = 4 out of 10
Mark for (f) writing = 2 out of 5

18 There was general

understanding of some relevant
ideas, although there was also
some indiscriminate selection.
The response was sometimes
focused and generally clear. Most
of the time, errors did not impede
communication, although there
was some limited evidence of
concision and some reliance on
the text.
Reading Level 2
Writing Level 2
Total mark awarded =
8 out of 30

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Planning relevant ideas as notes in their own words and deciding on a route through their response before writing their
answer to (f) would have helped this candidate to avoid both lifting and repetition.

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

• Less effective responses to the Comprehension task included those with diluted evidence of understanding, for
example through adding extra guesses in their responses to (a–e), or offering circular answers, repeating the
language of the question where the use of the candidate’s own words was required.
• (f) Some of the least effective answers relied heavily on the language of the text and/or copied sections, limiting the
available evidence of their own skills and understanding as a result.

15
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Question 2

Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments

1 Each of the answers to (a) is

clearly focused on providing the
1 word/phrase from the text which
suggests the same idea as the
words underlined.
Mark for (a)(i) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (a)(ii) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (a)(iii) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (a)(iv) = 1 out of 1

2 The explanations in
(b) demonstrate secure
understanding of the meanings of
the underlined words in context.
2
Mark for (b)(i) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (b)(ii) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (b)(iii) = 1 out of 1

3 The candidate uses quotation

marks to clearly identify the one
3 example used to explain how
difficult it is for Adam to deal with
his patients.

4 The answer offers a

comprehensive explanation of the
selected image to demonstrate
4 understanding of how the writer
suggests Adam is facing an
impossible task.
Mark for (c) = 3 out of 3

16
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

5 Examples from paragraph

2 are selected carefully and
5
considered ahead of writing the
answer allowing this candidate to
6 offer a relevant overview.

6 There is an understanding
of the meaning of the first
choice conveyed, although the
opportunity to explore the effect is
7
missed.

7 Here, the candidate offers a

precise explanation of the effect of
‘propelled’, tackling the image with
some imagination.

8 8 The image is explored and

explained in detail. Precise
meaning and associations are
considered.

17
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

9 9 There is an attempt to offer an

overview.

10 There is some understanding

10 of the connotations of ‘troops’
and the effect it creates, although
opportunities for precise
explanation of meaning are
missed. The word needs to be
considered more carefully in
context as a verb.

11 The image is understood,

11 although to an extent, the attempt
to prove the earlier overview
means that other potential effects
are overlooked, for example,
‘hypnotised’ is not explored.
Mark for (d) = 14 out of 15

12 Examiner Comment: Overall,

the answer tackled imagery
with some precision and offered
discussion of judiciously selected
language. There was clear
evidence of understanding in both
parts. On occasion in part (b),
opportunities were missed to go
further.
Reading Level 5
Total mark awarded =
24 out of 25

How the candidate could have improved their answer

In paragraph 4, the candidate demonstrated a tendency to repeat the overview established in paragraph 2. Working
through their selected choices individually, to form an overall impression where appropriate, might have encouraged
this candidate to explore meaning and effect more precisely in the second part of their answer. Carefully unpicking the
connotations and associations of each of the words within a choice to demonstrate their understanding of effect would
have helped the candidate to be awarded full marks.

18
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle Examiner comments

1 The selected text in (a)(i) does

1 not suggest the same idea as the
words underlined in the question.
Mark for (a)(i) = 0 out of 1
Mark for (a)(ii) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (a)(iii) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (a)(iv) = 1 out of 1

2 (b)(ii) The candidate does not

explain the meaning of the word
2 ‘affectionately’ in context.
Mark for (b)(i) = 1 out of 1
Mark for (b)(ii) = 0 out of 1
Mark for (b)(iii) = 1 out of 1

19
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

3 This section is clearly crossed

out and so is not considered part
of the answer and has not been
marked.

4 The candidate indicates clearly

where their replacement answer
can be found.

3 5 The instructions invite

candidates to select just one
4 example to explain. Attempting to
deal with more than one indicates
a loss of focus on the task.

6 There is some explanation of

5 the meaning of ‘endless’, showing
awareness of some of the
difficultly involved.

6 7 The candidate simply repeats

part of the question.
7
8 Here, the candidate repeats
8
part of the question without adding
evidence of understanding.
They needed to explain how one
example showed the difficulty
‘effectively’.
Mark for (c) = 1 out of 3

20
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

9 Only a slight general comment

here.

10 There is a satisfactory attempt

to select appropriate choices. The
three choices chosen in each half
offer opportunities to explain both
9 meaning and effect.

11 The candidate is beginning

to consider effect. Opportunities
10 to go further than repeating the
general comment regarding
difficulty is missed.
11
12 The explanation here offers
evidence that the meaning of
‘propelled’ is understood in the
context of Adam’s progress
through training. However,
12 the effect is not explored. The
suggestion that it is used to ‘grab
interest and create an image’
is too general to demonstrate
understanding of how the
language is working.

13 The explanation of meaning

is beginning to suggest some
13 understanding of the ‘huge
amounts’ involved. However, it is
not tackling the words ‘knowledge’
(only repeating) or ‘armed’
(overlooking it) and misses
opportunities to consider the
image as a result.

21
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

14 This is a very general

14
comment.

15 There is a basic suggestion of

15 effect in this explanation, although
the candidate does not notice that
‘troops’ is being used as a verb to
suggest how the doctors move.
Through less careful selection, the
opportunity to explain meaning
and consider the precise effect in
context is missed.

16 There is some suggestion

that the meaning in context is
16
understood in general terms.
The literary device is correctly
identified, but the explanation
offered is too general to
demonstrate understanding of
effect.

17 The explanation of meaning

17 is secure and there is some
suggestion of the general effect.
Mark for (d) = 8 out of 15

18 Overall, choices were

18
appropriate although not always
carefully selected. There was
some explanation of meaning
in each half. Attempts to explain
effects were basic and general.
Reading Level 3
Total mark awarded =
14 out of 25

How the candidate could have improved their answer

Avoiding empty comments such as the ‘writer uses different figures of speech’ and/or repetition of the language of
the text would have allowed for more efficient use of time when explaining choices. If the candidate ensured that the
specific meanings in context of each of the words selected in a choice were fully explored and explained before trying
to suggest effect, it might have helped this candidate to offer more secure evidence of understanding.

22
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

1 Understanding is sufficiently
clear here to be awarded a mark.
1
The change from ‘my’ to ‘the’ does
not undermine that. Note that the
mark scheme clearly indicates the
key words required in an answer.
Mark for (a)(i) = 1 out of 1
2 Mark for (a)(ii) = 1 out of 1

2 The additional text included

in the answers (a)(iii) and a(iv)
indicate the understanding of
meaning is insecure. The answers
do not clearly identify which of
those words suggest the same
idea as the words underlined in
the question.
Mark for (a)(iii) = 0 out of 1
Mark for (a)(iv) = 0 out of 1

3 Although ‘something’ might

more usefully be replaced by
3 ‘someone’ in this instance, the
candidate does use their own
words to offer sufficient evidence
that the meaning of ‘responsibility’
in context is understood.
Mark for (b)(i) = 0 out of 1
Mark for (b)(ii) = 0 out of 1
Mark for (b)(iii) = 1 out of 1

4 There is a partial explanation

4
offered of the basic meaning of
the choice, with some awareness
of the difficulty that the situation
poses for Adam.
Mark for (c) = 1 out of 3

23
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

5 These opening comments are

5 ‘empty’, offering no evidence of
understanding in relation to the
use of language in the paragraph.

6 The overlong choice here lacks

focus. As a result, the candidate
6
struggles to explain it.

7 Another very long, unfocused

choice suggests understanding is
7 insecure. The attempt to explain it
also repeats the language of the
original.

24
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

8 There is a suggestion here

8 that ‘exhaustive’ is misread as
‘exhausting’, although there
are also the beginnings of
an explanation in relation to
‘knowledge’. Dealing separately
with individual words within the
suggested (overlong) choice will
help this candidate to evidence
some secure understanding of
meaning.

9 Only one ‘choice’ that is not

9 very focused, is offered in this part
of the question. There is just one
basic explanation of the general
meaning, not linked to individual
words.
Mark for (d) = 3 out of 15

10 The choice of words is sparse

in relation to paragraph 4. Choices
10 from paragraph 2 are not secure
and lack focus. Comments overall
are very thin at best.
Reading Level 1
Total mark awarded =
7 out of 25

How the candidate could have improved their answer

More focused and careful identification/selection of key words and phrases in the text would have helped this
candidate to be awarded higher marks.

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

• Where candidates attempted to explain the meaning of words, without considering how they were being used in
context, offered less well-focused selections from the text. Opportunities for achieving higher marks were missed.
• (d) Repetition of the vocabulary of the text in the explanations offered was common in less effective answers.

25
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Question 3

Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments

1 The candidate opens with an

appropriately polite and informal
greeting for a personal letter to his
parents.

2 There is a clear sense of

purpose from the opening of the
letter. Details from the introduction
and task are carefully noted and
used by the candidate to help
1
think themselves into the role and
adopt the perspective of Adam,
some years later, as he looks
2 back on the events described in
the text.

3 The fact that his father is a

doctor is explicit in the text and
the idea is used here in the
candidate’s own words as part of
the explanation for why he went to
medical school. The point is then
developed with the suggestion of
Adam’s feelings, picking up on the
implications in the text.

4 The sense of audience is still

3 being maintained and the voice
continues to be convincing and
4 appropriate.

5 5 The sense that there is so

much to learn at medical school is
suggested and might have been
developed further.

26
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

6 6 The candidate repeats the idea

rather than extending it.

7 The length of the training and

the fact that it does not prepare
the students for what comes next
are both relevant ideas from the
7
text. They are used here to help
explain Adam’s ‘disappointment’
(a reasonable inference from the
text evidencing close reading).
The idea of being spurred on by
the thought of having the title
‘doctor’ is also mentioned, but not
fully explored or explained.
8
8 Two of the challenges from
the text are touched on in this
paragraph through inclusion of
details of the boring ward rounds
and the quantity of administrative
tasks.

9 Recounting the challenge

of night shifts leads on to the
9 suggestion of unreasonable
expectations and being expected
to wake up at all hours. There is
some development to suggest
Adam’s feeling of being burdened/
unsupported.

27
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

10 The mental toll and the feeling

of physical exhaustion are both
10
relevant ideas rooted in the text,
as is the challenge of treating
patients with complex/unfamiliar
conditions. Thinking specifically
about the audience for the task
here might have encouraged
further development in relation to
his feelings back then and now.

28
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments

11 The long working hours and the

11 effect on Adam’s personal life are
relevant ideas drawn from the text.
The suggestion that those images
affecting him so much are gory is
a reasonable inference, explaining
why they might have ‘scarred [his]
retinas to this day’.

12 The implication that stress

12 levels lead to some kind
of breakdown is a sound
development, drawn from the
comment in the text that ‘it all
became too much’.

13 The sign off is appropriate and

further evidence that the audience
for the letter is kept in mind.
13 Mark for reading = 14 out of 15
Mark for writing = 9 out of 10
14

14 The answer has used and

developed a wide range of ideas,
picking up on suggestions and
implications in the text. Adam’s
voice/perspective is consistent
and convincing throughout,
evidencing close reading. Register
is effective and the structure and
sequence sound.
Reading Level 5
Writing Level 5
Total mark awarded =
23 out of 25

How the candidate could have improved their answer

There were opportunities to go further in relation to bullet three. For example, to evidence close reading of the three
diary entries and tease out Adam’s feelings as he looked back now, offering a more thorough analysis of the text.
When reading back through this answer to edit and correct, revisiting the text to identify any potentially useful details
and implications that had been overlooked would have helped this candidate to be awarded full marks.

29
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle Examiner comments

1 A suitable opening to establish

a friendly and informal register.

2 The sense of audience is

fading here and the explanation
of why he is writing sounds more
factual/mechanical.

3 The candidate is trying to use

their own words to explain why
Adam went into medicine. There is
some indication of understanding
that his father was a doctor, so it
was expected of him.
1

4 The idea that training has

2
3 not prepared him is partly
communicated, along with a sense
that the whole thing came as a
shock to Adam, is a reasonable
basic development that is rooted
in the text.

4 5 The answer now moves on to

deal with ideas for bullet two of the
question, missing opportunities to
5 expand the range of ideas for the
6 first bullet.

6 The idea that one challenge

is ‘how boring ward rounds are’
7 is clear here and administrative
tasks are described, although not
commented on.

7 The idea that they work very

long hours is suggested here.

30
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – middle, continued Examiner comments

8 This paragraph also includes

8 some relevant and straightforward
ideas from the text, for example,
the mental and physical toll the
job takes and the awful night
shifts. Opportunities are missed to
reflect on how Adam feels.

9 9 This a repeat of an earlier

point.
10
10 This is not an idea suggested
by the text.

11 There is some suggestion of

sadness looking back, although
11 only in relation to the stress felt at
the time (a further repeat). Other
potentially relevant ideas are
overlooked.
Mark for reading = 8 out of 15
Mark for writing = 5 out of 10

12 The candidate touched briefly

on a range of straightforward
ideas, although offered few
supporting details and missed
12 opportunities to go further. The
writing was generally clear. There
was some awkward expression
as well as some errors, although
some awareness of audience
provided balance.
Reading Level 3
Writing Level 3
Total mark awarded =
13 out of 25

How the candidate could have improved their answer

More efficient planning ahead before writing the answer might have allowed this candidate to identify and use a wider
range of relevant ideas and details from the text and aim for the higher levels. For example, in relation to bullet one of
the tasks, there were explicit ideas about medical training and Adam’s motivation for becoming a doctor, which might
have been reflected on usefully in this letter to his parents.

31
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

1 1 The opening of the letter just

repeats the task instruction.

2 The expression in this

2 paragraph is awkward and the
answer relies on lifting from the
text to communicate ideas about
the nature of medical training.

3 The sense has been lost as the

3 candidate tries to track through
the text substituting occasional
words rather than reading to
understand an idea and then use
it.

32
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

4 4 The candidate has copied

this from the text, with little
modification.

5 There is some suggestion of

having generally grasped the idea
5
that boring ward rounds were
a challenge, although copied
phrases throughout this section
dilute the evidence of skills and
understanding.

6 Administrative tasks and night

6 shifts are both potentially relevant
ideas, although to evidence
secure understanding copying
from the text needed to be
avoided.

7 Simply repeating the

7 image of the ship, rather than
considering what Adam meant
by it and what he felt about the
situation, indicates a less secure
understanding of both task and
text.

33
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments

8 There is some suggestion

that the long working hours is
understood as a challenge,
8 although the reference to scarred
retinas is simply copied and offers
little evidence of understanding.

9 The idea of unreasonable

expectations is touched on briefly
through the example of the patient
9 who was asleep when Adam
arrived.

10 The concluding paragraph is

very general at best. There is
further evidence of a loss of focus
10 on the task with limited sense that
this is Adam writing to his parents
some years after his decision to
quit.

11 The candidate incorrectly uses

their own name.
Mark for reading = 5 out of 15
11
Mark for writing = 3 out of 10
12
12 The answer relied on some
lifting from the text, although
evidenced a little general
understanding overall. There
was some copying and awkward
expression.
Reading Level 2
Writing Level 2
Total mark awarded =
8 out of 25

34
 Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1

How the candidate could have improved their answer

To improve and offer more secure evidence of their reading skills, this candidate needed to focus more carefully on
the requirements of the task as a whole. Imagining themselves into the situation of Adam writing to his parents about
events in the past might have allowed them to consider his feelings back then and now, some years later. Making brief
notes of key content points ahead of writing might have helped to avoid simply lifting sections from the text.

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

• Where candidates lost sight of the details of the task, audience and/or purpose, opportunities were missed to
interpret, use and develop ideas from the text. Lifting or copying from the passage also diluted evidence of skills
and understanding in less effective answers.
• Rather than simply repeating or copying from the text, candidates needed to keep in mind the new perspective
required for their response to the reading task, in this instance, writing from a different point in Adam’s life to that
described in the text and looking back on events.
• Having already worked through some aspects of Text C in Question 2, candidates should have revisited the text
to refine and build on their understanding of the passage, using the bullets in the question to help them identify
relevant ideas and details, and then plan a route through their response to this question. Where candidates had
attempted to answer the task without returning to the passage to plan ideas, or simply replayed sections of the
passage without paying close attention to guidance offered in the question, the evidence of understanding and
close reading skills in their response was more limited.

35
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