Cambridge International AS Level

ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER 8021/22

Paper 2 Comprehension October/November 2024
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 2024 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 13 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
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 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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Information about annotations

For creditworthy content, point-based marking makes use of tick1 and tick2 annotations, the first
showing a single mark is to be awarded and the second, where appropriate, that a developed point
has been made, worthy of two marks.

In levels-based marking, plain ticks and DEV will be the main annotations for valid content points.

Where required Bal shows where a (dis)advantage has been noted.

BOD (benefit of doubt) can be useful to show marginal decisions where the point is not totally
convincing but where credit is given.

There are various reasons why content considered might not gain credit and the following annotations
help us to distinguish these somewhat:

? the point is either unclear, illogical or unconvincing in some other way.

the point is incorrect, perhaps factually, or the wrong word or point has been offered.

NAQ ‘not answering the question’; perhaps the material relates to a later question, or simply comes
from the wrong part of the material

NAR "narration”, usually used in levels-based, longer responses; information is included but no real
point is made, for example, it might not be clear whether the intended point is an advantage or a
disadvantage

REP repetition of the same/an earlier point

TV "too vague” the response is not making the required point clearly or precisely enough

Sometimes the candidate has not followed the instructions fully and this needs to be shown by red
highlighting over those words, phrases or sections which have not made sufficient use of own words
to convey a point. Also used for highlighting lifted material on own words questions to block out words
copied too closely from the text to make marking clearer. Finally, the red highlighter is used for
indicating the position of the word count on those questions.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a) Considering only the advantages, explain why the free distribution of 10
the newspaper to all households might be successful.

Do not refer to Strategy 1.

Answer in continuous prose.

Credit any of the following, or any other valid point.

Delivery direct to people’s doors offers convenience, especially to the busy /

less mobile, since they no longer have to visit a shop to purchase a copy.

Older readers would be pleased still to be able to read a physical / printed

newspaper, as evidenced in the survey responses, where the oldest age
group is (by far; 80% weekly) the most likely to buy / read the newspaper
currently

and to remain loyal to the newspaper if delivered free (85%)

and the rural area around Trimarua is home to a significant number of older
and retired people.

Free distribution may attract some potential readers to engage with the local
newspaper as 65% / two-thirds of survey respondents described the Trimarua
Times as ‘too expensive’ / the three price increases in the last five years could
be deterring them.

Funding through advertising may be feasible because all households / all their
potential customers / all (200 000) homes / half a million inhabitants in the
area will receive a copy, and the existing major advertiser, the insurance
company, will probably remain loyal to the publication. (Other possible local
advertisers include Ms Gallupi's grocery delivery service.)

Knowing exactly how many copies to print would improve efficiency/reduce

costs in unsold copies and minimise waste of paper, also appealing to the
executive committee’s Ms Gallupi, a keen environmental campaigner. (a
developed point, further developed)

It may be possible to use Ms Gallupi’s existing infrastructure to facilitate free

delivery, minimising the reliance on (extensive and sustained) advertising to
keep the project afloat.

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Question Answer Marks

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.

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 three advantages of launching the local newspaper as an online- 6

only publication.

Do not refer to Strategy 2.

Credit any three of the following developed points, or any other valid point.

One third of current expenditure (printing and distribution) is removed

completely (1) increasing efficiency/lightening the burden of finding sufficient
subscribers early on. (1)

The $10 monthly subscription for readers would be lower (1) potentially
addressing the 65% of survey respondents for whom the current price is ‘too
expensive’. (1)

An online-only publication entirely eliminates paper use (1) which would

appeal to Ms. Gallupi as a keen environmentalist. (1)

Mr. Gabriels believes the local newspaper going online is a good opportunity
to move with the times / they should not be discouraged by the earlier failure
of a scheme to establish a website (1) because local/rural internet coverage
has improved / people’s ready access to the internet via smartphones has
increased since then (1) meaning the project should now be technically viable.
(1) – MAX. 2

Local news would become dynamic, with stories updated regularly / as they
came in / not just once a week (1) satisfying Mr. Gabriels, who takes very
seriously his commitment to providing reliable local news. (1)

The extensive social media campaign on launch is likely to be especially

engaging to the younger audiences (1) which have the lowest current
readership / the newspaper needs to ensure a viable future. (1)

Giving readers the opportunity to interact with the content / post comments is
new (1) and might appeal to the 50% of people currently claiming the content
is ‘not relevant to me’ / the 35% stating it is ‘boring’ / allows the newspaper
staff to get to know its readers’ views / interests / to improve the news (in a
live environment). (1)

32

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Question Answer Marks

1(c) Referring to Question 2: ‘How often would you access local news 2
online?’ and its graph only, identify evidence which suggests Mr.
Gabriels is incorrect when claiming that ‘everyone wants to access
stories online’.

Credit any two of the following or any other valid point.

30 or younger

Only 70% of the youngest age group / those respondents aged 30 or under
said they would access local news online daily / every day. (1)

The group aged 30 or under is the only group in which 100% / they all stated
they would access local news online (at least once a month) / the only group
in which not a single respondent said they would ‘never’ access local news
online. (1)

31 to 60

30% of survey respondents in the middle age group / aged 31 to 60 would

never access local news online. (1)

61 or older

50% of those aged 61 and over said they would never access local news
online. (1)

Only 10% of those aged 61 or more would access the local news online daily.
(1)
21

1(d) Identify the two pieces of the Additional information which are the least 2
relevant when Mr Gabriels is deciding whether to adopt Strategy 1 or
Strategy 2.

Point 4. / The previous editor of the Trimarua Times now lives in the USA,
following her retirement. (1)

Point 8. / Mr Gabriels would like to be able to offer paid one-year work-

experience placements to recent university graduates hoping to embark on
careers in journalism. (1)

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Question Answer Marks

1(e) Referring only to the method of data collection outlined in the material, 3
suggest three reasons why the results might be unreliable/inaccurate.

Credit any three of the following or any other valid point.

Only about/Fewer than 600 people of 500 000 inhabitants / 200 000
households of the area were questioned. (1)

The survey was conducted on only two days in the same week. (1)

Being working days only, there was no weekend ‘traffic’. (1)

It is likely there were only older people/very young families in the main
shopping area mid-week. (1)

Workers/professionals would only be likely to be present at lunchtimes/might

not have had time to stop and answer questions. (1)

The percentages making the additional comments (on price and current
content) are not sub-divided by age group (as the other results are). (1)

We only know the percentages / don’t know the exact numbers of people
surveyed in each age group (1).

One group of respondents might be (significantly) larger than another. (1)

1(f) With reference to Point 1 of the Additional Information, suggest two 2

alternative ways for Mr Gabriels to reduce the newspaper company’s
costs.

Do not refer to Strategy 1 or Strategy 2.

Credit any two of the following or any other valid point.

He could look for a better deal on printing and/or distribution. (1)

He could hire younger/less experienced/fewer staff. (1)

The business could move to cheaper premises. (1)

Staff could work from home/remotely. (1)

The newspaper could be published less frequently. (1)

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Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) From the material, identify two reasons why Sada Mire felt she ‘stood 2
out more than usual’ in her first archaeology class at Sweden’s Lund
University.

Credit any two of the following.

The class was full of blond and blue-eyed students (1).

Archaeology is not a field many migrants study (1).

She felt out of place as a Somalian (1).

She had never seen an archaeologist (1)

or held an archaeological object before (1).

2(a)(ii) From the material, identify Sada Mire’s feelings when the stone axe was 2
passed to her.

Credit any two of the following.

She was astonished to see the label reading ‘Somaliland’/learn that the axe
was from her own country (1).

She felt that she belonged in that classroom / it was giving her a message,
that she belonged in that classroom (1).

She was curious to know more about its provenance (1).

2(a)(iii) From the material, identify one of the goals of Sada Mire’s new digital 1
museum.

Credit either of the following points.

(To bring together) all Somali objects and materials in one platform (1)

OR

For people across Africa to feel the same connection to the subject (as she
did) (1).

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Question Answer Marks

2(b) Referring to lines 22 to 32, describe the importance of the hominid 3

discoveries.

Answer in about 30 words.

Credit any three of the following points.

The first Neanderthal discovered suggested the link between humans and
apes (1).

However, they would probably not have liked to be seen as the sole link (1)

due to their sophistication (1).

Homo erectus/Java man/this first ‘upright-ape-man’ was labelled as the

‘missing link’ (1).

Further hominid finds followed in Asia (1)

supporting the concept of Charles Darwin’s theories / on natural selection (1)

and humans evolving from one common ancestor (1).

Any relevant content well over 30 words should be totally disregarded.

Examiners should draw a vertical red line at that point.

2(c) Explain the significance of Heywood Walter Seton-Karr’s finds (lines 33 3

to 38).

Answer using your own words as far as possible.

Credit any three of the following points.

Seton-Karr was among the first/inspired other archaeologists (1)

to consider searching in Africa (1).

He brought back large numbers of stone items (to London from Somaliland)
(1).

He announced to the world (1)

his finding of ‘the Garden of Eden’/the cradle of humanity (1).

Important museums, presumably Lund among them (1),

were keen to get hold of the Somaliland pieces (1).

There were further (important) breakthroughs (1)

(in Africa) after this date (1).

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Question Answer Marks

2(d) Describe what the author learned when surveying the same area where 2
Seton-Karr stumbled on the stone axes (lines 39 to 45).

Answer using your own words as far as possible.

Credit any two of the following points.

She quizzed senior village figures (regarding Seton-Karr) (1)

in anticipation (1)

of possible lasting recall (over the years) (1).

The name was not familiar to them, (1)

unsurprisingly (1)

but (they reported/knew that) the British had sought precious stones in the
region (1).

Expeditions from abroad omitted (1)

to let indigenous people know their intentions – (1)

occasionally, this occurs even today (1).

The leader of the village promised (to her) (1)

to look after the region (1)

now home (too) to recently discovered rock art (1)

from five millennia ago (1).

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Question Answer Marks

2(e) Identify the achievements made by the founders of the new archive. 3

Credit any three of the following points.

They have revealed the hidden history of African collections (long) forgotten in
western museums (1)

including a wealth of art, technology and human history (1).

(The application of) technology / photogrammetry and 3D virtual tours can be

used to bring objects from the past to life (1)

and make them more meaningful / more relevant to modern societies /

viewers (1).

They work with important western museums holding African collections,

(including in the UK) (1)

but digital work is undertaken by teams based in Africa (1),

thereby making use of the (new) tech-savvy generation (1).

Hopefully this will inspire Africans to own their heritage and its stories (1).

2(f) Identify the evidence Sada Mire offers in support of her claim that the 4
project ‘is not just about the past’ (lines 54 to 64).

Answer in about 40 words.

Credit any four of the following points.

Amid ever-increasing consumerism, threatening climate and resources (1),

traditional methods of managing resources / nature are being lost (1).

Pottery skills are passed down through the female generations (1).

Survival of such families, overcoming challenges, is at risk (1)

as people (now) prefer machine-produced pottery and imported / plastic items

(1).

The museum hopes to reinvigorate such craft technologies, (1)

neglected at home or lost in storage (in big museums), (1)

so at risk of loss for the first time in history (1).

Any content above 40 words will not be credited. Examiners should draw a
vertical red line at that point.

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Question Answer Marks

2(g) Identify what Sada Mire sees as the most significant impact of her digital 2
African archive project.

Credit any two of the following points.

The project brings together the people and stories (1)

reflecting human life and its most beautiful feature – (1)

the ability to adapt to change and challenges – (1)

encouraging us not to lose sight of humanity itself. (1)

2(h)(i) From lines 13 to 32, identify the exact meaning of the word or phrase 1
which mean the following: beginning to form.

taking shape

2(h)(ii) From lines 13 to 32, identify the exact meaning of the word or phrase 1
which mean the following: appeared on the scene.

came into the picture

2(h)(iii) From lines 13 to 32, identify the exact meaning of the word or phrase 1
which mean the following: achieved greater recognition.

gained more ground

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