PAPER 1: READING
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 50
Candidates write their answers in the space provided on the question paper.
Section A: Comprehension and Use of Language (25 marks)
Question 1: Comprehension Task (16 marks)
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions based on Text A, a narrative text (approximately 900 words long, and from either the 20th or the 21st century). These are short answers, testing understanding of both explicit and implicit meanings.
Question 2: Use of Language Task (9 marks)
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions based on Text A. These are short answers, relating to the author’s use of language and the effect this has.
Section B: Summary and Short Response (25 marks)
Question 3 (a): Summary Task (20 marks: 10 marks for content and 10 marks for quality of writing)
Candidates write a summary as continuous writing of no more than 150 words in response to Text B (approximately 550–600 words long).
Question 3 (b): Short Response Task (5 marks)
Candidates give a short response to show understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes in response to Text B.
PAPER 2: WRITING
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 50
Candidates answer on the enclosed answer booklet.
Section A: Directed Writing (25 marks)
» Candidates answer one compulsory question.
» Candidates write about 250–350 words.
» Candidates read one or two texts (Text A, Text B, totalling approximately 400–450 words).
» Candidates use, develop and evaluate the information in the text(s) to create a discursive / argumentative / persuasive speech, email, report, letter or article.
Content: 10 marks
» Select a wide range of relevant facts, ideas and opinions from the text(s).
» Analyse, evaluate and develop the chosen content in a way that clearly fulfils all elements of the task.
Quality of Writing: 15 marks
» Content is complex, well developed and effective.
» Well-organised structure that assimilates ideas from the text(s).
» Use a wide range of well-constructed sentences accurately, including complex sentences.
» Precise and effective use of a wide range of vocabulary.
» Consistently appropriate tone and register for audience and purpose.
» Highly accurate use of complex spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Section B: Composition (25 marks)
» Candidates answer one question from a choice of four: two descriptive and two narrative.
» Candidates write about 350–450 words.
Descriptive: a person, place, building, event, situation (including atmosphere, surrounding)
Narrative: a story containing a sequence of connected events which may be real or imaginary
Content and Structure: 10 marks
Consistently effective response to the task
» A wide range of descriptive or narrative features used to create a consistently effective response.
» Structure is clear, well balanced and carefully organised for deliberate effect.
Style and Accuracy: 15 marks
» Use a wide range of well-constructed sentences accurately, including complex sentences.
» Precise and effective use of a wide range of vocabulary.
» Highly accurate use of complex spelling, punctuation and grammar.
