O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/21 · May/June 2021 · Q122 Marks

Read Passage 1, Nutmeg, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

(a)Notes Identify and write down the information in the passage which describes the origins and spread of nutmeg in former times, and the uses of nutmeg in modern times, as outlined in the passage. USE MATERIAL FROM THE WHOLE PASSAGE. 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 the origins and spread of nutmeg in former times • Earliest known use on Pulau Ai, (one of the Banda Islands in Indonesia) the uses of nutmeg in modern times • The cooking of savoury dishes[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the origins and spread of nutmeg in former times, and the uses of nutmeg in modern times, 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: Nutmeg probably originated on the Banda Island of Pulau Ai,[10]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1 mark for each correct point to a maximum of 12 marks
1 Given Point: earliest known use on Pulau Ai, (one of the Banda islands in Indonesia)
2 Arab(s) (traders) sold nutmeg / it to the Venetians Allow lift of lines 4–5 ‘(Before that ... Ages,) Arab ... Venetians'
3 Portuguese (sailors) found / discovered the source / origins (of nutmeg) // Portuguese (sailors) found where it comes from Allow lift of lines 8–10 ‘(In 1511 trade.) Portuguese sailors ... nutmeg (by recruiting ... was.)' Allow 'they' for 'Portuguese' if identified in candidate's previous bullet point.
4 Portuguese (sailors) (took it back to) sell (it) more widely in Europe Allow 'they' for 'Portuguese' if identified in candidate's previous bullet point, or 'and', 'then', etc. if a continuation of previous point.
5 (Demand for nutmeg spread because) it became (a) prized (spice) / (a) precious (spice) in European societies / Europe // (It was seen as a) symbol of wealth in European societies / Europe Allow lift of line 12 'Demand ... societies' Note: reference to an example (precious commodity / elaborate cuisine, etc.) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as', etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point
6 (The) Dutch took control of nutmeg production (following a war ... people) // Allow lift of lines 14–15 ‘(Later ... and) took control ... production (following a war ... people.)' Dutch (East India Company) constructed / developed / established / created a (comprehensive nutmeg) trading system Allow lift of lines 15-17 'The Dutch ... system (which ... of spice)'
7 (Nutmeg was a) convenient / easy (product) to trade (because it was small, easily transported and durable) // it was small, easily transported and durable
8 British transported / sent / took (nutmeg) tree(s) / plant(s) to Sri Lanka, Penang and Singapore / Asia // British transported / sent / took nutmeg production to Sri Lanka, Penang and Singapore / Asia Allow fewer than three countries only if introduced as an example: '... to, for example, Sri Lanka' Allow lift of lines 20–22, provided the subject is clear: The British '(later took and) transported ... Singapore (in order to increase production)' Allow 'they' for 'British' if identified in candidate's previous bullet point, or 'and', 'then', etc. if a continuation of previous point.
9 Given point: the cooking of savoury dishes
10 (the cooking of) sweet dishes / desserts / puddings Allow lift of lines 25–27 ‘(Similarly, of) sweet dishes (and desserts ... Brunei)' Note: reference to an example (Malaysia / Brunei / rice pudding) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as', etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point
11 drinks / beverages Allow lift of line 29 “(nutmeg finds its...) drinks." Note: reference to an example (the Caribbean / rum punch / mulled wine etc.) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as’ etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point
12 (the seed covering gives us) mace Allow lift of lines 30-31 'the seed of the nutmeg ... flavour.' but do not accept run into 'Mace is preferable ... (of the dish)'
13 (essential) nutmeg oil / essential (nutmeg) oil (sometimes) preferred in cooking / used in cooking (because it leaves no particles in the food) Allow lift of lines 32–34 ‘(Essential) nutmeg oil, (so-called ... fragrance,) is (sometimes) preferred in cooking (because ... food.)'
14 (has a role in the) industrial world / (in) industry // (nutmeg butter) used as an industrial lubricant (to reduce friction) Allow lift of lines 35–37 'Nutmeg butter (a commodity ... can be) used ... lubricant (to reduce ... another.)'
15 (Our) appearance and well-being (can be) enhanced / improved Note: reference to an example (complexion / cosmetics / perfume, etc.) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as', etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point
16 toothpaste(s) Allow lift of lines 40–41 ‘(Because nutmeg ... some) toothpastes (to prevent bad breath).'
17 medicinal / medical benefits // in medicine // for mental and physical health Note: reference to an example (Insomnia / digestion / depression, etc.) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as', etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point
Candidates have now fleshed out their notes into a piece of formal, continuous prose.
Candidates are advised to write between 150-180 words including the 10 words given.
Marks are awarded for producing a piece of writing which is relevant and coherent.