Re-read paragraphs 1 and 2, which contain expressions telling us about (a) the arrival of summer and (b) the olive trees. Give: • the meaning of each expression as it is used in the passage • the effect of each expression as it is used in the passage.

Mark scheme

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

1. [1] Meaning: (summer / it was coming) quickly / soon / imminently / fast / at speed
2. [1] Effect: (the arrival of summer / it) was unstoppable / unavoidable / uncontrollable / bearing down on them / looming / unexpected // coming too fast / quickly / soon // a sense of threat / power / strength / urgency // they / people were not ready / not prepared / caught off-guard // there was little / no time left (for them to prepare)
3. [1] Meaning: the trees / olives are attacked / eaten / targeted (by the flies / insects) // they are attacked / eaten / targeted by flies / insects // flies / insects attack / eat / target the trees / olives / them // flies are predators // flies hunt the olives / trees Note: active or passive expression is accepted, but needs context, single words are not enough.
4. [1] Effect: the trees / olives are vulnerable / weak / fragile / frail / victims / defenceless / helpless / in danger // the flies are aggressive (to the trees) / hostile / threatening / vicious / monstrous (to the trees) / dangerous // the flies are the enemy (of the trees) / hunters Note: focus can be on either the trees or the flies.