O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/22 · May/June 2021 · Q122 Marks

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

(a)Notes Identify and write down the information which shows the importance of rice from ancient times to the present day, and the reasons for the continuing popularity of rice, 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 importance of rice from ancient times to the present day • settlements in rice-growing areas became sophisticated cultures The reasons for the continuing popularity of rice • it comes in a choice of flavours[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the importance of rice from ancient times to the present day, and the reasons for the continuing popularity of rice, 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: Rice was so important that rice-growing settlements became sophisticated cultures[10]

Mark scheme

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

[1] Given point: settlements in rice-growing areas became sophisticated cultures
[1] quickly spread (from China) // spread / was transported (from China) to (many) other parts of the world / to other countries // widespread to other parts of the world / to other countries (Allow lift of lines 3–5 ‘(Such was the importance of rice that) it quickly spread... the world, (for example... Africa)' Note: reference to an example (the Philippines / Taiwan / Borneo, etc.) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as', etc. to distinguish it from the overarching point)
[1] (used to mark) celebrations / ceremonies / festivities // (used to mark) special occasions / special events // (used to mark) occasions such as / like / for example weddings / harvest celebrations // (used to mark) events such as / like / for example weddings / harvest celebrations (Allow lift of line 8 'In many cultures, rice was used to mark celebrations')
[1] (ancient) links between rice and religion / religious beliefs // (it has) religious links / associations
[1] (important source of) food // provides a fifth of the calories people consume (globally) // a staple food (of more than half of the world's population) (Allow lift of lines 15–17 ‘(Down through the ages) rice has been an important source of food (...maize)')
[1] (many) governments / authorities / politicians legislate / make rules / make laws to solve (rice-) production problems (Allow lift of lines 20–21 ‘(But many) governments... problems (by, for example... rice-growing areas)')
[1] United Nations declared / established / made (2004 to be the) International Year of Rice // alleviates / reduces / eases global / world poverty and malnutrition (Allow lift of lines 22-24 'the United Nations declared... and malnutrition')
[1] Given point: It comes in a choice of flavours
[1] variety of / lots of / many food uses // (can be) cooked in many / lots of ways // makes a variety of / a range of meals / dishes (Allow lift of lines 28–29 ‘It is popular because of its variety of food uses; (...or short)')
[1] healthy (option in our diets) // nutritious // wholesome // nourishing (Allow lift of line 35: '(so, whatever choice is made,) rice is a healthy option in our diets')
[1] inexpensive / cheap / economical way to obtain / get / produce / grow food // (the traditional method of) growing / cultivating / producing rice is inexpensive / cheap / economical (Allow lift of lines 37–39 ‘(This method...vermin), it is an inexpensive way to obtain food, (particularly... are low)')
[1] can be harvested for many seasons / many years / (up to) 30 years (through a process called ratooning) // ratooning can produce a crop for many seasons / many years / (up to) 30 years (Allow lift of lines 39–42 ‘(Another reason...is that) it can be harvested... thirty years')
[1] can be grown / cultivated almost / practically / more or less / just about / virtually / nearly anywhere (as long as the temperature is relatively high / even on a steep mountainside)
[1] (useful) by-product(s) (Note: reference to an example (rice straw / hulls / rice bran oil) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as' etc to distinguish it from the overarching point)
[1] medicinal / medical properties / medicine // (can) cure / treat / help / infection / sickness / ailments / disease (Note: reference to an example (eye lotion / cure for inflammation / cure for skin ailments) must include 'for example', 'like', 'such as' etc to distinguish it from the overarching point)
Band 5 (9-10 marks): Excellent understanding of the task demonstrated in an impressive response: All content included is relevant, with no unnecessary details / repetitions; Fluent and coherent presentation of the points, including possible synthesising where appropriate, and a wide range of appropriate stylish linking devices
Band 4 (7-8 marks): Good understanding of the task demonstrated in a skilful response: Almost all content included is relevant, with only occasional unnecessary details / repetitions; Generally fluent and coherent presentation of the points, with appropriate linking devices
Band 3 (5-6 marks): Acceptable understanding of the task demonstrated in a competent response: Some of the content included is relevant, with unnecessary details / additions; Satisfactory presentation of the points with limited fluency and coherence and occasional misuse of linking devices
Band 2 (3-4 marks): Insecure understanding of the task demonstrated in a rather faltering response: Content included is of limited relevance, with frequent unnecessary details / repetitions; Presentation of the points breaks down, with little coherence and lacking linking devices
Band 1 (1-2 marks): Very little understanding of the task demonstrated in an incoherent response: Content included is of little relevance, with noticeably unnecessary details / repetitions; Little attempt to present the points with no concept of linking devices
Band 0 (0 marks): No understanding of the task demonstrated in: A totally irrelevant response; Insufficient material to reward