O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/11 · May/June 2024 · Q29 Marks

Question 2

(a)Read this extract from the text: 'You could live a thousand lifetimes and not even begin to scratch the surface of paddling all the possibilities.' (lines 35–36) What does the writer want to suggest to us about how he feels about paddling in Northern Canada?[1]
(b)Explain why the writer uses the phrase 'most efficient' rather than the word 'efficient' in the expression 'To devise the most efficient route I could'. (line 37)[1]
(c)What two impressions does the writer want to convey to the reader in the sentence: 'Looking at what at first glance appeared to be an incomprehensible labyrinth – a puzzle of lakes and ponds – I realised it could be deliciously challenging not to confuse one bay or inlet for any of the thousands of others.' (lines 38-40)?[2]
(d)Read this sentence from the text: 'Roaring, swirling, foaming water pulling back and forth on my boots made holding on to the canoe, while struggling to maintain my balance, almost impossible.' (lines 45–46) What effect does the writer want to suggest about the water by using the words 'Roaring, swirling, foaming'?[2]
(e)Identify one example of how the writer uses language effectively to convey his feelings as the morning haze clears in this extract from the text: 'The haze cleared to reveal a fairy-tale landscape: vivid green hills, jumbles of boulders beyond counting scattered about, and little streams crashing a path down the craggy hillsides. Behind me rose towering great grey cliffs of rock, old as time, the oldest rock on the planet, so cracked with fault lines as to give the suggestion of ancient crumbling castle ruins. Drifting into this timeless world, I could picture dinosaurs roaming about amid the rocks that were eons older than even those giant reptiles. More and more, it seemed like a land time forgot.' (lines 55–61) Explain the impression the writer creates in the example you have identified. example explanation[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] • excited / amazed // sees it as a challenge // (he) feels there are endless journeys (available) // could never get tired of it // will enjoy it
[1] Award 1 mark for any of the following: • the best / safest / simplest / quickest • none (of the potential routes) are efficient / this is the least-worst option / knew it wasn't going to be efficient
[2] Award 1 mark for each up to a maximum of 2 marks: • difficult // needs concentration • easy to get lost / could (easily) be mistaken • intricate / complex / maze • (relishes / happily) accepts the challenge // is excited
[2] Award 1 mark for each up to a maximum of 2 marks: • the noise is threatening // loud • like a wild animal / beast // dangerous / violent / attacking • constant motion / relentless • power / energy / strength • it's surrounding / going in every direction / chaotic • bubbling
Responses might use any of the following relevant choices: • reveal a fairy-tale landscape: entering an imaginary / fantasy / beautiful world / picturesque, magical, enchanting • vivid green hills / jumbles of boulders beyond counting scattered about / and little streams crashing: sensory overload of colour and sound / brilliant lush vegetation / vast number and random pattern of large rocks / noise, movement, life and energy of water • towering great grey cliffs: forbidding / intimidating massive height / foreboding suggestion of entrapment / a sense of awe • old as time: the rocks' permanence / a sense of infinity set against his own insignificance • ancient crumbling castle ruins: dramatic landscape / legends / adventure / sense of history/decay • dinosaurs roaming: feels prehistoric / feels otherworldly / stepped back in time / feeling of potential danger in landscape • (drifting into this) timeless world / eons older / the land time forgot: as if travelled back in time / separated from the modern world / a sense of awe / nature untouched by humans Award up to 3 marks. 3 marks for: • relevant example precisely identified • clear understanding of how writer achieves intended effect 2 marks for: • relevant example precisely identified • some understanding 1 mark for: • relevant example precisely identified