O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Meaning1123/21 · Oct/Nov 2014 · Q87 Marks

From paragraph 4

(a)What does the word 'muffled' tells us about the effect of the locusts on the countryside?[1]
(b)The birds 'had gorged themselves so much that they were unable to take off'. Without copying from the passage, explain exactly the problem the birds have here.[2]
(c)What two effects did the locusts have on the car? (i) (ii)[2]
(d)Explain fully what caused the cracking noise.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) the countryside / it became / the locusts made the countryside / it quiet /silent // sound was deadened / hushed
[1] (b)(i) (they) had eaten so much / too much / so many locusts
[1] (b)(ii) (they) couldn't fly
[1] (c)(i) (they) smothered / covered / choked the radiator grille // (they) made the engine / car / radiator overheat
[1] (c)(ii) (they) choked the tyres (treads)
[1] (c)(ii) Made the tyres / wheels / car slip (on the road)
[1] (d)(i) the trees were breaking / broke
[1] (d)(ii) they were covered in locusts / many / a swarm of locusts had settled (on them / the trees) // the combined weight of (so) many locusts

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