O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/21 · Oct/Nov 2019 · Q122 Marks

Read Passage 1, Silk, in the Insert and answer all the questions below.

(a)Notes Identify and describe the rise and spread of silk in former times and the reasons why silk is valued 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 rise and spread of silk in former times • Leizu saw a cocoon made from a long thread (both soft and strong) reasons why silk is valued in modern times • takes dye well and can be made in brilliant, luminous colours[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the rise and spread of silk in former times and the reasons why silk is valued 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: Leizu saw a cocoon made from a long thread and[10]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) Leizu saw a cocoon made from a long thread (both soft and strong)
[1] (a) (invention of silk) reels and looms (to make threads / spin threads into fabric)
[1] (a) valued commodity // (reserved for) clothing for Emperors // (reserved as) gifts for Emperor's / court guests
[1] (a) ordinary people were / everyone was allowed to wear silk / it // ordinary people / everyone wore silk / it
[1] (a) diverse / many / other uses in manufacturing (processes such as, paper, fishing lines and bows for musical instruments)
[1] (a) used as money (in some Chinese dynasties)
[1] (a) (silk / silkworms / it / the secret) spread / smuggled to other countries / to other parts of the world / around the world
[1] (a) long-distance (silk) trade / trade (in silk) became extensive
[1] (a) Takes dye well and can be made in brilliant, luminous colours.
[1] (a) smooth / soft (texture) // neither stiff nor limp // hangs well // ideal for elegant clothing
[1] (a) (attractive) shimmering / glittering / shiny appearance // (its structure allows it to) reflect(s) / refract(s) light (at different angles)
[1] (a) it blends well / can be combined with other fibres (to produce other materials / fabrics)
[1] (a) suitable for all temperatures // comfortable (to wear) in hot climates // (it) keeps warm air close to the skin during cold weather / climates
[1] (a) (excellent in the manufacturing of) clothing which protects from insect bites / insects // protects wearers from insect bites / insects
[1] (a) (silk / it is very) strong / durable // (this) strength / (this) durability
[1] (a) (worn) to show / shows status / professional standing
[1] (a) (an exclusive) symbol of wealth
(b) Band 5 (9-10 marks): Excellent understanding of the task. 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.
(b) Band 4 (7-8 marks): Good understanding of the task. Almost all content included is relevant, with only occasional unnecessary details/repetitions. Generally fluent and coherent presentation of the points, with appropriate linking devices.
(b) Band 3 (5-6 marks): Acceptable understanding of the task. 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.
(b) Band 2 (3-4 marks): Insecure understanding of the task. Content included is of limited relevance, with frequent unnecessary details/repetitions. Presentation of the points breaks down, with little coherence and lacking linking devices.
(b) Band 1 (1-2 marks): Very little understanding of the task. Content included is of little relevance, with noticeably unnecessary details/repetitions. Little attempt to present the points with no concept of linking devices.
(b) Band 0 (0 marks): No understanding of the task. A totally irrelevant response. Insufficient material to reward.