O-LevelEnglish LanguageSummary Writing1123/21 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q122 Marks

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

(a)Notes Identify and write down the information in the passage which describes the origins and development of circuses in former times, and the development and spread of circuses in more 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 origins and development of circuses in former times • juggling skills have their origins in Egypt and China the development and spread of circuses in more modern times • horse-riding shows were performed in a circle[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the origins and development of circuses in former times, and the development and spread of circuses in more 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: Juggling, one of the roots of modern circus, originated in[10]

Mark scheme

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

[12] 1 mark for each correct point to a maximum of 12 marks
Given point: Juggling skills (have their origins in Egypt and China)
[1] acrobatic traditions (performances of extraordinary human feats of balance, agility and coordination / in Ancient Greece / Rome / medieval Europe.)
Allow lift of lines 5 to 7 'Acrobatic traditions (found... Europe)'
[1] (In Rome a circus was a) building / construction used for entertainment (involving sports / animals)
[1] (circuses were associated with) spectacle
[1] (circuses were also) social centres / a chance to catch up with friends
Allow lift of line 14 'Circuses were social centres, (a tradition...one.)'
[1] (Ancient Greek / Roman theatre made use of) comic characters / (development of the) clown
Allow lift of lines 18-19 'Ancient Greek .. behaviour.'
Allow lift of lines 19–21 ‘A development ... human.'
Given point: horse-riding shows were performed in a circle
[1] (addition of / other) traditional performance arts / acts (by Astley / acrobatics, juggling and music) // produce / production / creation of a whole show / whole circus (with a ringmaster)
Allow lift of lines 25–26 ‘(The next development...with) the addition (by Astley) of other...arts (acrobatics ... riding stunts)'
[1] different / types of / a range / variety of / (circus / performance) venues (developed) // (circus / performance) venues developed
Allow lift of lines 28–29 ‘(As styles of ... the) types of performance venues.’
[1] (permanent circuses) spread / went to Europe // (permanent circuses were) throughout Europe
[1] (circus craze) reached / went to the USA
[1] (Phinias Barnum introduced the) travelling circus (with circus trains)
Allow lift of lines 36-38 '(The American...of a) travelling circus (he was the first...town to town)'
[1] (By the twentieth century there were) travelling circus(es) in many / other parts of the world
Note: for the above wording award points 12 (unless previously awarded) and 13
[1] wild animals (such as lions and elephants) were introduced
Allow lift of lines 44 – 45 ‘(Horses...point) wild animals (such as lions and elephants) were introduced'
[1] entertainment (based) solely / only on human (skills)
Allow lift of lines 47 – 49 ‘(Public opinion...provide) entertainment ... human skills.'
[1] (They) combined traditional circus with modern theatrical skills (to convey...music) // traditional and modern circuses were combined with / using aesthetic impact / lighting and music
[10] Candidates have now fleshed out their notes into a piece of formal, continuous prose.
Candidates are advised to write between 150-180 words including the 10 words given.
Marks are awarded for producing a piece of writing which is relevant and coherent.