O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/22 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q122 Marks

Section 1: Reading for Ideas Read Passage 1, Plastic, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

(a)Notes Identify and write down the problems associated with plastic, and possible solutions to the problems, 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 problems associated with plastic • lack of awareness about the threats it posed possible solutions to the problems • recycling[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the problems associated with plastic, and possible solutions to the problems, 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: A problem with plastic has been lack of awareness about[10]

Mark scheme

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

[1] (a) Problem: lack of awareness about the threats it posed
[1] (a) Problem: lack of knowledge of (just) how many / the amount of / the variety of / the range of products / things would be / are made of plastic / it
[1] (a) Problem: disappears / degrades / breaks down / (very) slowly // takes (many / hundreds of) years to disappear / degrade / break down // the time it takes to degrade // (its chemical ingredients make it) resistant to (many) natural (processes of) degradation
[1] (a) Problem: (very) difficult to get rid of
[1] (a) Problem: kills marine / aquatic life / creatures / animals (in many ways)
[1] (a) Problem: endangered / vulnerable / threatened species risk extinction // endangered species are threatened / vulnerable / at risk
[1] (a) Problem: (plastic) ingested / swallowed / eaten by sea-life (might) make(s) its way / get(s) into (the) human food (chain) // (plastic) ingested/ swallowed / eaten by sea-life (might) turn(s) up on our (own) plates
[1] (a) Solution: recycling
[1] (a) Solution: (companies) not using / avoiding plastic packaging / wrappers // not using it for packaging / wrappers // (companies using) paper wrappers / packaging //
[1] (a) Solution: (supermarkets / stores / shops / some countries) charge (customers) for plastic bags
[1] (a) Solution: (some) manufacturing firms are switching from (making products entirely from) plastic / to (a combination of) plastic and (other) sustainable materials // manufacturing firms are avoiding plastic / using (other) sustainable materials // making products using (a combination of) plastic and (other) sustainable materials / making products using sustainable materials / avoiding plastic
[1] (a) Solution: international environmental agencies / groups target businesses with a poor record in plastic / its use // international environmental agencies / groups call on governments to act
[1] (a) Solution: (some governments have implemented) laws to reduce plastic / it
[1] (a) Solution: (Indonesia introduced a) tourist tax (used) to clean (up) plastic / litter
[1] (a) Solution: (individuals / people consciously) reduce the plastic / the amount of it coming into / used in their / the home(s) / house / household(s)
[1] (a) Solution: voluntary groups remove plastic / it (and other rubbish) littering / from beaches / countryside // voluntary groups draw attention to environmental dangers posed by plastic / it
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 5: 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.
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 4: 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.
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 3: 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.
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 2: 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.
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 1: 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.
[10] (b) Summary - Task Fulfilment Band 0: No understanding of the task demonstrated in: A totally irrelevant response; Insufficient material to reward.