O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/21 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q122 Marks

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

(a)Notes Identify and write down the ways in which farming methods developed in former times and the disadvantages of intensive farming methods 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 Ways in which farming methods developed in former times • people started to live in settled communities and grow their own food Disadvantages of intensive farming methods in modern times • (uses) chemical fertilisers which contaminate the water of rivers and lakes[12]
(b)Summary Now use your notes from 1(a) to write a summary of the ways in which farming methods developed in former times and the disadvantages of intensive farming methods 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: Farming began when people started living in settled communities and[10]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 1 people started to live in settled communities and grow their own food (given)
[1] 2 (to plant crops, early people used) ploughs / ploughs (were used)
[1] 3 (the invention of) seed drills
[1] 4 a flail (separated the grain from the husk)
[1] 5 crop rotation
[1] 6 fallow // leaving / keeping land empty // letting land rest / recover (by not planting crops on it)
[1] 7 mechanical agriculture // (powered) machines
[1] 8 (invention of the) combine harvester
[1] 9 (uses) chemical fertilisers which contaminate the water of rivers and lakes (given)
[1] 10 toxins (in the soil are) produced by (chemical) pesticides (used to kill weeds / pests) // (chemical) pesticides (can) adversely / negatively affect animals // (chemical) pesticides (can) enter the human food chain / what we eat
[1] 11 crop dusting (can) damage(s) / harm(s) human health // spraying crops from an (agricultural) aircraft / the air (can) damage(s) / harm(s) (human) health // people (living in surrounding areas) ingest harmful chemicals from crop dusting
[1] 12 cutting down trees / deforestation (to create land) for (intensive) farming threatens our (planet's) eco-system
[1] 13 unemployment (levels increase(s)) // machines replace people
[1] 14 (keeping) animals in confined spaces / confinement (often indoors) can be cruel / inhumane
[1] 15 cramped / unhealthy conditions allow diseases to spread (easily) from animals / livestock to human beings / humans / people
[1] 16 growing only one crop / monocultures / harvesting crops more than once a year (can) reduce(s) (key) nutrients in the soil / cause a lowering in / lowers biodiversity
[10] 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. Band 5 (9-10 marks): 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. Band 4 (7-8 marks): 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. Band 3 (5-6 marks): 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. Band 2 (3-4 marks): 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. Band 1 (1-2 marks): 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. Band 0 (0 marks): No understanding of the task demonstrated in: A totally irrelevant response; Insufficient material to reward