O-LevelEnglish LanguageReading for Ideas1123/21 · May/June 2014 · Q120 Marks

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

(a)Notes [15 marks] Identify and write down the points in the passage which describe the origins and rise in worldwide popularity of chess throughout history, and the reasons for its continuing popularity today. USE ONLY THE MATERIAL FROM PARAGRAPH 2 TO PARAGRAPH 5 INCLUSIVE. At this stage, you need NOT use your own words. To help you get started, the first point in each section of notes is done for you. You will be awarded up to 15 marks for content points. MAIN POINTS The origins and rise in popularity of chess throughout history • It originated in India before the sixth century The reasons for the continuing popularity of chess today • Chess tournaments (increase popularity)[15]
(b)Summary [5 marks] Now use your notes to write a summary in which you describe the origins and rise in worldwide popularity of chess throughout history, and the reasons for its continuing popularity today, as outlined in the passage. This time, you will be awarded up to 5 marks for using your own words wherever possible and for accurate use of language. Your summary, which must be in continuous writing (not note form), must be no longer than 160 words, including the 10 words given below. Begin your summary as follows: Chess originated in India before the sixth century and then No. of words[5]

Mark scheme

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

[1] (a) Mark for content: 1 mark for each correct point up to a maximum of 15. [1] 1 Originated in India before the sixth century
[1] 2 It spread to Persia (Allow: Indian Ambassador took it as a gift to King of Persia)
[1] 3 Became (integral) part of education of (young) noblemen in Persia (Allow: P3 without reference to Persia if Persia context is established in P2)
[1] 4 (Development of) strict rules // need to adhere to rules
[1] 5 When Arab countries conquered Persia it was taken up by Muslims / went to Muslim world // when Arab countries conquered Persia Muslims were attracted by its logical processes (Allow: Arab / Arab countries for 'Muslim world' and vice versa)
[1] 6 Buddhist pilgrims / Buddhists took it (from India) to Far East (along Silk Road)
[1] 7 In Europe, it became pastime associated with nobility (Don't Allow: Chess was seen as noble / prestigious)
[1] 8 (Became) subject for European art // necklaces / jewellery decorated with chess pieces (Allow: P8 without reference to Europe if Europe context has already been established) (Don't Allow: Reference to exquisitely beautiful chessboards)
[1] 9 Knights / high-ranking soldiers had to be able to play chess (Don't Allow: Knights / high-ranking soldiers played chess)
[1] 10 Invention of chequered / black and white board made it easier to distinguish between the squares (Allow: Invention...board made it easier to play)
[1] 11 Writings about theories / tactics
[1] 12 Chess tournaments (increase popularity)
[1] 13 Chess Olympiad is international (Allow: Some tournaments / some championships / chess Olympics are international. Chess Olympiad, etc. linked to 'keen to see a country do well')
[1] 14 World Chess Federation defines rules / ratings of players
[1] 15 Modern media keep spectators / people / us in touch with matches / championships (Don't Allow: matches / championships broadcast on internet (alone) = 0 (examples only))
[1] 16 Chess computers / technology enable(s) players to practise / improve // Chess computers / technology act(s) as opponents (Don't Allow: playing online (alone) = 0)
[1] 17 Different / various pieces have different powers / move in different ways
[1] 18 Victory depends on (fate of) one piece / the king (Allow: Uniqueness of how victory is achieved)
[1] 19 Demands skill / concentration // no element of luck
[1] 20 (Gives sense of) continuity with the past (Allow: Lift in full of lines 47–48 'belonging to...many nations') (Don't Allow: Belonging to a great chess-playing family (alone) = 0)
[5] (b) Mark for Style (Own Words & Use of English): Awarded by combining marks for 'Own Words' and 'Use of English' categories (OW + UE / 2, half marks raised). [OW 5] Candidates make a sustained attempt to re-phrase the text language. Allow phrases from the text which are difficult to substitute. [UE 5] Apart from very occasional slips, the language is accurate. Any occasional errors are either slips or minor errors. There is a marked ability to use original complex syntax outside text structures. Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader.