Cambridge International AS Level

ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER 8021/12

Paper 1 Essay 12 March 2021
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 30

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the March 2021 series for most Cambridge
IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level components.

This document consists of 15 printed pages.

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8021/12 Cambridge International AS Level – Mark Scheme March 2021
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Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the
question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation
scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when
these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme.
The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the
question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the
candidate responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks
should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

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Generic levels of response descriptions

These level definitions address Assessment Objectives (AOs) 1, 2 and 3, and should be used in
conjunction with the indicative content for each question in the mark scheme. Information about AOs
can be found in the Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper syllabus (8021) for
examination in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Introduction

The level definitions which follow reflect, and should be interpreted within the context of, the following
general statement:

(a) Examiners will give their highest marks to candidates who demonstrate a disciplined
management of the discussion the question provokes and use clear and accurate
communication. Examiners will be guided more by careful selection and application of
information, effective analysis and evaluation, and supported judgement, than by weight of facts.

(b) Examiners will use these level definitions in combination with the question-specific mark
schemes.

(c) Explanation or judgement is strengthened if informed by the use of relevant examples.

The level in which an essay is placed depends on the range of criteria detailed in AO1, AO2 and AO3.
As a result, not all essays fall obviously into one particular level. In such cases a ‘best-fit’ approach
will be adopted with any doubt erring on the side of generosity.

In marking an essay, examiners will first place it in a level and then fine-tune the mark in terms of how
strongly/weakly the demands of the level have been demonstrated. The criteria in each level are
written to exemplify the middle of that level.

Levels of response descriptions

AO1
AO3
Selection and AO2
Level Communication using Marks
application of Analysis and evaluation
written English
information

• Selects a range of • Analyses possible • Communicates clearly

fully relevant meanings of the with consistently
information that question and defines appropriate use of
effectively the scope of the register.
exemplifies the main response. • Uses a wide range of
aspects of the • Develops, analyses vocabulary and a variety
response to the and evaluates a of language features.
question. range of arguments • Uses language with
• Applies a range of to reach a supported control and accuracy.
5 25–30
examples conclusion. Errors, if present, are only
appropriately to • Develops a strong related to the use of
support the main argument with clear sophisticated words and
ideas and opinions in use of supportive structures.
the response. evidence. • Constructs a cohesive
response which links
ideas, arguments and
paragraphs convincingly.
Text is well organised.

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Levels of response descriptions

AO1
AO3
Selection and AO2
Level Communication using Marks
application of Analysis and evaluation
written English
information

• Selects relevant • Analyses the • Communicates clearly

information that meaning of the with appropriate use of
exemplifies the main question to inform the register.
aspects of the scope of the • Uses a range of
response to the response. vocabulary and language
question. • Develops, analyses features.
• Applies examples and begins to • Uses language with
appropriately to evaluate different control and some
4 19–24
support the main arguments to reach a accuracy. Errors relate to
ideas and opinions in supported the use of less common
the response. conclusion. words and structures.
• Develops a well- • Constructs a clear
reasoned argument response which links
with use of supportive ideas, arguments and
evidence. paragraphs. Text is
generally well organised.

• Selects information • Demonstrates • Communicates clearly

that exemplifies some understanding of the overall but with
of the main aspects meaning of the inconsistent use of
of the response to the question in the appropriate register.
question. response. • Uses everyday
• Applies examples to • Develops and brings vocabulary and some
support the main together some varied language features.
ideas and opinions in arguments to form a • Uses language with some
3 the response. conclusion. control. Errors are 13–18
• Constructs an noticeable but do not
argument which is impede communication.
logical and usually • Constructs a mostly
supported by coherent response which
evidence. links ideas, arguments
and paragraphs. Text has
some organisation but
may not be sustained.

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Levels of response descriptions

AO1
AO3
Selection and AO2
Level Communication using Marks
application of Analysis and evaluation
written English
information

• Selects limited • Demonstrates partial • Communicates clearly in

information that understanding of the places, with inconsistent
exemplifies aspects meaning of the use of register.
of the response to the question in the • Uses basic vocabulary
question. response. with limited language
• Applies examples • Refers to arguments features.
that are linked to to form a conclusion. • Uses language with
2 7–12
some of the ideas • Constructs an limited control. Errors are
and opinions in the argument partially frequent and sometimes
response. supported by impede communication.
evidence. • Constructs a fragmented
response which links
some ideas and/or
arguments.

• Selects limited • Makes a limited • Communicates with lack

information that is response to the of clarity and/or register is
relevant to the question. inappropriate.
question. • Makes some form of • Uses basic vocabulary.
• Makes examples basic conclusion. • Uses language with
which may not link to • Constructs a weak control rarely. Errors are
1 the ideas and argument. frequent and 1–6
opinions in the communication is often
response. lost.
• Constructs a response
but the response is not
organised and ideas are
not linked.

0 • A mark of zero should be awarded for no creditable content. 0

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Question Answer Marks

1 The most important role of a parent is to teach their child moral 30

values. Discuss.

Answers are likely to:

• consider the various roles of a parent in their child’s development
• discuss the extent to which teaching moral values is the most
important role
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward. Answers might include discussions and
examples such as:
• what is meant by ‘moral values’ depending on cultural, social and
individual outlooks
• the importance of acquiring moral values for interaction with others
preparing for later life
• children learning values from parents by example, teaching, reward
and punishment, exposure to real or fictional role models
• socialisation occurs in many contexts, not just within the family circle
• important parental roles include providing safety and security in
various contexts
• parents supporting their child emotionally and intellectually to fulfil
their potential
• parents having to care for themselves not just their children
• different family models may be considered, as may different stages of
a child’s development.

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Question Answer Marks

2 To what extent has globalisation brought only benefits to your 30

country?

Answers will be focused on one country with which the candidate identifies
or to which they direct their answers. Answers are likely to:
• discuss the benefits brought by globalisation to the candidate’s
specified country
• assess the drawbacks of globalisation in the same context
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• increasing trade, choice of goods and economic growth; but possible
exploitation by stronger economies and a wider income gap
• the opportunities and problems both for individuals and societies in a
globalized world
• exploiting workers, where rights may be less protected and people are
paid less to produce cheap goods
• spreading cultural practices, food, music, democracy, and ideas of
personal freedoms; but cultural dilution, westernisation and
prevalence of English
• how the global village can increase cooperation over pressing global
issues
• travel for leisure purposes, widening cultural exchange, but showing
little respect for local culture bringing conflict and tension
• exchange of ideas, developing technology, collaborating on research
but spreading negative ideas more swiftly
• the various and serious global aspects of environmental damage and
exploitation
• possible mitigation of negative effects; effects may vary across the
population, or differ in the short and longer term.

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Question Answer Marks

3 Evaluate the view that professional sport has become dangerously 30

obsessed with money.

Answers are likely to:

• explore how far professional sport is obsessed with money
• discuss other factors that have become the main focus of professional
sport
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• sport has become more obsessed with money in recent years, but this
was not the case in the past
• sports teams are businesses with huge wages and transfer deals,
wealthy owners, and players seen as commodities or a brand
• issues with buying in talent as opposed to nurturing local and
domestic talent and effects on national teams
• potential for corruption when so much money is involved in sport
• media deals may limit coverage of all but major sports and events
• what else professional sport should involve and their relative
importance
• money involved differs between sports and between more and less
wealthy nations
• high salaries match market forces and are not necessarily bad, with
stars paying high taxes and giving to charity.

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Question Answer Marks

4 It is impossible to maintain privacy in an online environment. 30

Discuss.

Answers are likely to:

• consider the nature and importance of privacy online
• discuss the extent to which privacy can be maintained in an online
environment
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• people’s online profiles are increasingly detailed when they interact
with others online, especially on social media
• privacy is not commercially attractive as various interests would not be
best served
• many consumers like to receive suggestions for news or products,
weakening attempts of others to opt out of such practices
• difficulties over regulation and protection of one’s personal details
online
• security and data breaches which can endanger and compromise
people
• legitimate reasons for breaching the privacy of individuals, groups or
organisations
• use of privacy settings online and their limitations, especially on social
media and with online purchases
• the role of education in ensuring young people are more aware of the
dangers and protecting themselves online.

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Question Answer Marks

5 Only an increase in food production can ensure enough food is 30

available to meet everyone’s needs. To what extent do you agree?

Answers are likely to:

• consider the importance of ensuring availability of food to meet
everyone’s needs
• evaluate ways of improving food availability, other than simply
increasing food production
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• rising global population (estimated at 9 billion by 2050) and poverty
affect food security around the world
• increasing food production would undoubtedly improve the situation;
the more food there is, the more people can be fed
• the various methods available to improve crop yields and their quality
• the importance of nutritional value and the various obstacles
encountered
• humanitarian aid is likely a shorter-term solution unless it can bring
about more lasting change to infrastructure and access
• the possibility of reducing meat consumption or improving animal
husbandry
• the possible increase in other diets and consumption of previously
unappealing proteins
• social and human changes needed to address the rich-poor divide in
the world.

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Question Answer Marks

6 The only way to reduce pollution is to regulate and penalise the 30

companies and countries responsible. Discuss.

Answers are likely to:

• examine what pollution is and how it may damage the environment
• consider whether companies and countries which pollute can be
regulated and other possible solutions
• make a judgement based on a consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• transgressors should receive heavy fines and regular inspections to
make sure they are following the rules
• governments encouraging industries with financial incentives, better
information and education
• sustainable, alternative energy being used by countries and
companies to reduce pollution
• more investment being made into cleaner energy and more efficient
technology
• encouraging the greater involvement of citizens and various social
organisations
• caring for the environment should be the responsibility of everyone as
we are linked by similar issues and concerns
• big polluters may be reluctant to have stricter controls as their concern
is for economic growth only
• it might be unfair to penalize certain countries and companies who
have no other options.

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Question Answer Marks

7 Evaluate the view that computer technology makes it much easier to 30

learn another language.

Answers are likely to:

• examine what computer technology is available to learn another
language
• discuss the merits and limitations of using computer technology to
learn another language
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• the prevalence of computer technology making their use more
accessible
• various free internet translation tools, services and dictionaries now
exist
• translation services are increasingly accurate and sophisticated,
providing a useful tool for language learners
• there being many online language courses, making use of visual and
audio facilities, in an ever-wider range of languages
• the internet giving access to online textbooks, grammar and
dictionaries but not all may be accurate
• there being constant and instant access to printed or visual news
media from countries where the target language is spoken
• the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for linguistic
and cultural exchange
• limits to what can be learned online, with such facilities likely to
complement rather than replace traditional learning methods.

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Question Answer Marks

8 Music has a significant impact on society and individuals. To what 30

extent do you agree?

Answers are likely to:

• examine examples of music
• evaluate the extent to which music has impacted society and
individuals
• make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• the ways in which music has provided a soundtrack to the life of
individuals and society
• how music can inspire a variety of emotions, some negative and some
positive
• the contexts where music may distract, annoy or manipulate people
• how music encourages physical and artistic expression in a variety of
fields
• the benefits, cognitive and aesthetic, of playing a musical instrument
• how music can provide solace and consolation at various stages of
life’s journey
• how music is essential in a variety of celebrations such as weddings
and commemorations
• music is frowned upon or even forbidden in certain cultures and
regions of the world.

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Question Answer Marks

9 To what extent do you agree that all buildings of historical 30

significance should be preserved in your country?

Answers will be focused on one country with which the candidate identifies
or to which they direct their answers.

Answers are likely to:

• consider the value of historical buildings, their importance and
preservation
• discuss the extent to which countries should try to preserve heritage
sites
• make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• historical buildings are visible, tangible elements of a country’s
heritage and deserve respect and attention
• heritage sites may have cultural, religious, social or historical
significance
• older buildings should be preserved because they are interesting,
often beautiful and educate people about a country’s history and
development
• such sites may generate income from tourism, especially if particularly
iconic or significant in some way
• there may be significant financial costs in maintaining heritage
buildings, especially if left to the state to manage
• sites may be accessed by relatively few people, often restricted to a
particular demographic
• preservation may be instead of new development and thus be viewed
as nostalgic and sentimental, an unaffordable luxury
• recent or contemporary buildings may become part of a nation’s
heritage.

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Question Answer Marks

10 Evaluate the extent to which works of fiction rely on the personal 30

experiences of the author.

Answers are likely to:

• consider how the chosen work(s) reflect an author’s own experience
• explore what other elements and factors influence works of literature
• make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• how own experiences can enhance the writing process making works
more believable and vivid
• how own experiences can be more relatable to the reader
• other people’s experiences may be more interesting and more
important than those of the writer
• the importance of using imagination to create new worlds and
inventive scenarios
• the universal human issues that underlie most works of literature
• authorial research may play a more significant part of the writing
process
• the extent to which fiction aimed at specific audiences or age groups
needs authorial experience
• own experiences may alienate the reader and be too introspective.

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