Cambridge IGCSE™

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 0510/23

Paper 2 Reading and Writing (Extended) May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 80

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 May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

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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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This component forms part of the Extended tier assessment of Cambridge IGCSE English as a
Second Language and tests the following Assessment Objectives:

AO1: Reading
R1 identify and select relevant information
R2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
R3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
R4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, writer’s purpose, intentions and
feelings

AO2: Writing
W1 communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly, accurately and effectively
W2 organise ideas into coherent paragraphs using a range of appropriate linking devices
W3 use a range of grammatical structures accurately and effectively
W4 show control of punctuation and spelling
W5 use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and audience

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Exercise 1

Question Answer Marks

1 (through their long) noses 1

2 3 metres 1

3 around (wooden) constructions 1

4 Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 2 marks: 2

people want to keep them (as pets)
(cannot survive any) extreme changes in (water) temperature

If three details are provided:

two right and one wrong = 1 mark
one right and two wrong = 0 marks

5 (on the) tail of the male 1

6 (bright) pink 1

7 twice / 2 1

8 eat (the) remains of (the) egg 1

9 Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 4 marks: 4

sharp spikes (on their backs)

can see all around / move each eye independently
able to disguise themselves as (pieces of) seaweed
by changing colour / match their surroundings
by moving with the flow of the water

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Exercise 2

Question Answer Marks

10(a) C 1

10(b) B 1

10(c) A 1

10(d) D 1

10(e) B 1

10(f) A 1

10(g) C 1

10(h) B 1

10(i) D 1

10(j) A 1

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Exercise 3

Question Answer Marks

11 Award 1 mark for each acceptable response, up to a maximum of 5 marks. 5

Acceptable responses are:

The effects that a well–designed building can have on people

1 (people) take less time off
2 work more efficiently (when there are differently-sized spaces) / work
without interruption
3 (higher ceilings can generate) more creative thoughts
4 (views of natural scenes) can help people pay (better) attention (to what
they’re doing) / people concentrate better
5 (level of lighting) changes how fast people move (around a building) /
people move more quickly
6 (different colour schemes can) alter (people’s) mood

12 Award 1 mark for each acceptable response, up to a maximum of 4 marks. 4

Acceptable responses are:

Factors which can influence a designer’s plans for a building

1 date to complete a project / time
2 performance requirements f(or any building) / (understanding) what a space
will be used for
3 position of neighbouring properties
4 local climate conditions / if the country is (very) hot
5 available budget
6 interior design (features)
7 (level of) lighting
8 colour (schemes)

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Exercise 4

The following general instructions, listed Content points, and Marking criteria, all apply to
Exercise 4:

 You should decide on a mark for Content and Language separately.

 Content points are listed below.
 Language covers organisation and coherence, and range and accuracy of language. When
deciding on a mark for Language, first gain an impression of the response, then focus on the level
descriptors in order to decide on the best fit. If all three bullet points within the band are fulfilled
then it is likely that you will award the higher mark within that band.
 There are two aspects to this question. If only one aspect is successfully addressed, then the
maximum mark for Language is 4.
 If the response exceeds 120 words, a maximum of 6 marks can be awarded for Language.

Question Answer Marks

13 Award up to a total of 16 marks.

Up to 8 marks to be awarded for Content (Reading)

Relevant Content points to include are: 8

Why people buy:

1 have a souvenir (to take home) / all part of tourist experience / help
remember their (fantastic) holiday
2 have (historical) link to a certain region
3 meaningful / sentimental value
4 not mass-produced (in factories) / traditional / (much) more individual /
unique
5 chance to meet the person who has (actually) made it
6 opportunity to hear the story behind how it was made
7 (provide) support (to small) local businesses

Why people make:

8 (equipment needed to produce these sorts of items) is often
inexpensive / big machine is not required / simple tool will do the job
9 materials (that are used) are (generally) easily available
10 materials are often natural / materials won’t end up causing (long –
lasting) pollution
11 to sell
12 ensure traditional skills are not lost

Up to 8 marks to be awarded for Language (Writing). 8

See generic marking criteria for Exercise 4.

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Generic marking criteria for Exercise 4

Marks Language (Writing)

7–8  Points are very well organised and coherent. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
 Very good use of own words.
 High level of accuracy of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

5–6  Points are well organised and coherent. Cohesive devices are used appropriately.
 Good use of own words.
 Good level of accuracy of vocabulary and simple grammatical structures.

3–4  Points are partly organised and reasonably coherent. Cohesive devices are used
generally appropriately.
 Some attempt to use own words, with some reliance on language from the text.
 Reasonable level of accuracy of vocabulary and simple grammatical structures.

1–2  Little or no attempt to organise points. Cohesive devices are either not used or are
not used appropriately.
 Heavy reliance on language from the text.
 Limited control of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

0  No response worthy of credit.

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Generic marking criteria for Exercises 5 and 6

The following general instructions, and table of marking criteria, apply to both Exercises 5 and 6.

 You should decide on a mark for Content and Language separately.

 Content covers the relevance (i.e. whether the piece fulfils the task and the awareness of
purpose / audience / register) and the development of ideas (i.e. the detail / explanation
provided).

 Language covers range (i.e. complexity of vocabulary and sentence structure) and accuracy (of
grammar, spelling, punctuation and text organisation).

 When deciding on a mark for Content or Language, first of all decide which band is most
appropriate. There will not necessarily be an exact fit. Then decide between the lower or the
higher mark. Use the lower mark if it fulfils some of the requirements of the band and the higher
mark if it fulfils all the requirements of the band.

 When deciding on a mark for Content, look at both relevance and development of ideas. First
ask yourself whether the writing fulfils the task, in terms of points to be covered and the required
length. If the task is generally fulfilled it will be awarded at least 3–4 marks.

 When deciding on a mark for Language, look at both the range and the accuracy of the
language. A useful starting point would be first to gain an impression of the level, then to focus on
the level descriptors in order to decide on the best fit.

 If the writing is considerably shorter than the stated word length, i.e. below 105 words, it should
be given 1–2 marks or less for Content for only partially fulfilling the task.

 If the writing is between 105 and 150 words then it is unlikely to be given more than 5 marks for
Content because of a lack of detail and development

 If the writing is only partly relevant and therefore can be awarded only 1–2 Content marks, the
full range of marks for Language is still available.

 If the writing is totally irrelevant and has nothing to do with the question asked, it should be
given 0 marks for Content and Language.

Question Answer Marks

14 Award up to a total of 16 marks. 16

Up to 8 marks to be awarded for Content
Plus up to 8 marks to be awarded for Language. See generic marking criteria
for Exercises 5 and 6.

15 Award up to a total of 16 marks. 16

Up to 8 marks to be awarded for Content
Plus up to 8 marks to be awarded for Language. See generic marking criteria
for Exercises 5 and 6.

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Marking Criteria for Exercises 5 and 6

Marks Content (maximum 8 marks) Marks Language (maximum 8 marks)

7–8 Relevance 7–8 Range and accuracy

 Task is fulfilled.  Uses a wide range of common
 Consistently appropriate style and and less common vocabulary
register for the purpose and effectively.
audience.  Uses a wide range of structures,
 Some sense of purpose and both simple and complex,
audience effectively.
 High level of accuracy of
Development of ideas language throughout. Occasional
 Content is very well developed, at errors may be present but these
appropriate length. do not impede communication.
 Content is communicated skilfully  Errors are related to less common
and effectively. vocabulary or more complex
structures.

Organisation
 Effectively organised and
sequenced.
 Uses a wide range of linking
words and other cohesive
devices, effectively.

5–6 Relevance 5–6 Range and accuracy

 Generally appropriate style and  Uses a good range of common
register for the text type. vocabulary appropriately, and
 Generally good sense of purpose attempts to use some less
and audience. common vocabulary.
 Uses a good range of simple
Development of ideas structures appropriately, and
 Content is developed, at attempts to use some more
appropriate length. complex structures.
 Content is generally  Good level of accuracy of
communicated clearly. language throughout. Errors do
not generally impede
communication.
 Errors are generally related to
less common vocabulary or more
complex structures.

Organisation
 Well organised and sequenced.
 Uses a good range of linking
words and other cohesive
devices, appropriately.

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Marks Content (maximum 8 marks) Marks Language (maximum 8 marks)

3–4 Relevance 3–4 Range and accuracy

 Task is generally fulfilled.  Uses mainly common vocabulary,
 Reasonably appropriate style and reasonably appropriately.
register for the text type, although  Uses mainly simple structures,
this may not be consistent. reasonably successfully.
 Some sense of purpose and  Reasonable level of accuracy of
audience. language. Errors may impede
communication in places.
Development of ideas  Errors may occur when using
 Some development of content, common vocabulary or simple
although in places it may be structures.
incomplete or repetitive.
 Content is communicated, but Organisation
may lack clarity in places.  Reasonably well organised and
sequenced.
 Uses some linking words and
other cohesive devices,
reasonably appropriately.

1–2 Relevance 1–2 Range and accuracy

 Task may only be partially fulfilled.  Limited use of vocabulary.
 Style and register for the text type  Limited use of structures.
may be inappropriate.  Lack of control of language
 Insufficient sense of purpose and Meaning is often unclear
audience.  Errors occur when using common
vocabulary and simple structures.
Development of ideas
 Limited attempt to develop Organisation
content, although there may be  Organisation lacks sequencing.
gaps, irrelevance and/or repetition.  Limited attempt to use linking
 Limited attempt to communicate words and other cohesive
content, but it lacks clarity in devices.
places.

0  No response worthy of credit. 0  No response worthy of credit.

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