w
w
ap
eP
m
e
tr
.X
w
om
.c
s
er
Example Candidate Responses
(Standards Booklet)
Cambridge IGCSE®
French
0520
Cambridge Secondary 2
Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres
are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give
permission to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use
within a Centre.
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.
© Cambridge International Examinations 2013
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 2
Assessment at a glance ........................................................................................................ 3
Component 1 – Listening ...................................................................................................... 4
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing .................................................................... 60
Component 4 – Continuous Writing ...................................................................................111
Introduction
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge IGCSE French
(0520), and to show how different levels of candidates’ performance relate to the subject’s curriculum and
assessment objectives.
For the Listening paper and the Reading and Directed Writing paper a range of candidate responses has
been chosen as far as possible to exemplify grades A, C and E. The candidate responses are presented by
section of the question paper. After each candidate’s responses for a particular section, a brief commentary
is provided to explain the strengths and weaknesses of the answers.
For the Continuous Writing paper a set of candidate’s responses scoring full marks has been chosen, as
well as responses to exemplify the A/B borderline and grade C. Each response is accompanied by a brief
commentary explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the answers.
In this booklet the grade given to each example candidate response is the overall grade achieved by that
candidate for the whole question paper. It is therefore possible that a weaker candidate will do better on an
individual question than a candidate who achieves a higher grade for the whole paper.
For ease of reference the following format for each section has been adopted:
Mark scheme
Example candidate
response
Examiner comment
For the Listening paper the relevant section of the tapescript is also provided.
Comments are given to indicate where and why marks were awarded, and how additional marks could have
been obtained. In this way, it is possible to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and
what they still have to do to improve their grades.
Past papers, Examiner Reports and other teacher support materials are available at http://teachers.cie.org.uk
2
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Assessment at a glance
Assessment at a glance
All candidates have access to all elements of the examination. However, for the examination to be
appropriate to candidates across the full ability range, separate options are available for Core Curriculum
candidates and Extended Curriculum candidates:
Core curriculum
Grades available: C, D, E, F, G
Extended curriculum (Core + Supplement)
Grades available: A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Paper 1
Listening
45 minutes: Sections 1, 2 and 3
Paper 1
Listening
45 minutes: Sections 1, 2 and 3
Paper 2
Reading and Directed Writing
1½ hours: Sections 1, 2 and 3
Paper 2
Reading and Directed Writing
1½ hours: Sections 1, 2 and 3
Paper 3
Speaking
15 minutes
Paper 3
Speaking
15 minutes
Paper 4
Continuous Writing
1¼ hours
Teachers are reminded that the full syllabus is available at www.cie.org.uk
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
3
Component 1 – Listening
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1
Tapescript
4
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
5
Component 1 – Listening
6
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
7
Component 1 – Listening
8
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
9
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
10
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
11
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
12
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
13
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 0
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
Question 16 = 0
Examiner comment – grade A
The performance on this first section was of a high standard and it scored 14 out of a possible 16 marks.
This initial section is targeted at grades E, F and G and was clearly well within the ability of this candidate.
The performance on both of the exercises in this section shows that the candidate has a very good
understanding of specific items of vocabulary in Topic Areas A, B, and C and is usually well able to identify
key items of a factual nature.
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
On this exercise, the material tests key vocabulary and each short item is heard twice. The questions
tested vocabulary in the areas of food, times, numbers, places in the house, film types and shops. The
candidate makes a very competent start to the paper and scores full marks on this exercise.
14
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
This exercise differs from the first one in that the material heard is divided into two short sections with
four questions on each section. The material typically tests short factual details of tourist information. This
candidate puts in a competent performance but on Question 13 probably mishears équitation as natation
and incorrectly chooses option A. Questions 14 and 15 are answered correctly but on Question 16 the
number 642 is offered instead of 680.
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
15
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
16
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
17
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
18
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
Question 16 = 1
Examiner comment – grade C
The performance on this first section was faultless and the candidate scored full marks (16). This
initial section is targeted at grades E, F and G and was clearly well within the ability of this candidate.
The performance on both of the exercises in this section shows that the candidate has a very good
understanding of specific items of vocabulary in Topic Areas A, B, and C and is well able to identify key
items of a factual nature.
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
All questions were answered correctly, even Question 6 (les verres) where candidates frequently selected
option A.
Section 1 Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
This candidate performs well and scores full marks. On Question 14, the answer is acceptable as the
candidate has clearly crossed out answers which the examiner is not to consider. This is also the case on
Question 16.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
19
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 0
20
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 0
Question 5 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
21
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 0
Question 7 = 0
Question 8 = 1
22
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
23
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 0
Question 15 = 1
Question 16 = 0
Examiner comment – grade E
The performance on this first section was sound, with the candidate scoring a total of 10 marks out of a
possible 16 marks on the opening two exercises. This initial section is targeted at grades E, F and G.
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
On Question 1 the number is correctly identified but on Question 2 option D is chosen instead of option C.
The key information is heard on Question 3 (le café ) but on Question 4, the candidate is unable to identify
le lit and instead confuses this with la chaise. On Question 5 le poulet is correctly chosen. On Question
6 the candidate confuses les verres with les assiettes and consequently chooses the incorrect option A.
Likewise, on Question 7 film types are not well known and the candidate rejects the correct option C (un
film d’horreur ) and instead chooses option B (un film de science-fiction). Shops are better known and the
final question is answered correctly as the candidate chooses option B (la pharmacie). The score on this
exercise is typical of this level of performance in that certain areas of key, basic vocabulary are less well
known.
24
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
Overall, the candidate performs well and is successful on six of the eight questions. On Question 9 le lac
is heard and identified correctly and on Question 10 the mark is scored for septembre. On Question 11
there are two clues given in the text in that candidates could arrive at the answer by identifying dans les
arbres or also by identifying des maisons en bois. On Question 12 the candidate is able to understand
the negative concept and picks out that there is no electricity available. Question 13: the key vocabulary
item of équitation is understood and chosen, but on Question 14 the incorrect option A (la voile) is chosen
rather than option C (la pêche). The candidate does not attempt an answer to Question 16 and at this level
of performance it is fairly common for candidates to experience difficulty when identifying larger multiple
numbers such as 680.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
25
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2
Tapescript
26
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
27
Component 1 – Listening
28
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
29
Component 1 – Listening
30
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
31
Component 1 – Listening
32
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 17(b) = 1
Question 17(d) = 1
Question 17(f) = 0
Question 17(g) = 1
Question 17(k) = 1
Question 17(l) = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
33
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 1
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 1
Question 22 = 1
34
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 23 = 1
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Question 26 = 1
Question 27 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
This section of the paper features material aimed at testing grades C and D. The extracts heard are longer
and include opinions and tenses other than the present tense. On Exercise 2, (Deuxième partie), questions
requiring answers in French are phrased in such a way so as to avoid the need for candidates to write long
answers.
It is on this section of the paper that one can start to see a definite rise in performance on the script
representing the A threshold compared with the script representing the C threshold. The performance on
the A script is more consistent across the section and the candidate scores 12 marks out of a possible 16
marks.
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
The candidate makes a good start to this section and scores five out of a possible six marks. The candidate
clearly understands the rubrics and has ticked the correct number of boxes but chooses option e instead
of option f. The word rapidité is used in the written question and the word rapide is heard on the recording
which has perhaps led to this incorrect choice being made. Option f requires the ability on the part of the
candidate to understand écrire une lettre me permet de me sentir proche de mes amis and to link it to the
paraphrased version used in the question: Pour Juliette, écrire une lettre est un signe d’amitié.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–22)
Despite offering an incomprehensible answer to Question 18, the answers to Questions 19, 21 and 22 are
all correct. On Question 20, the attempt is only partially correct as the question requires the candidate not
just to replace le paysage with a reference to generally liking life on the island. The use of surtout in the
question is signficant as it indicates the need to pick out what is liked most. The candidates heard ce que
j’aime le plus ici, c’est le calme. The essential concept to identify here was calme.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q23–27)
This final part of the exercise is done well by the candidate. On Question 23 the candidate offers two
answers, both of which are correct. It is worth reminding candidates that they should keep their answers
concise and avoid invalidating a correct answer by adding extra incorrect material. On this question,
however, as the mark scheme shows, Examiners were instructed to be tolerant of incorrect attempts at an
alternative answer if the correct answer was present. This was also the marking instruction for Question
24 and the candidate’s attempt at grillade can be ignored and the mark awarded for plage. Question 25
was answered successfully and was spelt well. As the mark scheme shows many phonetic variations were
accepted for the word manteau . Question 26 was also answered correctly, but the answer on the final
question in this section showed only partial comprehension. The concept of having to leave is conveyed but
it is not fully linked to the idea of leaving for university. It is worth noting that the brief responses to many
questions are ideal as they give the candidate more time to listen and think.
It is interesting to note the overall performance on the grade C script on this section and the overall
performance of the grade A candidate on this section.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
35
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 17(b) = 1
Question 17(d) = 1
Question 17(f) = 0
36
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 17(g) = 1
Question 17(k) = 0
Question 17(l) = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 0
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 1
Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 1
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 0
Question 26 = 1
Question 27 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
37
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
This section of the paper features material aimed at testing grades C and D. The extracts heard are longer
and include opinions and tenses other than the present tense. On Exercise 2, (Deuxième partie), questions
requiring answers in French are phrased in such a way so as to avoid the need for candidates to write long
answers.
The candidate scores half marks on the first exercise and goes on to score just under half marks on the
second exercise.
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
The candidate has ticked the correct number of options and is successful on options b, d and g. The
candidate has ticked option e incorrectly. It is possible that the choice of this option was made because
the French heard featured the word rapide and the question uses la rapidité. The candidate does not
however realise that Juliette clearly states that she does not like emails as they are too fast. Option j is also
ticked: the candidate understands perhaps that Noémie does not have a working mobile phone but has not
understood the difference between perdu and cassé.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–22)
The candidate understands the rubric and is aware of how to approach the exercise. The candidate however,
does not score the mark on Question 18 as the answer breaches one of the fundamental principles of the
mark scheme which is that even if a word sounds like the correct answer it cannot be rewarded if the word
given means something else. Here, mere is refused in the mark scheme as although it sounds like mer, it
could be understood to be mère/mother. On Question 19 the candidate has not concentrated on correcting
the word collège and has instead added in an extra detail heard about school which is that Angélique will
start back in the troisième. (This is a correct detail, but does not answer the question.) On Question 20, the
candidate has again picked out a detail heard on the recording but does not realise the importance of surtout
in the question and the need to link this to the French heard, ce que j’aime le plus ici, c’est le calme. The
mark is awarded on Question 21 for le sport, but not on the next question, which required the answer froid,
as fois constitutes another word in French.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q23–27)
The candidate is more successful on this second part of the exercise. As can be seen from the answers
which score, the response can be brief and still score the mark. On Question 27 it was decided to accept
this spelling of Suisse (swiss) at the marking coordination meeting and on Question 28 the response
plage gains the mark. On Question 25 the answer does not say which item of clothing is not needed, but
journaliste on Question 26 gains the mark. The last question on this exercise indicates some partial grasp of
the essential concept, but as can be seen in the mark scheme, there needed to be a reference to the idea of
there not being a university or having to leave to study at university for the mark to be awarded. Although
this script only scores four marks out of a possible 10 on this exercise, it can be seen that this represents a
markedly stronger performance than that seen on the grade E script on this exercise.
38
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 17(b) = 1
Question 17(d) = 0
Question 17(f) = 0
Question 17(g) = 0
Question 17(k) = 1
Question 17(l) = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
39
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 1
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 0
Question 22 = 0
40
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 23 = 1
Question 24 = 0
Question 25 = 0
Question 26 = 0
Question 27 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
This section of the paper features material aimed at testing grades C and D. The extracts heard are longer
and include opinions and tenses other than the present tense. On Exercise 2, questions requiring answers
in French are phrased in such a way so as to avoid the need for candidates to write long answers.
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
It is clear in this section of the paper that the candidate is starting to experience some difficulty in following
longer extracts. The candidate has ticked the correct number of options and is successful on options b and
k. There is some evidence that the candidate has partial comprehension of some of the concepts.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–22)
There is a clear fall off in performance on this exercise. The candidate has difficulty in correcting the
incorrect details on this first part of the exercise. The rubric has been understood and the candidate
attempts answers to most of the questions but is only successful on Question 19 (l’hôpital). The answer
to Question 18 shows that the candidate has heard la ville on the recording but has not understood
the question fully. There is only partial comprehension on Question 20: the candidate is correct in that
Angélique does like living there but the importance of surtout in the question and its link to ce que j’aime
le plus ici, c’est le calme has not been made. Again, the answer offered to Question 21 featured a phrase
heard on the recording, but the question had not been clearly understood. There is no attempt to answer
the final question.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q23–27)
Some understanding of the sequence of events was needed in this section. The candidate gives an
acceptable answer for Question 23 (Swisse was one of the acceptable spellings on the mark scheme). The
answer to Question 24 shows that the importance of the tense of the question has not been seen as the
candidate refers to what Marie used to do rather than what she does now. No further marks are scored on
this exercise.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
41
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3
Tapescript
42
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
43
Component 1 – Listening
44
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
45
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
46
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
47
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 1
Question 29 = 0
Question 30 = 1
48
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 31 = 0
Question 32 = 1
Question 33 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
49
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 34 = 1
Question 35 = 0
Question 36 = 1
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
50
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 39 = 1
Question 40 = 1
Question 41 = 0
Question 42 = 0
Question 43 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
This final section of the paper features material designed to test grades A and B. The extracts heard in this
section test comprehension of specific facts and more general understanding. They feature longer extracts
which require an appreciation of narrative and the ability to evaluate and understand opinions.
The candidate performs well on the first multiple choice exercise and makes a fair attempt at questions
in the last exercise, scoring a final mark of eight (half marks) on the hardest section which is designed to
stretch the most able candidates. There is a clear rise in performance on this section compared to the
script representing the grade C. The responses to the first exercise show that there is comprehension of
both specifics and the gist of the conversation heard. The performance on the second exercise is weaker
but there is some limited success in identifying certain specific pieces of information and the candidate has,
on this quite challenging material, been able to locate and identify certain answers in the correct order of the
extract. The responses on this last exercise are usually brief and this is to be encouraged as full sentences
are not required to gain the mark. Examiners require clarity of message and tolerate inaccuracy provided
that the message is clear.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q28–33)
The candidate clearly indicates the final chosen answer by crossing out any choice s/he does not want the
examiner to consider.
Answers to Question 28 and 30 are correct but although mes amis is heard on Question 29 (as are all the
options on the answer) this is not the correct answer. On Question 31 the candidate has heard the word
culture and chooses an answer which contains the same word. The candidate has not identified the double
culture and this partial comprehension leads to the choice of the wrong option. The final two questions are
answered correctly.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q34–43)
The brief answer on Question 34 is correct but no attempt is made at Question 35. On Question 36 the
correct concept of long days not being a problem is conveyed and, fortunately, the extra information
(an attempt at time passing quickly) is one of the correct alternative answers on the scheme and does
not invalidate. On Question 37 the candidate is not familiar with the word clients: contact has been
recognised but the phonetic attempt l’egliande makes the answer incomprehensible. The crossed out
start to an answer for the next question (d’orang) indicates that the correct section is being listened to as
this is clearly an attempt the render ranger phonetically. The next answer is correct, as is the answer to
Question 40 which required the attempt at an appropriate verb. The final three responses show only partial
comprehension of the material heard. On Question 42 the correct concept was one of adapting to the
customer’s needs, and on Question 43 the concept of freedom or the responsibility not being heavy was
not clearly grasped.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
51
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 1
Question 29 = 1
Question 30 = 0
52
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 31 = 0
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
53
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 34 = 1
Question 35 = 0
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
54
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 0
Question 41 = 0
Question 42 = 0
Question 43 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
This final section of the paper features material designed to test grades A and B. The extracts heard in this
section test comprehension of specific facts and more general understanding. They feature longer extracts
which require an appreciation of narrative and the ability to evaluate and understand opinions.
As one would expect, there is a rise in performance on this section compared to the script awarded a grade
E but only a few extra marks are scored as the final section is intended to stretch the most able candidates.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q28–33)
The candidate gets off to a good start and is able to identify the reason for Zahera being in France and the
person who encouraged her musical talents. Answers to later questions reveal a tendency to choose an
answer which is only partially correct or which is chosen because the candidate incorrectly associates a
detail related to somebody else with Zahera (e.g. Question 30). On Question 31 reference is made in the
extract to Zahera singing in French but prior to this she clearly states that it is the mixing of styles which
influences her music. On Question 32 the candidate mistakenly gives the reason for Zahera singing in
Arabic as the reason why she sings in French. On the final question the candidate mistakenly chooses D,
possibly because the word problèmes is heard towards the end of the extract. The correct answer is C
which is a rephrasing of ma passion pour mon pays. The candidate scores two marks on this exercise.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q34–43)
The candidate is now working on questions which are clearly challenging for his/her ability. The only answer
which gains a mark is Question 34, tourisme. On Question 35 the word Paris would have been sufficient
to score. On Question 36 rather than say what Patrick thought about his long working day, the candidate
instead offers the days he works which clearly does not answer the question. Answers to the next two
questions reveal an attempt to transcribe certain details heard (ecriyon for les clients on Question 37 and
etages for étagères on Question 38). Even had these renderings been correct, neither answer would have
scored as they are only partially complete. On Question 39 the answer is again only partially correct and
needs la télévision to score. Again, on Question 40 there is partial completion as ambiguity could only be
avoided by the inclusion of an appropriate verb such as faire. On Question 41 presse would have scored
the mark. On Question 42 the answer offered by the candidate is far removed from the idea of adapting to
the needs of the customer. There is an attempt to render besoins (boisons) but, even had the rest of the
answer been correct, the spelling boisons would have invalidated the answer (as its resemblance to another
word interferes with communication). The required concept of freedom is not present in the last answer.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
55
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 0
Question 29 = 1
Question 30 = 0
56
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 31 = 0
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
57
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 34 = 0
Question 35 = 0
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
58
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 0
Question 41 = 0
Question 42 = 0
Question 43 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
This final section of the paper features material designed to test grades A and B. The extracts heard in this
section test comprehension of specific facts and more general understanding. They feature longer extracts
which require an appreciation of narrative and the ability to evaluate and understand opinions.
The candidate does attempt questions in both of the exercises but the requirements of these questions lie
beyond the candidate’s ability.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q28–33)
The options selected by the candidate demonstrate only partial understanding of the concepts required for
the answer.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q34–43)
Answers to Questions 34 and 36 show that there has been partial comprehension of the French heard, but
that this understanding is far from complete. The answer to Question 38 is in fact the answer to Question
39. No marks are scored on this exercise.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
59
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1
Detailed mark scheme
60
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
61
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
62
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
63
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
64
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
65
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
66
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 2
Question 16 language = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
67
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 1: Exercices 1–3 (Q1–15)
The candidate did very well in these exercises, scoring the maximum 15 marks.
Section 1: Exercice 4 (Q16)
For this question, candidates needed to be able to state:
•
the day of their arrival
•
the means of transport
•
where they would meet their friend.
Here, the candidate was successful in giving the information that s/he would be arriving lundi and travelling
by train, so scored a communication mark for both (a) and (b), but for (c) the candidate offered – On va
rencontrer au magazine – unfortunately confused with magasin, and since the word has a different meaning,
the mark cannot be awarded.
The two language marks available are awarded only where communication marks have been scored and
verbs are appropriate and correct, so neither Je vais arrivez nor Je vien can score. A mark would have been
awarded for je vais + a correct infinitive, and if the candidate had used magasin for (c), the verb used would
also have scored. The candidate scored a total of two for the successful communication elements.
68
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
69
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 0
70
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
71
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
72
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 0
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
73
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 0
Question 16 language = 0
74
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 1: Exercices 1–3 (Q1–15)
In the first exercise, all were correct except for Question 5, where C was given instead of A. Full marks
were scored for the second exercise, and three of the five marks available for the third – Questions 13 and
15 did not score.
Section 1: Exercice 4 (Q16)
For this question, candidates needed to be able to state:
•
the day of their arrival
•
the means of transport
•
where they would meet their friend.
Here the candidate did not give a day, though a time was offered instead, and correctly written
– unfortunately no marks were available for this. Gare, on its own, was not enough to score the
communication mark for task (b), and there was no idea of meeting for task (c), so the candidate did not
score for communication. As no marks had been given for communication, no mark for language could be
awarded.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
75
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 0
76
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 3 = 1
Question 4 = 0
Question 5 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
77
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 0
78
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 0
Question 12 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
79
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 0
Question 14 = 0
Question 15 = 1
80
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 0
Question 16 language = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
81
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 1: Exercices 1–3 (Q1–15)
In the first exercise, the candidate scored two of the available five marks, correctly identifying the items of
vocabulary in Question 1 and Question 3. The candidate scored well in the second exercise, scoring four
of the five marks, but offering E for Question 10 rather than the correct answer, A. In the next exercise, the
candidate answered two of the questions correctly.
Section 1: Exercice 4 (Q16)
For this question, candidates needed to be able to state:
•
the day of their arrival
•
the means of transport
•
where they would meet their friend.
There is no mention of a day, and although the candidate does mention train, the verb used (arrête) is not
appropriate – the candidate has confused travailler with voyager. There is no mention of meeting. No
communication marks have been scored here, and so no marks can be awarded for language – even if there
had been a correct and appropriate verb.
82
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2
Detailed mark scheme
v 0.10
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
83
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
84
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
v 0.10
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
v 0.10
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
85
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Text for Exercise 1
86
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
v 0.10
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 1
Question 18 = 1
Question 19(a) = 1
Question 19(b) = 1
Question 19(c) = 1
v 0.10
Question 20 = 1
Question 21 = 1
Question 22 = 1
Question 23 = 1
Question 24 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
87
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 25 communication = 8
Question 25 accuracy = 3
88
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 2: Exercice 1 (Q17–24)
The candidate scored full marks in this exercise – for Question 21 the key concepts of dormir plus le
lendemain matin were present, so the mark was scored, regardless of the verb form.
Section 2: Exercice 2 (Q25)
As can be seen from the mark scheme, this question is marked both for communication (10 marks), and
for accuracy (five marks). The 10 communication marks are awarded flexibly across the tasks, but all the
tasks must be mentioned for candidates to score the maximum. The five marks for accuracy are awarded
according to the descriptors set out in the Accuracy table.
The candidate wrote about the singer (one mark), Bruno Mars (one mark), so scored two marks for task (a).
Two marks were also scored for each of the other tasks – for (b), il chant vraiment bien and the further detail
about a concert; for task (c), that this is the candidate’s favourite music, and je pense qu’il est genial; for (d),
je veut pas la meme métier and je veut étré un jour proffesionel de foot. The candidate, therefore, scored
eight marks for communication.
A lot of what is said is phonetically understandable, but the language used is very basic. Infinitives appear
regularly instead of finite verbs. A mark of three was awarded for the language element.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
89
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 1
Question 18 = 1
Question 19(a) = 0
Question 19(b) = 0
Question 19(c) = 1
90
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 20 = 1
Question 21 = 0
Question 22 = 1
Question 23 = 1
Question 24 = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 25 communication = 6
Question 25 accuracy = 3
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
91
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 2: Exercice 1 (Q17–24)
In this exercise, the candidate scored just over half marks – though able to locate the part of the text
needed to answer each question, sometimes the lifted phrases did not supply quite enough information to
be rewarded. For example in the first two parts of Question 19, gens was omitted in (a), and in (b) there
was no mention of cassées. Similarly with Question 21: although lendemain matin appeared, there was no
reference to dormir.
Section 2: Exercice 2 (Q25)
As can be seen from the mark scheme, this question is marked both for communication (10 marks), and
for accuracy (five marks). The 10 communication marks are awarded flexibly across the tasks, but all the
tasks must be mentioned for candidates to score the maximum. The five marks for accuracy are awarded
according to the descriptors set out in the Accuracy table.
For this essay, the candidate scored six marks for communication. The first two lines did not relate to the
set tasks and did not score marks, but a mark was awarded for task (a) for the name of the singer, and the
candidate gave a number of descriptive details for task (b) – elle à tres beau (one mark)... est assez grande
et vraiment sympa (one mark for the two adjectives)... Elle à cheveux brun et les yeux bleu (one mark for the
two items, as a list) and an additional mark for the reference to the concert. One mark was scored for task
(c) – J’adore... parce qu’elle est très bon. There was no attempt to deal with task (d).
For language, a mark of three was given – the language was very basic, and, despite regular errors, meaning
was often conveyed.
92
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 0
Question 18 = 0
Question 19(a) = 0
Question 19(b) = 0
Question 19(c) = 1
Question 20 = 1
Question 21 = 0
Question 22 = 1
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
93
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 25 communication = 5
Question 25 accuracy = 2
94
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 2: Exercice 1 (Q17–24)
In this exercise, candidates can score well by locating the correct item of information in the text and by
either lifting the clause or phrase containing this, or by giving the information very briefly, sometimes just
as a single word. There was some difficulty with comprehension, but the candidate often seemed to have
located the right part of the text for the answers, and then unfortunately either copied the wrong part of the
sentence, or left out the actual detail needed, so could not score. The similar answer offered for Question
19 (b) and (c) scored a mark at (c) and marks were awarded for Question 20 (vingtaine d’amis) and Question
22 (le barbecue).
Section 2: Exercice 2 (Q25)
As can be seen from the mark scheme, this question is marked both for communication (10 marks), and
for accuracy (5 marks). The 10 communication marks are awarded flexibly across the tasks, but all the
tasks must be mentioned for candidates to score the maximum. The five marks for accuracy are awarded
according to the descriptors set out in the Accuracy table.
The candidate makes it clear that the subject of the essay is a musician, called Willie Smith, and scores two
marks for task (a). Three items of description are given – his age, the instrument he plays, and how long he
has been a musician, so three marks are scored for task (b), but although the candidate says s/he likes the
musician, there are no reasons given, so no marks are scored for task (c). There is no attempt at task (d) so
the candidate scores a total of five marks for communication.
Although it is possible to understand some of what the candidate says, some parts are unclear – two marks
are awarded for language.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
95
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3
Text for Exercise 1
96
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Text for Exercise 2
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
97
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Detailed mark scheme
98
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
99
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
100
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
101
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 1
Question 26 justification = 1
Question 27 = 0
Question 27 justification = 0
Question 28 = 1
Question 28 justification = 0
102
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 29 = 1
Question 30 = 1
Question 31 = 0
Question 31 justification = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 1
Question 34 = 1
Question 35(i) = 0
Question 35(ii) = 0
Question 36 = 1
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 1
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
103
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 3: Exercice 1 (Q26–31)
In this exercise, six marks are available for correctly ticking the true/false boxes, and four additional marks
for correcting the false statements.
The candidate correctly identified four of the true/false elements, but thought Questions 27 and 31 were
both true. The justification for Question 26 was awarded a mark, but the sentence supplied as a correction
for Question 28 – il a connait quand il a aller au Mali – did not score, as it is not clear who or what was
known on the trip to Mali. Four marks were scored for identifying four of the true/false elements, plus one
mark for the sentence provided for Question 26.
Section 3: Exercice 2 (Q32–40)
The candidate scored half the marks available for this exercise. For Question 32, it was not enough to write
lire des livres, there had to be some mention of aventures en montagne / grands alpinistes. Questions 33
and 34 both scored – the use of the infinitive was tolerated for Question 33. For the first part of Question
35, the candidate wrote an answer which would have scored the mark, but then crossed it out and supplied
a different answer in the blank space at the bottom of the script – this was not a correct answer to this
question and did not score. The candidate seemed to have looked for the answers to Question 35 too far
ahead in the text.
Question 36 was awarded a mark – the verb error was tolerated – and a mark was scored for the answer
to Question 38, which had also appeared previously as an answer to Question 35(i). The answer to
Question 40 was correct.
104
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 1
Question 26 justification = 0
Question 27 = 1
Question 27 justification = 0
Question 28 = 0
Question 28 justification = 0
Question 29 = 1
Question 30 = 0
Question 31 = 1
Question 31 justification = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
105
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 0
Question 34 = 0
Question 35(i) = 0
Question 35(ii) = 0
106
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 1
Question 40 = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 3: Exercice 1 (Q26–31)
In this exercise, six marks are available for correctly ticking the true/false boxes, and four additional marks for
correcting the false statements.
In this exercise, the candidate scored just under half the marks available, all for the true/false ticks:
Question 28 was incorrectly ticked as true, and Question 30 incorrectly given as false. Although the
candidate had decided that the statement in Question 26 was false, there was no attempt to supply a
corrected version for this question, and for Questions 27 and 31, the sentences offered did not correct the
original statements.
Section 3: Exercice 2 (Q32–40)
The text clearly presented the candidate with some comprehension difficulties, and as in an earlier exercise
on the paper, even when right area of the text was located for the answer to a particular question, the
candidate was not quite able to pinpoint precisely the answer needed. For example, in Question 35(i) étudier
attentivement was offered, but without the vital detail that he studied the building he was going to climb.
The answer given for Question 35(ii) was, in fact the answer to Question 36. The candidate did not attempt
two of the questions, and the only mark scored in this exercise was for the answer to Question 39 – toute
erreur peut causer la mort.
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
107
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 1
Question 26 justification = 0
Question 27 = 1
Question 27 justification = 0
Question 28 = 0
Question 28 justification = 0
108
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Question 29 = 1
Question 30 = 1
Question 31 = 1
Question 31 justification = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 0
Question 34 = 0
Question 35(i) = 0
Question 35(ii) = 0
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
109
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 3: Exercice 1 (Q26–31)
In this exercise, six marks are available for correctly ticking the true/false boxes, and four additional marks
for correcting the false statements.
Here, the candidate does well deciding which statements are true and which false, and scores five of the six
marks for this part of the exercise. The candidate is not successful with the two corrections attempted, and
makes no attempt to provide any other corrections.
Section 3: Exercice 2 (Q32–40)
The candidate has struggled to understand the text. All questions were attempted, but no marks were
scored, although some answers came close – the candidate was able to find the correct part of the text
for some of the answers, but could not narrow the focus to the actual detail required. For Question 35(i)
the answer was close, but contained an additional and confusing le; for Question 36 the candidate had
found the right area of the text, but lifted the sentence following it. For the last question, exactly the right
information was located, but the candidate was not able to manipulate the language sufficiently to score the
mark.
110
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
111
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
112
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
113
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
114
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
115
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
116
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
117
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
118
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
119
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
120
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
121
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
122
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
123
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
124
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
125
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
126
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
127
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Question 1(a)
Question 2
128
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Example candidate response – grade A
v 0.7
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
129
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
130
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
This response illustrates the best of what an able, well-prepared candidate can produce. The candidate
fulfils the requirements of the rubric very carefully, writing strictly to the point throughout. The candidate
addresses all the bullet points, giving equal attention to each and writing almost exactly the 140 words
recommended for each question. The quality of the candidate’s French is excellent, the candidate writes
fluently with very little incidence of error and is never short of a perceptive comment. The presentation is
very clear and the handwriting unambiguous.
Question 1(a)
The candidate chooses to write about leisure activities, specifically about a visit to an amusement park.
This candidate is not excessively enthusiastic. There was little to do (pas beaucoup de choses à faire). The
candidate talked to friends mostly (pour la plupart) and says he never did like amusement parks much,
employing a correct negative (je n’ai jamais aimé).
The candidate likes going out with his family, nevertheless (néanmoins, an unusual lexical item) he prefers
the company of his best friends. They are more fun (plus drôles) and he can discuss his problems with them
(avec eux).
Next weekend will be brilliant (génial). He will visit his girlfriend whom he has known forever (depuis
toujours). They will watch television. Having done that (après avoir fini) they will go to town with friends,
see a film and dine out in a restaurant. It will be a great weekend.
This mass of information is expressed concisely in French which is virtually error free. The candidate’s
control of the language is exceptionally good. Moving easily between tenses and making appropriate use
of present, perfect, imperfect and future. There are seven different infinitive constructions. The candidate
uses the comparative correctly. Short sentences predominate and if one has a small criticism it is that
the candidate makes little use of subordinate clauses. The vocabulary and register are impeccable. The
candidate can use modern colloquialisms (génial, super ) when appropriate but mostly keeps to orthodox
French usage.
This answer scores full marks for Communication, Language and Impression.
Mark awarded = 25 out of 25
Question 2
The candidate follows the rubric closely and writes 140 words. The candidate throws himself
enthusiastically into the task and writes with some sensitivity about his feelings, when faced with the
challenges of a new school. The candidate can express a range of reactions. The school buildings looked
beautiful but the pupils were rowdy. He felt disorientated (dérouté). He hoped the staff would be pleasant
but he was disappointed (déçu). The food was dreadful. On leaving he slammed the door in frustration. He
hoped never to return. He was sad and anxious (troublé). He will be embarrassed if he goes back. He wants
to change schools again! He is angry with his parents for sending him there.
The use of language is again excellent. The candidate employs a variety of tenses, including present,
perfect, imperfect, future and conditional. This time there are four subordinate clauses, all correctly
employed (j’espérais qu’ils seraient..si j’y vais encore je serai...) There are eight different infinitive
constructions, après avoir claqué la porte being perhaps the best. The vocabulary is rich and varied. There
are a small number of errors (des nouveaux gens, mon vieille école for mon ancienne école, je ne peux pas
faire rien) but the standard of accuracy is still high.
Mark awarded = 25 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
131
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A/B borderline
Example candidate response – grade A/B borderline
132
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A/B borderline
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
133
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A/B borderline
Examiner comment –grade A/B borderline
This candidate’s answers are typical of work at the A/B borderline. Keeping to fairly simple language, the
candidate scores well for the more structured Question 1 but copes less well in Question 2 where she is
required to create her own plan.
Question 1(a)
Sensibly, the candidate plans her answer around the bullet points set out in the rubric. She writes just over
140 words and no loss of marks is incurred for communication points falling outside the word count.
The candidate starts by saying she went to an amusement park with friends, it was fun and they had a good
meal, she loved it. The French is mainly accurate although there are some serious errors such as nous
sommes passé and nous sommes mangé. She likes amusement parks but there are a lot of people, which
is a désavantage.
She prefers to go out with friends as it is more interesting than with her family. She makes a correct
comparative with c’est plus intéressant. She also likes spending time with her family (j’aime aussi passer
les temps avec ma famille). She likes their conversation. She enjoys dining out with them (avec eux). This
section scores quite well for language, being expressed in simple, often correct structures.
Finally, the candidate outlines her plans for the weekend – cinema and billiards. Again she uses common
verbs such as pouvoir and vouloir with infinitives aller and jouer. She thinks it will be great fun. Again, there
is a lot of correct language to reward.
This is a competent performance. The candidate keeps within her limitations and while there is not a lot of
ambition linguistically, she communicates her ideas clearly and fulfils each of the tasks.
Communication 5/5 Language 13/15 Impression 4/5
Mark awarded = 22 out of 25
Question 2
This answer is well short of 140 words and the opportunity to score marks for language is therefore limited.
The candidate makes a promising start and scores two marks for réactions. The day was difficile. She was
intimidated. Then the sentence je pense que je ne va trouver les amis fails to communicate effectively.
Then she uses mettre meaning ‘to meet’, which reveals her lack of security. Perhaps she is losing a little
confidence at this point, as a sequence of errors ensues – à nouvelle école, beaucoup des herbes, j’était, les
étudiants était, ma l’école.
Of the communication marks available for saying what happened during the day (comment s’est passée la
journée) the candidate scores one, for saying the students played games. She ends on a positive note. The
pupils were friendly (amicales), she likes the school and she does not wish to change it.
The qualities shown in Question 1 are not so evident in Question 2 when the candidate is required to create
her own subject matter, rather than responding to a number of set tasks. However a reasonable number of
ticks for correct language gave a mark of 12/25, which combined with 22/25 for Question 1 ensured a result
at the very top of the grade B band.
Communication 3/5 Language 7/15 Impression 2/5
Mark awarded = 12 out of 25
134
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
Example candidate response – grade C
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
135
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
136
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Question 1(a)
The candidate writes just over 140 words and addresses each of the tasks set out in the rubric, with varying
success.
She begins well with a series of five correct perfect tenses, avoir and être verbs and a reflexive. She went to
the park, they went for a walk and then ate ice cream. That is all they did. She has difficulty in her attempt
to say it was not their first visit – c’est ne pas premiere fois.
She says she prefers the company of her friends when shopping, or going to cafés or the cinema, parce que
c’est plus intéressants. She likes going out with her family too. They enjoy picnics and travelling together.
Plans for the weekend are not successfully conveyed: she says nous voudrions rencontrons (for nous
rencontrer) and then runs out of words.
This candidate gathers enough language ticks to secure a mark of 9/15, through simple usages. There are
examples of correct present, past and future tenses. She is rewarded for the correct rendering of quantities
(beaucoup de glaces), adverbs (personnellement, toujours), conjunctions (parce que) and the possessives
mes and ma. When she goes beyond simple basic structures, she sometimes encounters difficulty, as
when she attempts a negative or a dependent infinitive.
Communication 3/5 Language 9/15 Impression 3/5
Mark awarded = 15 out of 25
Question 2
The candidate makes a creditable attempt to tell her story but her linguistic limitations are more evident than
in Question 1. The frequency of errors is greater now and in addition she writes fewer than 140 words.
She has changed school. She makes an unfortunate start. She puts changé l’école when the correct idiom
changé d’école is given in the rubric. She makes a clear statement about the other pupils who are souriants
and friendly. She lists the subjects she finds interesting, (biologie, français, géographie and histoire) but
substitutes an invented word métieres for cours or matières.
A Communication mark and several Language ticks are scored for j’aime beaucoup les personnes dans
cette école and for reactions – j’ai eu peur, maintenant je suis heureuse and enjoys going to les lessons.
In the last paragraph, the candidate communicates a number of facts in past tenses. She played tennis and
football. She read a book. Where language is accurate, ticks for Language can be awarded.
This candidate is more successful in expressing ideas than in writing accurately. All five marks for
Communication are awarded but not enough of the language is accurate to produce a high mark for
Language. The mark of nine for this answer combined with the mark of 15 for Question 1 puts this
response comfortably into the grade C band.
Communication 5/5 Language 3/15 Impression 1/5
Mark awarded = 9 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520
137
Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558
Email: info@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.
© Cambridge International Examinations 2013 v1 3Y05
*2297242560*