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Example Candidate Responses
(Standards Booklet)
Cambridge IGCSE®
German
0525
Cambridge Secondary 2
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are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give
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within a Centre.
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.
© Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 2
Assessment at a glance ........................................................................................................ 3
Paper 1 – Listening ............................................................................................................... 4
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing ....................................................................54
Component 4 – Continuous Writing ...................................................................................111
Introduction
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge IGCSE German
(0525), 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 candidate responses to exemplify grades A, B and C have been chosen.
Each response is accompanied by a brief commentary explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the
answers.
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
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1
Tapescript
4
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
5
Component 1 – Listening
6
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
Section 1 Exercise 1 Questions 1 – 8
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1 Exercise 2 Questions 9 – 16
8
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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
Question 3 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
Question 6 = 1
10
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
12
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
Question 16 = 1
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
The first task is designed to be an accessible start to the examination and this candidate, as one would
expect, has gained all eight marks.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
The degree of difficulty increases only marginally in the second task and again this candidate’s answers are
all correct.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
Question 3 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
Question 6 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 1
16
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 0
Question 16 = 1
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
This candidate handles single item factual information very confidently and achieves full marks in the first
task.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
The second task requires simple production of German rather than just recognition and is well within the
capabilities of this candidate who drops just one mark in Question 15 giving a plausible but incorrect answer.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 1 = 1
Question 2 = 1
Question 3 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 0
Question 5 = 1
Question 6 = 1
20
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 7 = 0
Question 8 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 9 = 0
Question 10 = 1
Question 11 = 0
Question 12 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 0
Question 16 = 1
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–8)
The material in the first task is designed to be accessible and this grade E candidate appears to have few
problems identifying the correct answers, achieving a mark of 6/8.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q9–16)
In the second task the candidate continues to recognise items of vocabulary but is already experiencing
difficulties with productive use of the language: for example, a barely recognisable version of Mittwoch in
Question 9.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 2
Tapescript
24
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
25
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
Section 2 Exercise 1 Question 17
26
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
27
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 17(c) = 1
Question 17(f) = 1
Question 17(g) = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 17(i) = 1
Question 17(j) = 1
Question 17(k) = 1
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 1
Question 19 = 1
Question 20 = 2
Question 21 = 1
Question 22 = 1
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
In this section the tasks are no longer purely factual and based on a single item of vocabulary. The
12 statements in Question 17 also include opinions and greater subtlety of language. This candidate
has identified all six of the correct statements but this is not necessarily representative of this level of
performance, many gained four or five marks.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–25)
The candidate has clearly understood the gist of this interview about tourism in Germany and has given
concise but mostly correct answers. In Question 20 the reference was to sun but summer was deemed
to be an acceptable answer. In Questions 21(ii) and 23 the answers are incorrect but the candidate has
made an entirely plausible attempt to answer the questions having failed to grasp the details required by
the question. The language is generally accurate and the candidate has sufficient confidence not to add
superfluous material which risks invalidating the answer.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 17(c) = 1
Question 17(f) = 1
Question 17(g) = 1
Question 17(i) = 1
Question 17(j) = 1
Question 17(k) = 0
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 0
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
Five out of a possible six marks are achieved on Question 17, which is an excellent performance from a
grade C candidate. There is evidence of indecision but on this occasion the candidate has opted for the
correct answer (g). Choosing (h) as a correct statement was a common error.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–25)
The second part of this section, where written answers rather than box ticking are required, reveals
typically that recognition skills are stronger than the productive use of language. The candidate shows
some understanding of the dialogue but is often unable to match what has been understood with the
requirements of the question. Three marks out of a possible 10 is a weak performance for a grade C
candidate, who should at least be attempting to answer all the questions at this stage in the examination.
Untypically this candidate failed to give the straightforward answer Direktor to Question 18 but like the
majority of candidates gave the correct answer to Questions 24 and 25.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
34
Marks awarded
Penalty = 2 marks
Question 17(c) = 1
Question 17(f) = 0
Question 17(g) = 1
Question 17(i) = 1
Question 17(j) = 1
Question 17(k) = 0
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 0
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 0
Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 0
Question 25 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17)
The candidate is not clear about the rubric and ticks eight boxes thereby incurring a penalty of two marks.
The ticks appear to be confidently made but it is impossible to tell whether the correct answers have been
chosen deliberately or at random.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q18–25)
There is very little evidence of comprehension of either the dialogue or the questions in the second task.
However, where many candidates working at this level fail to attempt an answer, this candidate has
provided a response to each question, even though some bear little resemblance to the subject matter of
the listening text.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3
Tapescript
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
38
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
39
Component 1 – Listening
Detailed mark scheme
Section 3 Exercise 1 Questions 26 – 31
Section 3 Exercise 2 Questions 32 – 39
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Component 1 – Listening
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 0
Question 27 = 1
Question 28 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 29 = 0
Question 30 = 0
Question 31 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 1
Question 33 = 1
Question 34 = 1
Question 35 = 2
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 1
Question 38 = 1
Question 39 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q26–31)
The vocabulary in this section is no longer restricted to the Defined Content and although in the first part
the candidate has only to choose the correct answer, the four options make this a challenging task. This
candidate did not perform well on this occasion and gained only one of the six possible marks. Where
the answer was incorrect the candidate always chose the second most likely option, demonstrating
understanding of the gist but not all the detail of the dialogue. Candidates at every level found this a
demanding task.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q32–39)
In the second part of this section the candidate shows an ability to write concisely and in quite accurate
German. Again there is proof of good comprehension skills but in Question 36, although the candidate has
chosen the correct subject matter for the answer, a negative is necessary in order to actually answer the
question. The candidate has probably understood the information required in Question 38(b) but, apart from
some interference from French, the answer would have needed some reference to dancing to gain a mark.
An incorrect attempt has been made at the final question, which most candidates found challenging but,
as in the rest of the listening examination, the candidate tries to make sense of the detail that has been
imperfectly understood and provides a plausible if not always accurate answer.
The performance is generally indicative of a sound grade A candidate, although there is no ‘typical’ way in
which such a candidate gains their marks.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 0
Question 27 = 0
Question 28 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 29 = 0
Question 30 = 0
Question 31 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 1
Question 34 = 0
Question 35 = 2
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 36 = 1
Question 37 = 1
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q26–31)
With a multiple choice task there is always a small element of chance and it is difficult to ascertain to what
extent the candidate has grasped the gist of the listening text. The fact that the answer to Question 27
is wrong (the majority of candidates chose B the correct option) and that there is evidence of indecision
suggest that the candidate was struggling at this point.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q32–39)
In the final task there is little evidence that the candidate has understood more than a few sentences of the
dialogue. In Question 32 Wer has been interpreted as ‘where’, inevitably leading to an incorrect answer. All
questions have been attempted but the candidate is clearly having difficulty interpreting the requirements of
the questions and seems to be writing down words he/she has recognised in the hope that they provide an
adequate answer, which in some cases they do.
Since Section 3 is designed to be the most challenging part of the examination, it is clear that a candidate
on a grade C will be experiencing difficulties at this point, having demonstrated sound comprehension in the
earlier parts of the examination.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 26 = 0
Question 27 = 1
Question 28 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 29 = 0
Question 30 = 0
Question 31 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 32 = 0
Question 33 = 0
Question 34 = 0
Question 35 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 0
Component 1 – Listening
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q26–31)
This section is especially challenging for a grade E candidate. However, the multiple-choice format of the
first task allows every candidate to hazard a guess at the correct answer. Nevertheless the alteration to
the correct answer in Question 27 suggests that this was as a result of understanding rather than chance,
especially as this question was the most straightforward of the task.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q32–39)
The answers to the final part demonstrate a very partial comprehension of the listening material but
the difficulties are compounded because the candidate has problems deciphering the questions and an
insufficient grasp of German to express the answers. The answers to Questions 34 and 37 would have been
correct if they had been written in answer to Questions 35 and 36. Some answers are pure invention but
again credit should be given to this candidate for attempting to provide an answer where more typically a
candidate working at this level would have left the answer blank.
The grade E candidate demonstrates comprehension of single items of mainly factual vocabulary and simple
sentences but starts to experience difficulties when required to produce rather than merely recognise the
language.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1
Detailed mark scheme
54
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Total: [5]
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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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
Question 3 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 1
Question 5 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 0
Question 8 = 1
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 3
Question 16 language = 0
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–5)
The candidate scored full marks.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q6–10)
The candidate scored four marks out of the five available. The candidate was not familiar with Tiere
(Question 7) and linked it incorrectly to Ich decke den Tisch (B) instead of Ich gehe mit dem Hund spazieren
(F).
Section 1: Exercise 3 (Q11–15)
The candidate scored full marks.
Section 1: Exercise 4 (Q16)
The candidate states arrival time, means of transport and the activity so scores 3/3 for communication.
However the verb forms in all three instances are incorrect:
(a) ich wurde… kommen;
(b) I wurde fahren;
(c) Ich mochte am wandern zu gehen;
The candidate therefore scores 0 for appropriateness of language.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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 = 0
Question 3 = 1
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 0
Question 5 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
65
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 6 = 1
Question 7 = 1
Question 8 = 0
Question 9 = 1
Question 10 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 0
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 3
Question 16 language = 2
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–5)
The candidate scored three of a possible five. The candidate appeared not to have understood Konditorei as
this was linked to toothpaste and for Question 4 Urlaub was wrongly linked to die Werkstatt.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q6–10)
The candidate scored three of a possible five marks. The candidate appeared not to have understood Ich
sauge Staub as this was linked to Kochen for Question 8 and for Question 10 sauber was wrongly linked to
Ich decke den Tisch.
Section 1: Exercise 3 (Q11–15)
The candidate scored three out of a possible five again for this exercise. The text appears not to have been
fully understood as the wrong answers were selected for Questions 12 and 15.
Section 1: Exercise 4 (Q16)
The candidate states arrival time, means of transport and the activity so scores 3/3 for communication. The
candidate scored two for appropriateness of language as verb forms were correct.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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
Question 3 = 0
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 4 = 0
Question 5 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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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
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 11 = 1
Question 12 = 1
Question 13 = 1
Question 14 = 1
Question 15 = 1
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 16 communication = 1
Question 16 language = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 1: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
The candidate’s work in Sections 1 and 2 indicates a fair knowledge of some Minimum Core Vocabulary
(see Defined Content Booklet for details).
Section 1: Exercise 1 (Q1–5)
The candidate scored two of a possible five. The candidate was not familiar with Konditorei in Question 2 as
this was linked to toothpaste, Radtour in Question 3 as these were wrongly linked and for Question 4 Urlaub
was wrongly linked to die Werkstatt.
Section 1: Exercise 2 (Q6–10)
The candidate performed well in this exercise and scored four out of a possible five. In Question 10 sauber
was wrongly linked to Ich decke den Tisch.
Section 1: Exercise 3 (Q11–15)
The candidate scored full marks for this exercise.
Section 1: Exercise 4 (Q16)
The candidate mentions 10 o’clock, but the sentence fails to communicate as a whole, so is not credited.
The candidate is credited for the means of transport, despite the wrong spelling of Zug; the ‘sounds like‘
rule is applied. The activity the candidate wants to undertake is not communicated, so only one of a possible
three marks for communication were scored. The candidate scored 0 for appropriateness of language as the
verb in the one communicating sentence is incorrect.
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2
Detailed mark scheme
Section 2: Exercise 1 Questions 17 – 26
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
[Total: 15]
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 1
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 1
Question 20 = 1
Question 21 = 1
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Question 26 = 1
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 27 communication = 8
Question 27 accuracy = 3
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17–26)
The candidate performed well here, scoring seven out of a possible 10. From the candidate’s answer
to Question 22 it would appear that the question was not read carefully. In the case of Question 23 an
irrelevant response is supplied, which suggests that the candidate did not understand the question.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q27)
The question asked for a composition on the subject of tourism in the candidate’s locality. There were three
elements to be covered:
(a) What there is for tourists in the area
(b) Accommodation for tourists
(c) What the candidate has visited in the area
The candidate’s answer covered the first two points, but not the third, as there is no attempt at the past
tense as required by the rubric. The candidate scored a total of eight points for communication, six points for
describing what there is for tourists:
cinemas, shopping centres and restaurants (which score one for a list of three items);
swimming;
looking at the sea;
playing with the cats;
the Big Five;
museums and forest and two for accommodation:
staying on a campsite;
staying in a hotel.
The candidate included other material (the reference to Obama, an invitation to come to Nairobi and an
apology for his/her German) all of which was ignored, as it was irrelevant to the tasks.
The candidate scored three out of a possible five for accuracy.
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 1
Question 18 = 1
Question 19 = 1
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 0
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Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Question 26 = 1
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 27 communication = 6
Question 27 accuracy = 3
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17–26)
The candidate performed reasonably well here scoring six out of a possible 10. The candidate’s answer
to Question 20 would indicate that the text was not understood. The candidate’s answer to Question 21
does not score as it is not clear to whom sie refers. The parents needed to have been mentioned. From the
candidate’s answer to Question 22 it would appear that the candidate did not read the question closely. In
the case of Question 23 the candidate has correctly located information in the text, but the lift makes no
sense and cannot be credited.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q27)
The question asked for a composition on the subject of tourism in the candidate’s locality. There were three
elements to be covered:
(a) What there is for tourists in the area
(b) Accommodation for tourists
(c) What the candidate has visited in the area
The candidate’s answer covered all three points. The candidate scored a total of six points for
communication, three points for describing what there is for tourists: cinema, playground, school, beach
(words in other languages are not credited) and cycling.
The candidate was credited for stating that accommodation is expensive. The sentence about staying in Taj
or Oberoi did not score, as place names and words in other languages are not credited.
The candidate states clearly what s/he has visited and is credited for this. An additional point is scored for
stating that it was fun. The candidate included other material (the extent of the area and the clean air), which
was ignored, as it was irrelevant to the tasks.
The candidate scored three out of a possible five for accuracy.
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
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Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 17 = 1
Question 18 = 0
Question 19 = 0
Question 20 = 0
Question 21 = 0
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Question 22 = 0
Question 23 = 0
Question 24 = 1
Question 25 = 1
Question 26 = 1
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 27 communication = 2
Question 27 accuracy = 1
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Section 2: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
Section 2: Exercise 1 (Q17–26)
The candidate scored four in this exercise. The candidate’s answer to Question 18 would indicate that
arbeitet was not understood. The candidate’s answer to Question 19 does not score as there is no mention
of why the parents remained at the table. Question 20 was not understood. The candidate’s answer
to Question 21 does not score as it is not clear to whom sie refers. The parents needed to have been
mentioned. From the candidate’s answer to Question 22 it would appear that the candidate did not read the
question closely. In the case of Question 23 the candidate has correctly located information in the text, but
the lift makes no sense and cannot be credited.
Section 2: Exercise 2 (Q27)
The question asked for a composition on the subject of tourism in the candidate’s locality. There were three
elements to be covered:
(a) What there is for tourists in the area
(b) Accommodation for tourists
(c) What the candidate has visited in the area
The candidate scored two for communication. Most of the communication, which appeared to be an
attempt at a job application, was irrelevant to the tasks and was not credited. In task (a) one point was
scored, because the candidate referred to the National Park, and another one point was scored for (c)
because the candidate wrote about where s/he had worked in the locality. The candidate gained one of a
possible five points for accuracy.
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Section 3
Detailed mark scheme
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Exercise 2 Questions 35 – 43
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
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Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 1
Question 29 = 1
Question 29 justification = 1
Question 30 = 1
Question 31 = 1
Question 31 justification = 0
Question 32 = 1
Question 33 = 1
Question 34 = 0
Question 34 justificaton = 0
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
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Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Marks awarded
Question 35 = 1
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 1
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 1
Question 41 = 1
Question 42 = 1
Question 43 = 0
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
A score of seven for Exercise 1 and five for Exercise 2 indicates that the candidate was able to understand
unfamiliar language and extract some meaning from more complex language.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (28–34)
In all but one question (Question 34) the candidate was able to identify whether the statement was true
or false and was awarded the marks for this element of the task. The statement for Question 29 was
appropriately corrected, but the response for Question 31 Sie hat mit ihren Handys fotografiert is ambiguous
(it is not clear who sie followed by a singular verb is/are), and in any case this cannot be considered to be a
correction of the statement. The statement for Question 34 had been accepted erroneously as true so no
correction was offered.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q35–43)
The candidate answered all the questions. In the case of Question 36 the candidate refers incorrectly to
the tasks the students were set and not the suggestions made to the charity. It was agreed that Bis zum
Morgen des ersten Tages would not be accepted as an answer to Question 37. The answer to Question 39
suggests that the candidate may not have understood the interrogative wer or had not read the question
closely enough. In responding to the final question the candidate would appear to have homed into the
words wieder machen, which occur in the question and the text, without having understood the question.
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 0
Question 29 = 0
Question 29 justification = 0
Question 30 = 1
Question 31 = 1
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Question 31 justification = 0
Question 32 = 1
Question 33 = 0
Question 34 = 0
Question 34 justification = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Marks awarded
Question 35 = 0
Question 36 = 0
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 0
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Question 40 = 0
Question 41 = 1
Question 42 = 1
Question 43 = 0
Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
A score of four for Exercise 1 and two for Exercise 2 suggests that the candidate was struggling to
understand unfamiliar language and extract some meaning from this more complex language.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q28–34)
The candidate was able to identify correctly whether three of the seven statements were true or false. The
statements for Questions 29 and 34 had been accepted erroneously as true so no correction was offered.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q35–43)
The candidate’s answers to Questions 35, 37 and 39 suggest that s/he had not understood what had been
asked. The candidate omitted both parts of Question 36.
The candidate’s answers to Question 38 suggest that the text was not understood. The candidate appears
to have located the relevant information for Question 40, but an attempt to manipulate the language resulted
in an ambiguous, indeed wrong answer.
In responding to the final question the candidate would appear to have homed into the words wieder
machen, which occur in the question and the text, but without having understood the question.
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 28 = 1
Question 29 = 0
Question 29 justification = 0
Question 30 = 0
Question 31 = 0
Question 31 justification = 0
Question 32 = 1
Question 33 = 0
Question 34 = 1
Question 34 justification = 0
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Marks awarded
Question 35 = 0
Question 36 = 1
Question 37 = 0
Question 38 = 0
Question 39 = 0
Question 40 = 0
Question 41 = 0
Question 42 = 0
Question 43 = 0
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Component 2 – Reading and Directed Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Examiner comment – grade E
A score of three for Exercise 1 and one for Exercise 2 indicates that the candidate was struggling to
understand unfamiliar language and extract meaning from this more complex language.
Section 3: Exercise 1 (Q28–34)
The candidate was able to identify correctly whether three of the seven statements were true or false. No
attempts at correcting the statements could be credited as they were clearly wrong.
Section 3: Exercise 2 (Q35–43)
The candidate answered only one question correctly (Question 36ii). There was no response for four
questions and the remaining answers were clearly incorrect. In responding to the final question the
candidate would appear to have homed into the words wieder machen, which occur in the question and the
text, but without having understood the question.
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Mark scheme
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Section 3: Example candidate response – grade E
Question 1
Question 2
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Example candidate response – grade A
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Example candidate response – grade A
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade A
Question 1(a)
A total of 138 words, (within the word limit) so the full letter could be marked for both Communication and
Language. The candidate produced a good answer to this first question and was able to score well, in spite
of a number of errors.
The candidate attempted to convey all five Communication points. Communication point (a) is successfully
communicated: Meine Stadt heisst Ikast. Ikast ist ein kleinstadt. Die Natur ist wunderbar mit wasser und ein
Park. Es ist sehr schön und wir haben eine grosse Einkaufcentre. Communication point (b) is also conveyed,
despite the language errors, and so the mark is awarded: Eine gross Problem ist das Abfall auf den Strassen.
Das Abfall ist sehr slecht und nicht gut für die Stadt. Viele Touristen machen nicht hier kommen weil das
Abfall hässlich ist. Communication point (d) is credited: Ich habe das Abfall sortiert mit meine Freunde.
Communication point (e) is also awarded. Despite some incorrect use of language, the examiner felt that
the information given was clear enough to merit the mark: In der Zukunft möchte ich das viele Personen
hilfe wollen. Alles sortieren das Abfall und die Stadt machen sehr schön. However, the candidate’s attempt
at Communication point (c) was not sufficient to gain the mark. The rubric for Communication point (c)
states: Sagen Sie, was Sie von der Situation halten und warum. Instead of expressing his/her own opinion
and backing it up with a reason, the candidate simply describes the situation further: Keine Touristen
in die Stadt; kein Geld für die Stadt. Wir haben kein Geld für das Natur und das ist ein Problem. The
Communication mark is therefore not credited.
The candidate was able to score reasonably well on Language accuracy. As per the Language marks section
of the markscheme, the candidate showed accurate use of some nouns (including plurals), some verbs
(including successful inversion), word order with weil, prepositions, use of kein, etc. Although making a
number of significant language errors, the candidate was able to demonstrate enough accurate language
to gain more than 51 marking unit ticks overall. According to the conversion table in the markscheme, this
translates to 13 Language marks. No reason was found to alter the table conversion for the Impression
mark, and so this translated to four Impression marks, giving a total of 21 marks out of 25 for the first
question.
The candidate would have scored higher marks on this question had the Communication point (c) been
conveyed accurately. To do this s/he needed only to give his/her opinion on the situation and to back it
up with a reason. Higher marks would also have been achieved, had the candidate demonstrated greater
accuracy of language, e.g. improved spellings, more nouns with capital letters, more accurate verb forms
(both present and past), correct word order, etc. This would have given a greater chance of gaining full
marks on Language and Impression marks.
Communication 4/5 Language 13/15 Impression 4/5
Mark awarded = 21 out of 25
Question 2
A total of 130 words, (within the word limit) so the full account could be marked for both Communication
and Language. The candidate produced another good answer here, scoring just slightly lower than in the
first question. On Paper 4, Question 2 often presents the greater challenge to candidates. This candidate is
clearly not a native speaker, yet has succeeded in performing well in the responses to both questions.
Here the candidate successfully conveys five Communication points. These cover both point (a) and point
(b), and all five Communication marks can therefore be credited. The candidate gives a reaction: ….war ich
sehr böse and so scores one mark for Communication point (a) and, as the account continues, the candidate
gives at least four pieces of new information which help develop the story, and so the candidate scores (the
maximum of) four marks for Communication point (b).
In the account, the candidate is awarded 43 ticks for accurate marking units. The candidate uses some
nouns (including plurals) correctly, many of the past tense verbs are accurate there is successful use of the
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Example candidate response – grade A
negative, some prepositions and some subordinate clauses. The Language ticks translate to 10 Language
accuracy marks. As in Question 1, there was no need to alter the table conversion for the Impression mark,
and so the ticks translated also to three Impression marks, giving a total of 18 marks out of 25 for the
second question.
To score even higher on this question, the candidate needed to produce a greater number of accurate
marking units within the 130 words. This could have been achieved, if the nouns and verbs been more
consistently accurate, and a greater range of more complex language structures had been included, such as
use of adjectival agreements, inversion, subordinate clauses.
Communication 5/5 Language 10/15 Impression 3/5
Mark awarded = 18 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Example candidate response – grade B
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Example candidate response – grade A
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
Examiner comment – grade B
Question 1(b)
A total of 131 words, (within the word limit) so the full letter could be marked for both Communication and
Language.
The candidate tackled this first question well. S/he attempted to convey all five Communication points.
Communication points (a), (d) and (e) are clearly communicated, despite some Language errors.
Communication point (a): Ich habe ein neues Hobby gefunden. Es ist Golf spielen. Communication point
(d): Meine Familie meint es ist eine gute Sport. Communication point (e): Kannst du deine gute Hobbys
beschreiben? However, attempts at Communication points (b) and (c) were not clear enough to gain the
mark. The rubric for Communication point (b) states: Sagen Sie, wann Sie diese Akitivität zum nächsten
Mal unternehmen werden. The candidate tries to say when s/he would like to play golf but seems to
refer to a regular event, rather than to a specific future event: Ich möchte spiele Golf jedes Mittwoch um
zwei bis vier Uhr. The inclusion of jedes in the response suggests s/he has not fully understood task (b),
hence this Communication point is not given. Similarly the candidate cannot be credited for the attempt
at Communication point (c). The rubric for the task states: Sagen Sie, welche Probleme oder Nachteile
es bei diesem Hobby gibt. The candidate does not appear to have understood the task, as the response
contradicts itself: Es gibt ganze viele Probleme bei diese Hobby obwohl es gute Problemes gibt. Die Stunde
mit ein Lehrer ist nicht ganz teuer. Communication point (c) is therefore not awarded.
The candidate made a good effort with the use of language and was able to score highly on Language
accuracy, despite errors. The candidate used a wide range of vocabulary and made the most of the
word limit to demonstrate language skills. As with the Language marks section of the markscheme, the
candidate’s use of some nouns, some verbs, adjectives (used after the noun), prepositions, and letter
language demonstrated enough accuracy for 56 marking unit ticks overall. According to the conversion table
in the markscheme, this translates to 14 Language accuracy marks. No reason was found to alter the table
conversion for the Impression mark, and so this translated to five Impression marks, giving a total of 22
marks out of 25 for the first question.
The candidate would have scored even higher on this question, had s/he succeeded in communicating
Communication point (b), which required an understanding and use of the future tense, and Communication
point (c), for which the candidate needed to have understood and responded to the phrase Probleme oder
Nachteile…bei diesem Hobby.
Communication 3/5 Language 14/15 Impression 5/5
Mark awarded = 22 out of 25
Question 2
A total of 136 words, (within the word limit) so the full account could be considered for both Communication
and Language.
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade A
The candidate begins the account clearly and well. In the first paragraph the candidate conveys two
Communication marks. S/he gives a reaction: Ich hatte Angst and so scores one mark for Communication
point (a), and gives a description: Das Schlüssel war ganz fabelhaft, weil es wirklich groß war and so scores
one mark for Communication point (b). However, in the second paragraph it quickly becomes apparent that
the candidate has not understood the task, probably due to a misunderstanding of the word Schlüssel (a
misunderstanding already hinted at in the previous paragraph where s/he refers to being in the house, a
situation which is not actually possible if the key is lost). In the narrative which follows, there is no more
reference to the Schlüssel, until near the end, and the account is now of a police chase of a wicked man
found in her garden. As a result, the candidate’s first paragraph is marked for both Communication and
Language accuracy, but Appendix 3 from the markscheme has to be applied to the remainder of the
account. Appendix 3 deals with responses where part of the answer is irrelevant (and can therefore not gain
any Communication marks) and, as such, has to be bracketed also for the purpose of Language accuracy
ticks.
Therefore the candidate can gain Language accuracy marks from the first paragraph only. The answer is in
fact awarded 21 ticks for accurate marking units in this paragraph. Most of the past tense verbs are accurate
and the candidate is successful also in the use of some prepositions and adjectives. These ticks translate to
four Language accuracy marks. As in Question 1b, no reason was found to alter the table conversion for the
Impression mark, and so the ticks translated to one Impression mark, giving a total of seven marks out of 25
for the second question.
As a result of the candidate’s misunderstanding, the candidate scores significantly lower on this question,
as compared with the previous question. The candidate clearly could have achieved a much higher total
on Paper 4 overall, had s/he understood the task in Question 2 well enough to continue the account as
successfully as they began it, and thereby avoid having Appendix 3 applied to the response.
Communication 2/5 Language 4/15 Impression 1/5
Mark awarded = 7 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
Example candidate response – grade C
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
Examiner comment – grade C
Question 1(a)
A total of 105 words, (within the word limit) so the full letter could be marked for both Communication and
Language.
The candidate attempts to convey some of the five Communication points, but is successful in only two
of these. Communication points (a) and (c) are clearly communicated, as follows: Communication point
(a): Mein Dorf heisst ‘Vilena’ und hat ungefahr 2000 Leute. Mein Dorf ist nicht so groß und wir haben
keine gutes Krankenhausen und Transport. Communication point (c): Wir haben ein großes Problem mit
dem Abfall auf dem Straßen weil es furchtbar ist und nicht umweltfreundslich. However, the candidate’s
attempts at Communication points (b), (d) and (e) were not sufficient to gain the mark. The rubric for
Communication point (b) states: Beschreiben Sie das Problem mit dem Abfall auf den Straßen. However,
the candidate merely says that there is a problem (which we already know from the rubric); the candidate
fails to describe the problem and cannot therefore be credited the mark. The candidate does not attempt to
convey Communication point (d): Sagen Sie, was Sie selbst gemacht haben, um das Problem zu lösen and
so he scores no marks on the point. The rubric for Communication point (e) states: Erklären Sie, was man
in der Zukunft machen soll (Ihrer Meinung nach). The candidate’s effort to convey a response unfortunately
presents some confusion to the reader, and the mark cannot be awarded: Für die Situation zu halten, die
Dorfleute geht nach die Premierminister’s hause und protestiert, weil sie viel Angst mit dem Abfall auf den
Straßen hat.
The candidate’s use of language is evidently limited. However, s/he makes a very good effort and succeeds
in producing enough language accuracy for 29 marking unit ticks overall. The neat writing helps with this,
as the spellings are clear and capital letters are evident. The candidate gains ticks for a number of accurate
nouns (including plurals) and some correct verb forms. The candidate uses weil and nicht correctly, and
demonstrates accurate use of some adjectives. However, s/he also lifts several phrases directly from the
rubric, some of which have been specifically disallowed in the markscheme. Hence no language ticks can
be credited for the language in the phrase which are repeatedly used: mit dem Abfall auf den Strassen.
The phrase: um das Problem zu lösen is also a direct lift from the rubric and has been discounted for ticks.
According to the conversion table in the markscheme, 29 marking units translates to six Language accuracy
marks. No reason was found to alter the table conversion for the Impression mark, and so this translated to
two Impression marks, giving a total of 10 marks out of 25 for the first question.
The candidate could have scored more marks, had s/he been able to convey more of the Communication
points. The candidat perhaps needed greater exam practice, so as to have the confidence in responding
fully to each task set. Greater accuracy in yhe use of language may have enabled the candidate to convey
Communication point (e), and would have resulted also in more marking unit ticks for Language accuracy
marks. If the candidate had avoided lifting long phrases from the rubric and had instead manipulated the
language in these phrases, s/he would have had further chance of gaining more marking unit ticks.
Communication 2/5 Language 6/15 Impression 2/5
Mark awarded = 10 out of 25
Question 2
The candidate has written more than 140 words. Communication and Language accuracy marks may be
awarded up to the 140th word, but after this no more marks are credited for either Communication or
Language.
The candidate begins the account with a good effort to convey a reaction (Ich war sehr traurig), and although
a number of language errors are made, the candidate successfully achieves a mark for Communication
point (a). However, having begun the narrative in the past tense, the candidate then begins to tell the story
using the present tense to convey a commentary-style account of what happened. This ‘historic present’ is
not accepted as a means to convey meaning in Question 2 (See markscheme section: Marks for Relevant
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Component 4 – Continuous Writing
Example candidate response – grade C
Communication), and no more marks can be awarded for Communication. Some attempts at the past tense
are demonstrated again at the end of the narrative. However, this final section is confusing to the reader as
present and past tenses are used together. The account becomes unclear and so no more Communication
marks are allowed in the final section either. (See markscheme section: Marks for Relevant Communication,
General Principle (b): Do not award Communication Marks where the required elements are expressed in
inappropriate time frames.) The candidate scores one out of five for Communication.
Following on from this, the principles in Appendix 2b need applying when marking the account for Language
accuracy. Appendix 2b deals with responses where none of the set tasks are attempted. Since all the set
tasks in Question 2 are required in the past tense, this is the Appendix which should be applied if all the set
tasks are attempted in the present tense. The Appendix states that, in such a situation, marks should be
awarded for Language accuracy but no marks be given for the Impression mark. However, the complication
for this particular candidate is the fact that the first Communication point, the reaction in Communication
point (a), was in fact successfully attempted in the past tense and was awarded the Communication mark.
It was agreed that for such a situation, where part of the account is written in the ‘historic present’ instead
of the past, the Impression mark should be reduced in line with the principle of Appendix 2b, and should not
ever exceed the mark given for Communication. Consequently, this candidate can gain a maximum of one
mark for the Impression mark.
With Appendix 2b in mind, then, the candidate’s account can be marked for Language accuracy and s/
he is awarded 44 ticks for accurate marking units. Many of his present tense verbs are accurate and the
candidate successfully uses some nouns (including plurals), prepositions and adjectives. The candidate
also demonstrates some use of nicht and of weil. The marking unit ticks translate to 10 Language accuracy
marks. The table conversion also translates these ticks as giving three marks for Impression. However, as
explained above, this is reduced to one Impression mark only, and the candidate scores a total of 12 out of
25 for Question 2.
In this question it is the candidate’s use of the present tense in place of the past tense which prevents
scoring marks for Relevant Communication and which results in the application of the principles in Appendix
2b and the loss of marks for Impression. Clearly this candidate could have gained more marks for this
question, had s/he attempted to use the past tense consistently throughout the account.
Communication 1/5 Language 10/15 Impression 1/5
Mark awarded = 12 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE German 0525
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