Example Candidate Responses
Paper 3
Cambridge IGCSE™
Literature (English) 0486
For examination from 2018
Version 1.0
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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................4
Question 3.........................................................................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – middle........................................................................................................................6
Example Candidate Response – low........................................................................................................................... 11
Question 4.......................................................................................................................................................................14
Example Candidate Response – middle......................................................................................................................14
Question 6.......................................................................................................................................................................17
Example Candidate Response – low...........................................................................................................................17
Question 9.......................................................................................................................................................................21
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................21
Question 10.....................................................................................................................................................................26
Example Candidate Response – high..........................................................................................................................26
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English)
(0486), and to show how different levels of candidates’ performance (high, middle and low) relate to the subject’s
curriculum and assessment objectives.
In this booklet candidate responses have been chosen from June 2018 scripts to exemplify a range of answers.
For each question, the response is annotated with a clear explanation of where and why marks were awarded or
omitted. This is followed by examiner comments on how the answer could have been improved. In this way, it is
possible for you to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and what they could do to improve their
answers. There is also a list of common mistakes candidates made in their answers for each question.
This document provides illustrative examples of candidate work with examiner commentary. These help teachers
to assess the standard required to achieve marks beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Therefore, in some
circumstances, such as where exact answers are required, there will not be much comment.
The questions and mark schemes used here are available to download from the School Support Hub.
These files are:
June 2018 Question Paper 32
June 2018 Paper 32 Mark Scheme
Past exam resources and other teacher support materials are available on the School Support Hub:
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
4
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Candidate Responses – Paper 1
How to use thisExample
booklet
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 1
This booklet goes through the paper one question at a time, showing you the high-, middle- and low-level response for
each question. The candidate answers are set in a table. In the left-hand column are the candidate answers, and in
the right-hand column are the examiner comments.
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
Examiner Comments
Example
in the left column,
and the
Candidate Response – low, continued
Example Candidate Response – Question 1, low, continued
comments’ paragraph style.
mments’ paragraph style with
Examiner Comments
Examiner comments
1 The answer opens with a general
comment that is not developed.
1
short
paragraph
12 This
Thesecond
answer
opens
with a general
makes
a
basic
comment
comment that is notabout
developed.
the poem’s content but does not
relate it to the question’s key
2 This second short paragraph
words ‘strikingly convey feelings of
makes
a basic comment about
uncertainty’.
1
2
the poem’s content but does not
3 Hereitisto
a general
comment about
relate
the question’s
key
Examiner
comments
are
enjambment
and development
words
‘strikingly
convey
feelings
of
alongside the answers. These
uncertainty’.
explain where and why marks
2
Answers are by real candidates in exam conditions. 3
These show you the types of answers for each level.
Discuss and analyse the answers with your learners in
the classroom to improve their skills.
4
to support the assertion about
wereenjambment
awarded. portraying
This helps
you of
a sense
development.
to interpret
the
standard
of
3 Here is a general comment about
Cambridge
examsand
so you
can
enjambment
development
4 There is an attempt to
helpbut
yourwithout
learners
to
refine
communicate aany
basicspecific
responseexample
theirto
exam
technique.
support
the
assertion about
about
‘feelings
of uncertainty’,
3
though the point portraying
is under-developed.
enjambment
a sense of
development.
5 The comment about the phrase
‘begin afresh...’ might have been
developed further. The logging of
The points are made briefly and without achieving a clear focus on the key words of the numbers
question.
For example,
the
of quatrains
and syllables
5
comment on the ‘idea for a cycle .... sense of renewal’
showed a basic understanding ofdoes
the poem’s
content
but
was
not really begin to explore
not linked to what the question asks about ‘feelings of uncertainty’.
Larkin’s use of structure. This is a
basic
descriptive
4 There
is anapproach
attemptrather
to
than
an
analytical
one.
communicate a basic response
How the candidate could have improved their answer
4
This section explains how the candidate could
about
‘feelings
of
uncertainty’,
have improved each answer.
This
helpsis you
to
6 Overall,
there
an attempt
in
point isand
interpret the standard of though
Cambridge
exams
places to the
communicate
aunder-developed.
basic
understanding
withtechnique.
a little supporting
helps your learners to refine
their exam
6
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
reference – but points need to be
developed further and linked more
explicitly to the question.
5 The comment about the phrase
‘begin afresh...’ might have been
Some answers referred to words which might suggest ‘uncertainty’ such as ‘almost being said’, ‘a kind of grief’ and
developed
The logging of
‘seem to say’, but the least confident responses did not relate these references to the larger
infurther.
the poem
Total ideas
mark awarded
= 8 outsuch
of 25
numbers
of
quatrains
and syllables
as the trees’ apparent mortality and the way the speaker of the poem relates this to human life.
does not really begin to explore
Larkin’s use of structure. This is a
basic descriptive approach rather
than an analytical one.
Lists the common mistakes candidates made
5
Often candidates were not awarded
marks because they misread or
misinterpreted the questions.
in answering each question. This will help your
learners to avoid these mistakes and give them
the best chance of achieving
the available
6 Overall,
there ismarks.
an attempt in
6
Cambridge IGCSE (Literature) (0486)
7
places to communicate a basic
understanding with a little supporting
reference – but points need to be
developed further and linked more
explicitly to the question.
Total mark awarded = 8 out of 25
5
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Question 3
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner Comments
1 A focused introduction that
shows knowledge (AO1) and
understanding (AO2) of the play
as a whole, refers to the central
issue of ‘snitching’ and shows
some awareness of the role the
extract (AO3) in the structure of
the play.
1
2 Refers to extract and shows
understanding of the women
(AO2) but the comment is slightly
too narrative / explanatory
in approach. It does choose
appropriate textual reference
but paraphases it rather than
exploring its impact.
2
3 Shows some understanding of
deeper implications (AO2).
3
4 Needs to develop this but
shows general knowledge and
understanding of what happens to
Eddie later in the play. (AO1 and
AO2).
4
5
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
6
5 Rather too generalised here:
needs to stay focused on the
extract.
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner Comments
6 Focused clearly on the task,
and shows understanding of the
role played by the Vinny anecdote
(AO2 and AO4).
6
7 Explaining the meaning of
the quotation (AO2) rather than
exploring how the writing is
‘dramatic’.
7
8 Shows understanding of the
irony (AO2).
8
9 Chooses apt, if rather long,
textual support. Tending to explain
its meaning (AO2) rather than
explore how Miller’s writing makes
the retelling so dramatic.
9
10 Slight misreading here: it is not
10
really a ‘comedic’ moment.
11
7
11 ‘Familial respect’ isn’t clear: this
needs to be developed further.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner Comments
12
13
understanding of the importance
of honour / justice (AO1 and AO2).
13 Draws paragraph together with
reference to question, keeping the
personal response relevant (AO4).
14 Again, rather too explanatory a
response to the quotation (AO2).
14
15 A relevant personal response
15
(AO4).
16 Rather a generalised comment.
This needs further development.
16
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
12 Shows knowledge and
8
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner Comments
17 Conclusion sums up earlier
17
arguments in a rather generalised
way.
Total mark awarded =
15 out of 25
9
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
The strengths of this response lie in its understanding of relevant areas of the extract and its focus on the task. It is
stronger on the ‘significant’ elements of the extract than the ‘dramatic’: it recognised the fact that the Vinny Bolzano
story foreshadows what will happen to Eddie, but for higher reward it could have explored the chosen textual support
in more critical detail. The response tended to focus on Eddie: it could explore in greater depth just how Beatrice’s
and Catherine’s responses contribute to making the moment so dramatic to fully explore the text and question. In
order to demonstrate AO3, more could have been made of the way Eddie is speaking, for example his repetition, his
use of imperatives and interruptions and his careful enunciation of ‘You – don’t – know – nothin’’ and how this creates
such a dramatic moment. The response tends to explain the meaning of what is being said rather than responding
critically to the impact of the writing. For example, it needed to explore the impact of the graphic account of Vinny’s
head ‘bouncing like a coconut’ rather than just quote and explain the text. The personal response to this moment,
seeing it as ‘comedy’, didn’t fully recognise the deeper implications of the moment and the horror of the violence
which led to Vinny’s disappearance; personal response (AO4) must be supported using textual detail and convincing
understanding.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
•
•
Less successful responses tended to retell / narrate the extract without relating comments to the question and
without making a response to the way in which Miller’s writing / stagecraft made it such a dramatic and significant
moment.
Some candidates did not know where the moment came in the play, thinking that Eddie disliked the cousins, that
they were already staying with them, that Eddie didn’t want them to stay and was warning Catherine not to fall in
love with Rodolpho.
Some thought that Eddie knew he was going to betray the cousins and so he was deliberately setting up dramatic
irony.
Some responses tended to be imbalanced, looking at the dialogue but not its significance or vice versa.
Less successful responses only looked at a small section of the extract.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
10
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – low
Examiner Comments
1
1 Begins with a general reference
to the task and extract, showing
some surface understanding of
the text (AO2 and AO4).
2 Lack of knowledge evident
here (AO1); Eddie isn’t ‘inviting’
them at this point.
2
3 Makes a very generalised
comment; shows understanding of
the worry (AO2) but needs textual
support.
3
4 Shows a little understanding
of how Eddie is feeling (AO2) but
needs to explore why Eddie is
‘scared’.
4
5 Chooses a suitable reference
but doesn’t do a lot with it.
The personal response to the
quotation (AO4) needs much
more development.
5
6 An extremely generalised
6
personal response (AO4).
7
7 Misunderstands this (AO2);
Eddie does not regret his decision.
11
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
Examiner Comments
8 A little understanding (of the
need to stay silent) is evident here
(AO2).
8
9 A generalised and unsupported
point that shows a little knowledge
and understanding of the
importance of honour / respect
(AO1 and AO2).
9
10
10 This shows a little knowledge
of later events (AO1) but the
moment itself doesn’t cause
trouble later on.
11
11 Conclusion lacks focus on
the task; it almost seems to be
moving towards Question 4.
12 Overall, this is a simple
personal response. It makes
some straightforward, but often
very generalised comments,
that demonstrate a simple
understanding of some of the
surface meaning of the extract.
12
Total mark awarded =
7 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
12
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
This is a simple personal response that demonstrates rather insecure knowledge of the context of the extract; it
makes some straightforward comments showing a little understanding of the surface meaning of the extract but
it looks at quite a limited range of the text. Comments are restricted to showing simple knowledge (AO1) and
understanding (AO2) rather than attempting to look at Miller’s writing.
The candidate would have benefited from demonstrating more secure knowledge and understanding of the
moment and more detailed exploration of the extract. The second paragraph makes an assertion that it is ‘dramatic’
but the following comment is based on a slight misreading of the text. There is very little reference to the retelling
of the Vinny Bolzano story other than to recognise the fear of immigrants being discovered. The quotation ‘This
is the United States government …’ is followed by a reference to ‘people within the country’ rather than showing
understanding of the potential dangers of breaking the law. The candidate does refer to the ‘significance’ of the
moment but phrases like ‘something big is going to happen and major events are going to take place’ show only a
surface knowledge and understanding. The candidate needed to attempt to look at Miller’s writing, for example the
way the candidates speak to each other or the ways that Eddie controls the conversation.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
•
•
Less successful responses tended to retell / narrate the extract without relating comments to the question and
without making a response to the way in which Miller’s writing / stagecraft made it such a dramatic and significant
moment.
Some candidates did not know where the moment came in the play, thinking that Eddie disliked the cousins, that
they were already staying with them, that Eddie didn’t want them to stay and was warning Catherine not to fall in
love with Rodolpho.
Some thought that Eddie knew he was going to betray the cousins and so he was deliberately setting up dramatic
irony.
Some responses tended to be imbalanced, looking at the dialogue but not its significance or vice versa.
Less successful responses only looked at a small section of the extract.
13
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Question 4
Example Candidate Response – middle
Examiner Comments
1 The introduction begins by
showing some knowledge (AO1)
and responding to the task (AO4).
The reference to metaphors,
however, is rather awkward.
1
2
2 A relevant comment that
shows understanding of Eddie’s
character (AO2).
3 Shows textual knowledge
(AO1) with the rather long
quotation.
3
4 Recognises the use of the
metaphor (AO3) but is explaining
its meaning (AO2) rather than
showing appreciation of how it is
effective.
4
5
5 Needs to show knowledge
6
and understanding of why the
comment was said and in what
context.
6 Rather over-simplified though
the comment does show general
understanding (AO2 and AO4).
7 Shows textual knowledge
(AO1) and uses the image in the
personal comment (AO3 and
AO4).
7
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
14
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – middle, continued
Examiner Comments
8
9
8 Makes a relevant personal
comment (AO4) but in a slightly
narrative fashion. The comment
needs further development.
9 Shows textual knowledge
(AO1).
10 Trying to respond to the use of
10
language (AO3) but the comment
is slightly too assertive.
11 Again, this shows textual
knowledge (AO1) but it doesn’t
contextualise this point very
effectively.
11
12
12 A very generalised comment
(AO4) but it does show
understanding of the impact on
Marco (AO2).
13
13 Shows general understanding
of Eddie’s character and the
importance of ‘compromise’ (AO2)
but this needs developing further.
14
14 Could make more of this,
15
especially its impact on stage
(AO3).
15 A paragraph that is rather
descriptive / explanatory.
16
16 A sound point that shows
knowledge (AO1) but could have
been explored more fully in the
main body of the response to give
a balanced and more detailed
answer to the question given.
Total mark awarded =
15 out of 25
15
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
This is a reasonably developed personal response to the task. It doesn’t always fully address the ‘to what extent’
element of the question but it is focused on Eddie throughout the essay and shows some relevant knowledge and
understanding of the text.
Comments on how Miller’s writing impacts on the audience were slightly mechanical. There is recognition of the
use of literary techniques like metaphor and anaphora, but the response tends to identify, illustrate and explain
how such techniques work rather than showing critical appreciation of the way in which the technique informs our
understanding at that precise moment in the play. For higher reward it also could have considered much more
of the text, thus showing a wider range of knowledge; for example, it could have evaluated more thoroughly the
extent to which Eddie is aware of his feelings for Catherine. It could also have explored the codes of honour and
revenge more thoroughly and related them to the quotations within the essay. The quotations used are appropriate
but rather long; effective inclusion of textual detail should be brief, focused and well integrated within the sentence /
argument. This response tends to focus on a few moments which it explores in reasonable detail but it would have
benefited from contextualising these moments within the play as a whole. The conclusion ends with the comment
‘he could not help it’ but this idea could have been more thoroughly explored at an earlier stage. Had it done so,
the candidate would have addressed the ‘to what extent’ part of the question more effectively.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
•
Less successful responses tended to narrate events of the play without addressing the question.
Many candidates explored why they felt that Eddie was to blame but did not address ‘to what extent’ and so the
response was unbalanced. It wasn’t essential to explore the culpability of other characters but those who did
tended to be more successful as they were able to show more knowledge (AO1) and to give a more in-depth
personal response (AO4).
Some candidates showed good knowledge of the events but their responses seemed tailored to a different
question, for example exploring the levels of sympathy they felt for Eddie or why his death was inevitable.
Candidates should be encouraged to focus sharply on the terms of the question.
Some candidates focused in great detail on the convention of Greek tragedy without relating it to the precise terms
of the question.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
16
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Question 6
Example Candidate Response – low
Examiner Comments
1 Begins with a basic personal
response to the task (AO4).
1
2 Makes a generalised comment
about Arthur.
2
3 Shows some relevant
understanding (AO2) and supports
it with a slightly long but relevant
quotation (AO2).
3
4
5
4 Shows basic relevant
knowledge and understanding
(AO1 and AO2); needs to develop
this in more detail for higher
reward.
5 A basic personal response to
the task (AO4).
17
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
Examiner Comments
6 Shows knowledge (AO1) in a
rather narrative approach to the
task.
6
7 Could be more selective with
this quotation.
7
8 Quite a generalised
explanation (AO2).
8
9
9 Shows basic knowledge of the
text (AO1).
10 Needs to use these quotations
10
more effectively but does show
knowledge (AO1).
11 A narrative point that is not
11
totally clear.
12 A valid personal response to
12
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
the task (AO4).
18
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – low, continued
Examiner Comments
13 This is attempting to look at
‘how far’ but it doesn’t really get
beyond the rather generalised
assertion (AO4).
13
14
14 A personal response (AO4)
that needs some form of textual
support.
15 Again, this is generalised and
15
needs support from the text.
16 A generalised but relevant
16
conclusion.
Total mark awarded =
22 out of 25
19
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
This is a basic personal response that makes some relevant comments with supporting reference. It shows
understanding of the surface meaning of the text and language but doesn’t manage to go beyond this and to
explore the impact of Rattigan’s writing / stagecraft. There is knowledge of some of the more obvious relevant
areas, such as Dickie having to leave Oxford, but for higher reward this needs to be explored in much more detail.
The candidate does include textual support, but this could be used more effectively: for example, the quotation
itself often comes first instead of the point being made; shorter more selective quotations along with a more
developed response to the quotation would also be of benefit.
For higher reward, the candidate could have shown a wider range of knowledge. For example, areas that could
also have been included are the emotional impact that Arthur’s fight had on the family; moments like Sir Robert’s
interrogation of Ronnie and the effect it had on him; the impact that pursuing the case had on Arthur’s health /
Catherine’s engagement as well as the importance of ‘let right be done’.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
Less successful responses tended to make generalised or repeated assertions without the necessary detailed
textual support.
Candidates didn’t always go beyond commenting on the effect on Arthur himself; some described the financial
costs but ignored the emotional costs and vice versa. Greater coverage of the text would allow for higher reward
for AO1 and AO2.
Very few candidates understood the wider significance and magnitude of the judgement shown by Sir Robert’s
reaction at the end.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
20
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Question 9
Example Candidate Response – high
Examiner Comments
1 Evidence of a brief plan – good
to see focus on ‘How?’ rather than
‘What?’.
1
21
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
2 Shows immediate focus on
task (AO4).
2
3 An introductory overview
that shows knowledge and
understanding of the moment
(AO1 and AO2). Immediate focus
on the audience (rather than the
reader).
3
4 Uses a combination of wellintegrated support from the
extract and elsewhere in the play
(AO1) to show understanding of
Macduff’s motive (AO2).
4
5 Makes a detailed response
to the impact of the choice of
language (AO3).
5
6 The comparison shows
good knowledge of the play
/ presentation of Macbeth’s
character (AO1 and AO2); the
phrasing ‘sharp contrast’ shows
focus on the dramatic effect
(AO3).
6
7
7 Continues to focus on the
impact of the use of language
(AO3).
8
8 Evaluative personal comment
(AO4) showing understanding of
impact on the audience (AO3).
9 Although the use of ‘poignant’
is perhaps debatable, this is
a sensitive critical comment
that shows understanding and
is supported by an effectively
integrated quotation (AO3 and
AO4).
9
10
10 Shows understanding of
deeper implications (AO2) but
could have developed the impact
of ‘gently’ in more detail.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
22
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
11 A thoughtful and detailed
personal response that shows
excellent knowledge and
understanding of Macbeth’s
presentation (AO1 and AO2).
11
12
12 Shows understanding of
Macbeth’s feelings (AO2).
13
13 An insightful and detailed
response to the impact of the use
of the word ‘soul’ (AO2, AO3 and
AO4).
14 Understands the dramatic
impact of the fight / shows
appreciation of Shakespeare’s
stagecraft (AO3).
15
14
15 Understands and illustrates
Macbeth’s belief that he is
invincible (AO2).
16 An evaluative personal
16
comment (AO4) that shows clear
understanding of the text (AO2).
23
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
17 A paragraph that sustains
17
a personal and evaluative
engagement with the text within
the extract as well as showing
valid knowledge of earlier in the
play (AO1 and AO4).
18 A focused concluding
18
19
statement.
19 Not totally clear but the overall
argument is credible / convincing.
20 A good concluding personal
20
comment (AO4) that shows
knowledge (AO1) and
understanding.
Total mark awarded =
25 out of 25
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
24
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
This is a personal and evaluative response. It shows clear critical understanding, makes effective use of crossreferencing elsewhere in the play and makes a very good range of sensitive well-informed comments on
Shakespeare’s stagecraft. It is a good example of the fact that it is possible to gain full marks without commenting
on everything in the extract but what is there in the response still meets all of the criteria for Band 8.
It demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of the context – that it is the climax of the play – and that
this is the final battle for Macbeth. Its strength lies in the fact that it doesn’t over explain points but the candidate’s
exploration allows for an extensive range of quite subtle critical comments to be made.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
Candidates often ignored the task and gave an unfocused narrative account of the extract.
There were some common misunderstandings of the text: many misinterpreted ‘thou be’est’ as ‘you are a beast’;
some also thought that Macbeth was taunting Macduff when he said his ‘soul is too much charged with blood of
thine already’ rather than this being an expression of his guilt.
A number of candidates confused the text with various film adaptations as there were often references to moments
that don’t appear in the text or to how the scene has been represented in film.
25
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Question 10
Example Candidate Response – high
Examiner Comments
1 A very good introduction.
The use of ‘intriguing’ shows
immediate personal engagement
(AO4) and focus on the task.
1
2
2 Focused opening sentence
that shows implicit knowledge and
understanding (AO1 and AO2).
3 A well-integrated quotation
(AO1) with immediate exploration
of its impact / effect (AO3).
3
4
5
4 Apt choice of short quotation
that shows knowledge of the text
(AO1).
5 Thoughtful personal comment
(AO4).
6 A perceptive critical response
to Shakespeare’s writing (AO3). It
could have made more of the use
of ‘fear’ / ‘foully’.
6
7
7 Developing the argument
and staying clearly focused on
‘compelling’ (AO4).
8 Shows knowledge by selecting
apt quotation (AO1) and responds
in detail to the effect created by
the use of the imperative (AO3).
8
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
26
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
9 Comments show
understanding (AO2).
9
10 Explores the effect of individual
words within the quotation (AO3)
and shows understanding of
Macbeth’s character (AO2).
10
11
11 Use of ‘on the other hand’
links this point to that being made
about Banquo.
12 Very good textual knowledge
12
demonstrated here (AO1). There
could have been more exploration
of the quotation (AO3).
13
13 Slightly odd choice of
vocabulary ‘stark’ but taken as
an attempt to avoid repeating
‘compelling’.
14
14 A good comparison that shows
understanding of an important
difference in their characters
(AO2).
15
15 A valid point that shows
contextual knowledge (AO1) and
understanding (AO2).
16 Shows knowledge of their
16
relationship and responds critically
to the textual support (AO1, AO2
and AO3).
17
17 A perceptive comment (AO2
and AO4).
18 Develops and expands the
18
argument.
19 A perceptive comment on their
19
relationship (AO2).
27
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
20 Shows good knowledge and
20
21
understanding (AO1 and AO2
although it could make more of
the phrase ‘sticks deep’ (AO3).
21 This is a thoughtful personal
response (AO4) but a pity it
didn’t say ‘audience’ – and make
more overall of the impact on an
audience rather than a reader.
22
22 Chooses a relevant moment
and responds to the effect of
the writing (AO3) but could have
taken it slightly further.
23 Responds in detail to the text
23
(AO3 and AO4).
24 Staying focused on their
24
relationship (AO4).
25 A valid personal response
25
(AO4).
26
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
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26 Explores the text in detail
evaluating their relationship
(AO4).
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
Example Candidate Response – high, continued
Examiner Comments
27 An engaged and sensitive
27
conclusion (AO4).
Total mark awarded =
22 out of 25
29
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
Example Candidate Responses – Paper 3
How the candidate could have improved their answer
•
•
Although this does not explore all possible areas of the text it is, nevertheless, a sustained and convincing personal
response to the question. It ranges confidently across the text demonstrating a high level of knowledge and it
consistently integrates much apt quotation. There is clear critical understanding and the candidate is nearly always
focused on Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship and why they find it compelling.
This response could have been improved by further addressing the text as drama and developing further the
critical comments. The candidate’s exploration of Shakespeare’s writing and how it makes their relationship
compelling considers language effectively but would have benefited from consideration of the dramatic elements
of the text. For example, there is very good knowledge and understanding of the banquet scene and how it
demonstrates the shift in power within their relationship, but it could have made more of the dramatic impact of the
moment and how this contributed to their relationship being ‘compelling’.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
•
•
•
Less successful responses tended to simply retell the moments of the plot that involved Macbeth and Banquo.
Where candidates did explore their relationship, many did not address ‘compelling’ and they simply described it.
Sharp focus on the terms of the question is required for high reward.
Some did not fully understand why Macbeth needed to kill Banquo – focusing more on the fact that Macbeth
believed Banquo might suspect him of Duncan’s murder and not recognising the importance of the fact that
Banquo’s descendants would be kings.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486
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