English
Stage 8
Paper 2 Fiction
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Test
Mark Scheme
3139_02_MS_4RP
© UCLES 2023
2023
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
From 2023
Section A: Reading
Question
1
Answer
Award 1 mark for each of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
•
Answer
Award 1 mark for:
•
2(b)
•
•
Marks
1
understand / visualise / believe / imagine
Award 1 mark for any of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
2
metaphor
simile
Question
2(a)
Marks
2
emphasises the fact that Queeny often talks down to her brother /
patronises him. (‘Queeny says I’m stupid’)
shows that Subhi looks up to Queeny / he appears to hang on her every
word
suggests that Queeny is a know-it-all / is constantly showing off her
knowledge (because she remembers her time before the camp).
Accept any suitable response based on information from the text.
Question
3(a)
Answer
Award 1 mark for any of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
•
•
•
3(b)
Question
4
Award 1 mark for each of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
1
(and could I please quit) bothering her all the time
she still gave me (her last bit of paper)
only cost me my soap (I’ll steal that back from her later anyway)
Answer
•
2
use of past tense
refers to one specific time
(chronological) sequence of events
they are about this day, not background information
Award 1 mark for any one of the following quotations:
•
•
•
Marks
this is one of her tired days / she’s often tired / she’s exhausted / she’s too
tired to move
her English never sounds right / she’s not a native English speaker / she
uses words from her own language
Page 2 of 10
Marks
2
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Question
5
Answer
Award 2 marks for:
•
Marks
Award 1 mark for one of the following ideas:
1
repeats same opening phrase / first sentence (Maá’s never hungry much)
makes a contrast between Subhi’s hunger, and Maá’s lack of appetite (as
described in the previous paragraph)
Award 1 mark for one of the following ideas:
•
•
Answer
Accept any answer that conveys one of the following ideas:
•
•
•
•
Answer
Award 1 mark for any of the following:
•
•
•
8(b)
4
Marks
1
The biggest, hugest whale in the ocean
ocean as old as the universe
as big as this whole country
Award 1 mark for:
•
Marks
They share things (‘he’s the only one I show all my treasures to’)
Eli listens to Subhi, even though he might not believe him / Eli and Subhi
share an understanding (‘Eli looks at me with one eyebrow raised’ / ‘I don’t
think he’s at all sure that it is my ba sending me these treasures’)
They get on well with each other (‘I give Eli my shell and he smiles, turning
it over and over in his hands. “Nice one.”’)
They both like to use their imagination (‘“I’m listening to the stories of the
sea. Do you want me to tell you what I hear?”’
Question
8(a)
1
(The short sentence) emphasises the close relationship (between Eli and
Subhi).
It makes it sound like a matter of fact / something that can’t be disputed.
Question
7
2
Answer
•
•
6(b)
Marks
Subhi is taller than he was / has grown a lot since then / the last time he
was measured (‘I was only nineteen fence diamonds high … now I am at
least twenty-one or twenty-two’ / ‘I haven’t been measured in a while’)
Question
6(a)
From 2023
1
(Eli’s story) wriggling its way so deep into our brains (that it can’t ever fall
out)
Accept any suitable response based on information from the text.
Page 3 of 10
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Question
9
Answer
Award 1 mark for any of the following explanations; award 1 mark for an
appropriate quotation, up to a maximum of 4 marks:
•
•
•
•
Answer
Award 1 mark for:
•
Marks
4
Queeny doesn’t share Subhi’s imaginative way of thinking / She’s
dismissive (‘Queeny says I’m stupid, saying that kind of stuff’ / ‘She just
doesn’t see it, is all.’ / ‘The only thing I can hear is air swishing about.’ / ‘Pft.
The sea sounds nothing like that’)
Queeny compares things in the camp to other things she has experienced /
she remembers a time before the camp / has wider life experience.
(‘Queeny says they aren’t real beds’ / ‘Pft. The sea sounds nothing like
that’)
Queeny thinks Subhi behaves immaturely (‘grunted about when was I ever
going to grow up’)
Queeny thinks Subhi should pay for the things he needs / paper. (‘Sisters
shouldn’t charge their own brothers for paper’)
Question
10
From 2023
Marks
1
using sensitive and descriptive language to set the scene.
Page 4 of 10
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
From 2023
Section B: Writing
Notes to markers
•
•
•
•
•
Use the marking grids on the following pages.
Marking should always begin from the lowest mark in each column and work upward.
A ‘best fit’ judgement should be made in judging first in which box to place the response and then,
within that box, which mark is appropriate.
The lower mark within a box should be given if some the criteria have been met but not all.
Note on extent:
Award 0 marks where the performance fails to meet the lowest criteria.
Award 0 marks for 20 words or fewer.
Award a maximum of 7 marks for responses of between 21 and 60 words.
You need not count the words unless you think there will be fewer than 60. In normal-sized
handwriting 60 words will be approximately 8 lines.
Marks
Creation of texts (Wc)
5
Vocabulary and language (Wv)
3
Grammar and punctuation (Wg)
7
Structure of texts (Ws)
7
Word structure [spelling] (Ww)
3
[Total 25]
Page 5 of 10
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
[5 marks]
Content is entirely relevant.
Features of the relevant
genre, if appropriate, are
used confidently and
consistently throughout.
Narrative viewpoint is wellestablished with a
consistent style that
engages the reader’s
interest throughout.
Characters are developed
and well-portrayed with the
use of a distinctive voice.
Some combinations of
structural, linguistic and
literary features to create a
specific effect.
[4–5]
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
[3 marks]
Structure of texts (Ws)
[7 marks]
The overall text is wellorganised and uses a good
range of organisational
features to build up the
narrative.
Events are logically
sequenced throughout the
text from an effective
opening to a satisfying
conclusion.
Clear, well-organised
paragraphs are used
successfully to structure the
narrative and control the
pace of the story.
A good range of carefully
chosen sentence openings
and connectives are used
to clarify or emphasise
narrative detail.
[6–7]
Page 6 of 10
From 2023
Grammar and punctuation
(Wg)
[7 marks]
Grammatical structures are
almost always accurate
throughout the text. For example:
• a wide range of sentences
used accurately, with some
evidence of them being
manipulated effectively for
narrative effect
• detail and shades of meaning
conveyed through the
grammatical structure of
sentences e.g., controlling
the order of clauses in
complex sentences.
• Formal and/or informal
register is used appropriately
and consistently if relevant
e.g., depending on the target
audience.
Punctuation is accurate and used
to enhance meaning, for
example:
• commas, ellipses, colons,
semi-colons, dashes and
hyphens.
[6–7]
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
[3 marks]
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
Content is suitable for the
intended audience.
Features of the relevant
genre, if appropriate, are
clearly established.
Narrative viewpoint is
clear with an individual
style and generally
engages the reader’s
interest throughout.
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
The response is relevant
using vocabulary, accurately,
for the purpose / genre.
Uses language precisely to
clarify and extend meaning.
Some combinations of
structural, linguistic and
literary features to create a
specific effect.
Some characters are
developed and wellportrayed with the use of
a distinctive voice.
The text is well-organised
and uses a range of
organisational features to
build up the narrative.
Events are logically
sequenced though there
may be some
inconsistencies
Clear, well-organised
paragraphs are used
appropriately to structure
the narrative and help the
pace of the story.
A range of sentence
openings and connectives
are used appropriately to
clarify or emphasise
narrative detail.
May begin to add
structural and literary
features in parts of the
text.
[3]
Structure of texts (Ws)
[3]
[4–5]
Page 7 of 10
From 2023
Grammar and punctuation
(Wg)
Grammatical structures are
generally accurate throughout
the text. For example:
• a range of sentence types are
used to support the text type.
• Some detail and shades of
meaning through the
grammatical structure of
sentences, e.g., controlling
the order of clauses in
complex sentences.
• Formal and/or informal
register is generally used
appropriately if relevant i.e.
depending on the target
audience.
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling is generally correct
throughout.
There may occasionally be
phonetically
plausible attempts at
complex words.
Correct spelling of nearly all
polysyllabic words, e.g.,
appear, information,
probably, separate
wondering/wandering,
business, essentially,
accommodation
Punctuation is mostly accurate
and sometimes used to enhance
meaning. For example:
• commas, ellipses, colons,
semi-colons, dashes and
hyphens.
[4–5]
[3]
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
Content is mostly relevant
using some literary
techniques appropriate to
the genre.
Main features of the
genre, if appropriate, are
evident.
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
Creates and controls
meaning through precise use
of a range and variety of
language.
Creates effects by using a
range of linguistic and literary
techniques.
Narrative viewpoint is
generally clear and helps
engage the reader’s
interest for the most part.
The text is generally wellorganised and uses some
organisational features to
build up the narrative.
Some attempt to sequence
relevant ideas
logically in relation to the
stimulus.
Paragraphs are used to
structure the narrative
though not always
consistently or
appropriately.
Characters are generally
well-described.
Movement between
paragraphs may be
disjointed with a limited
range of sentence openings
and connectives.
Content may have some
different voices within the
text.
[2]
Structure of texts (Ws)
[2]
[2–3]
Page 8 of 10
From 2023
Grammar and punctuation
(Wg)
Grammatical structures are
generally accurate throughout
the text. For example, there are:
• some range of sentence
types for narrative effect.
• some complex sentences
attempted to create detail and
convey shades of meaning.
• Formal and/or informal
register is attempted if
relevant e.g., depending on
target audience
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling of common and
some less-common words,
including polysyllabic and
compound words, is correct,
e.g., accurate, present,
evidence, making, possible,
search
Punctuation is generally accurate
and may sometimes be used for
effect. e.g.,
• commas, semi-colons,
dashes and hyphens
• There may be evidence of
comma splicing.
Note: if punctuation is totally
lacking and other descriptors met
then give the lower mark here.
[2–3]
[2]
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
General features of the
genre, if appropriate, may
be present.
Narrative viewpoint is not
always consistent. Some
attempt is made to
engage the reader.
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
Language is simple, relevant.
and suitable for the text type.
Language and meaning of
words/phrases is mainly
clear, with some errors.
Structure of texts (Ws)
Grammar and punctuation (Wg)
The text is quite well
organised and uses some
organisational features
appropriately.
Basic grammatical structures are
generally correct, e.g.,
• subject and verb generally
agree
• past and present tense verbs
are generally consistent.
• a mix of simple and some
compound sentences used
accurately for narrative effect
• some complex sentences may
be attempted to expand detail
but not always successfully.
• formal and/or informal register
may be attempted if relevant
e.g., depending on target
audience but not consistently.
Paragraphs / sections are
evident with related points
grouped together or linked
by time sequence.
Characters are described
in basic detail.
Movement between
paragraphs or sections,
may be disjointed with a
very limited range of
sentence openings and
connectives.
A maximum of 1 mark can
be awarded if not the
correct genre.
From 2023
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling of common words
is generally correct, e.g.,
their/there, friend, another,
around, because, anything,
something.
Punctuation:
• Demarcation of
straightforward sentences is
usually correct.
• Commas are used in lists and
occasionally to mark clauses.
Note: learners should gain marks
for good English with punctuation
errors rather than lose marks for
essentially good English.
[1]
[1]
[0]
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
No creditable response
[0]
Creation of texts (Wc)
No creditable response
[1]
Structure of texts (Ws)
Grammar and punctuation (Wg)
No creditable response
No creditable response
[0]
Page 9 of 10
[1]
[0]
[1]
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
No creditable response
[0]
S8/02
English Stage 8 Paper 2 Mark Scheme
BLANK PAGE
Page 10 of 10
From 2023