English
Stage 8
Paper 1 Non-fiction
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Test
Mark Scheme
3139_01_MS_6RP
© UCLES 2023
2023
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
From 2023
Section A: Reading
Question
1(a)
Answer
Award 1 mark for one of the following:
•
•
•
1(b)
1(c)
1(d)
1
enigmatic
Award 1 mark for:
•
1
elusive
Award 2 marks for:
•
1
low rumble
piercing roars
haunting wails
Award 1 mark for:
•
Marks
2
It connects the description of the elephants’ calls to the research into the
calls.
Award 1 mark for a reference to the elephants’ calls and 1 mark for a reference
to the research.
Question
2(a)
Answer
Award 1 mark for one of the following:
•
•
2(b)
Question
3
1
(the use of) a colon
(the use of) a dash / dashes
Answer
Award 1 mark for one of the following:
•
•
1
to introduce an expert opinion
to offer/give a personal viewpoint
Award 1 mark for one of the following:
•
•
Marks
to show a contrast (between two pieces of information)
to add information / give additional information
Page 2 of 10
Marks
1
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
Question
4(a)
From 2023
Answer
Award 2 marks for:
•
Marks
2
It refers back to findings/discoveries by researchers and links them to what
can be learned from this / the implications.
Award 1 mark for a reference to findings/discoveries and 1 mark for a reference
to what can be learned / the implications.
4(b)
Award 1 mark for:
•
4(c)
by using not only … but also.
Award 1 mark for:
•
1
(it) remains to be seen
Question
5
1
Answer
Award 1 mark for each of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
•
Marks
2
The writer uses songs (in the fifth paragraph) to mean the noises that
animals make.
The writer is also referring to listening to music (in the sixth paragraph).
Accept elephant language and human songs.
Question
6
Answer
Award 1 mark for each of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
•
Answer
Award 1 mark for:
•
1
Answer
Award 1 mark for:
•
Marks
an idiom
Question
8
2
The first sentence is a simple sentence.
The second sentence is a compound-complex sentence.
Question
7
Marks
Marks
1
They can pick things up off the ground.
Page 3 of 10
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
Question
9
From 2023
Answer
Marks
Award 1 mark for each of the following up to a maximum of 2 marks:
•
•
•
•
•
•
2
It seems easy to understand because the sentences are
short/straightforward (simple).
The writer makes comparisons between the anatomy of an elephant and
human anatomy, which allow the reader to identify with the elephant.
The writer expresses opinions.
The writer uses rhetorical questions.
The writer uses hyperbole, (‘amazing’).
The writer uses idioms.
Award 1 mark for a reference to short/straightforward sentences.
Award 1 mark for a comparison between elephants and humans.
Award 1 mark for expressing opinions.
Award 1 mark for rhetorical questions.
Award 1 mark for hyperbole.
Award 1 mark for idioms.
Accept any response that conveys these ideas.
Question
Answer
Marks
10(a)
3
How does an elephant
use its trunk…
Notes
when drinking?
to smell/taste the air / detect water; to draw up
water; to spray water in their mouths
when eating?
to pick leaves / snap twigs / pull up grass; to
reach food high in the trees
when looking after itself?
to spray water and mud over their bodies / to
cool down / to discourage parasites; to defend
themselves / use as a club
at other times?
as a snorkel to breathe through / to breathe
when under water: to lift heavy weights; to feel
with (‘tactile fingers’)
Award 3 marks for 7 or more points.
Award 2 marks for 4–6 points.
Award 1 mark for 1–3 points.
10(b)
2
Example answer:
When they drink, elephants use their trunks to find water, draw it up and spray it
in their mouths. Their trunk helps elephants to reach high branches and snap off
leaves and twigs to eat. They also use their trunks to defend themselves, lift
heavy objects, and feel with.
Award 2 marks for 4–6 points.
Award 1 mark for 1–3 points.
Page 4 of 10
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 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
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
From 2023
Creation of texts (Wc)
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
Structure of texts (Ws)
Grammar and punctuation (Wg)
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
[5 marks]
Content is wholly suitable
for the intended audience.
[3 marks]
[7 marks]
The response is presented
clearly and is well-organised
using a good range of
organisational features
accurately.
[7 marks]
Grammatical structures are almost
always accurate throughout the
text. For example:
• a wide range of sentence
types are used accurately
and effectively to support
the text type.
• detail and shades
meaning conveyed
through the grammatical
structure of sentences,
e.g., controlling the order
of clauses in complex
sentences.
• Consistent use of formal
and/or informal register
according to context,
purpose and audience.
[3 marks]
Text is written from a clear
and well-presented
viewpoint. i.e., contains
detail that sustains interest
with writer’s style / personal
response which
emphasises particular
points.
Uses relevant features
consistently for a chosen
purpose to clarify meaning.
Some combinations of
structural, linguistic and
literary features to create a
specific effect.
Ideas are developed with
chronological or logical links
throughout the text from an
effective introduction to a
successful conclusion.
Paragraphs are used
successfully to structure the
content. There is effective
cohesion within and between
paragraphs.
A good range of sentence
openings and connectives
are used appropriately to
support content.
[4–5]
[6–7]
Page 6 of 10
Punctuation is accurate and used
to enhance meaning, for example:
• commas, ellipses, colons, semicolons, dashes and hyphens
are used accurately to clarify
and enhance meaning
• conventions of layout are
always applied effectively and
consistently e.g., bullet points.
[6–7]
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
Content is suitable for the
intended audience.
Viewpoints are wellpresented and consistent
throughout.
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
The response is relevant
using a vocabulary
accurately for the purpose /
text type.
Uses language precisely to
clarify and extend meaning.
Uses relevant features
consistently for a chosen
purpose to clarify meaning.
Structure of texts (Ws)
The response is presented
clearly and is well-organised
using a range of
organisational features
accurately.
Ideas are developed with
chronological or logical links
throughout the text though
there may be some
inconsistencies.
Paragraphs are used to help
structure the text where the
main idea is usually
supported by following
sentences.
May begin to add structural
and literary features in parts
of the text.
A range of sentence
openings and connectives
are used appropriately to
support content.
[3]
[3]
[4–5]
Page 7 of 10
From 2023
Grammar and punctuation
(Wg)
Grammatical structures are
mostly accurate throughout
the text, e.g.,
• 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 according to
context, purpose and
audience.
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling is usually correct
throughout.
There may occasionally be
phonetically plausible
attempts at complex words.
Correct spelling of most, not
all, polysyllabic words, e.g.,
accommodation, appear,
information, probably,
separate, business,
essentially,
wondering/wandering.
A range of punctuation e.g.,
• commas, ellipses, colons,
semi-colons, dashes and
hyphens are used mostly
accurately to clarify
meaning.
• Conventions of layout are
applied consistently e.g.,
bullet points.
[4–5]
[3]
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
Content is mostly relevant
using some literary
techniques appropriate to
the text type.
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
Creates and controls
meaning through precise
use of a range and variety
of language.
Main features of the text
type, if appropriate, are
evident.
Creates effects by using a
range of linguistic and
literary techniques.
Viewpoints are generally
clear and help engage the
reader’s interest for the
most part.
Structure of texts (Ws)
The response is generally
well-organised and attempts
the use of some
organisational features.
Some attempt to sequence
relevant ideas logically.
Paragraphs / sections are
evident, though not always
consistently or appropriately.
Related points are grouped
together or linked by time
sequencers.
Movement between
paragraphs or sections, may
be disjointed with a limited
range of sentence openings
and connectives.
From 2023
Grammar and punctuation
(Wg)
Grammatical structures are
generally accurate throughout
the text, e.g.,
• Use of some range of
sentence types to support the
text type.
• Some complex sentences
attempted to create effect.
• Formal and/or informal
register is attempted if
relevant e.g., depending on
target audience
Some range of punctuation:
• e.g., commas, semi-colons,
dashes and hyphens) is used
accurately to clarify meaning.
• There may be evidence of
comma splicing.
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling of common and
some less-common
words, including
polysyllabic and
compound words, is
generally accurate, e.g.
friend, another, around,
because, anything,
something.
Spelling of plurals and
some past and present
words is generally
accurate, e.g., boxes,
clothes, told, stopped,
wanted.
Note: if punctuation is totally
lacking and other descriptors met
then give the lower mark here.
[2]
[2]
[2–3]
Page 8 of 10
[2–3]
[2]
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
Creation of texts (Wc)
Vocabulary and language
(Wv)
Language is simple, relevant.
and suitable for the text type.
Some material included
that is relevant to the
task.
The writer’s attitude to the
subject inconsistently
conveyed, with some
attempt to engage the
reader.
Structure of texts (Ws)
Grammar and punctuation (Wg)
Some attempt to organise
the overall text.
Basic grammatical structures are
generally correct, e.g.,
• subject and verb generally
agree
• past and present tense verbs
are generally consistent.
• simple and some compound
sentences
• some complex sentences may
be attempted to expand detail
but not always successfully.
• Formal and/or informal
register may be attempted but
not consistently according to
context, purpose and
audience.
Some basic sequencing of
ideas in relation to the
stimulus.
Language and meaning of
words/phrases is mainly
clear, with some errors.
Paragraphs / sections are
evident with related points
grouped together or linked
by time sequence.
Some elements of the text
type can be seen; a
maximum of 1 mark can
be awarded if not the
correct genre.
From 2023
Movement between
paragraphs or sections,
is disjointed with a very
limited range of sentence
openings and connectives.
Word structure (Ww)
(spelling)
Spelling of high frequency
words is generally correct,
e.g., their/there, when,
were, what, some, etc.
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]
S8/01
English Stage 8 Paper 1 Mark Scheme
BLANK PAGE
Page 10 of 10
From 2023