JANUARY 2024

C A R I B B E A N E X A M I N A T I O N S C O U N C I L

ENGLISH A

PAPER 02

MARK SCHEME

JANUARY 2024
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JANUARY 2024
ENGLISH A
Paper 02 – General Proficiency
MARK SCHEME

Question 1.

P1 UNDERSTANDING PROFILE: Maximum – 5 marks

Content - 5

P2 EXPRESSION PROFILE: Maximum – 20 marks

Organization of Content - 10

Language Usage/Mechanics - 10

Marks are to be awarded on the basis of information within the first 120 words.

Marks will be awarded as follows:

(1) Content (five points selected by candidates) - 5 marks

(2) Completeness and Organization of Content - 10 marks

(3) Language Usage/Mechanics - 10 marks

1. CONTENT (5 marks)

The candidate’s response will be judged on the following criteria:

- Selection, accuracy and completeness of the candidate’s

5 main points.

- Candidates must show understanding of the intent of the message.

NOTE: In awarding marks for this profile/section, candidates

must not be penalized for weak language skills.

2. ORGANIZATION OF CONTENT

- Arrangement of material with regard to relationship between

ideas, sequencing, coherence, conciseness, sense of audience,
and completeness.

NOTE: A candidate need not start the summary in the way the original
does. The summary must, however, maintain the relationship between
statements and keep the original meaning, attitude and purpose.
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JANUARY 2024
ENGLISH A
Paper 02 – General Proficiency
MARK SCHEME

Question 1. (cont’d)

▪ If the summary paragraph organizes a minimum of 7 points (5 points

from the list and others) to achieve completeness, maintains the
purpose and tone, and makes the correct connections, then the
Organisation mark can go up to Range 6.

▪ If the summary paragraph organizes a minimum of 6 points, then

the Organization mark can go up to Range 5(as above).

▪ If the summary paragraph organises only 5 points, then the

Organisation mark should not exceed Range 4.

▪ If the summary paragraph organises only 3-4 points, then.

the highest Organisation mark is limited to Range 3.

▪ If the summary paragraph organises 2 or fewer points, then.

the Organisation mark is limited to Range 2.

• The paragraph must be succinct and must demonstrate.

correct relationships and linkages of ideas and sentences.

If the Candidate used more than one paragraph, then deduct 1 mark.
from the Organisation mark.

3. LANGUAGE USAGE
Language must be assessed on its own merit (For example a student scoring
Range 3 in organization could be awarded a mark in Range 4 for quality of
language).
Marks are to be awarded based on the following criteria:

(i) Correct use of structure and language

- Full sentences must be used

- Sentences must be clear and meaningful
- There must be effective and appropriate transition
Between sentences
- Subjects and verbs must agree
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents
- There must be consistency in the use of tense

(ii) Accuracy of mechanics

Correct spelling and punctuation (for example, use of capitals,full

stops, commas)
Candidates who have performed incompetently in areas
(1) Content and (2) Organisation (Ranges 1 and 2) will be limited
to 4 marks in Language.

If the Candidate performed incompetently in one area only then the

language mark may exceed 4 marks.
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JANUARY 2024
ENGLISH A
Paper 02 – General Proficiency
MARK SCHEME

The following grid should be used in the assessment of Question 1 (O and L)

RANGE CRITERIA C O L
SUPERIORITY 6 Demonstrates:
(1) Superior level of accuracy in identifying a minimum of 7
points/main ideas. 3-5 10 10
(2) Superior organization of content to reflect meaning, using
his/her own language.
(3) Excellent, efficient and almost error-free use of language to
capture meaning, tone, audience etc.
5 Suggests:
(1) Mostly accurate and efficient capture of a minimum of 6
points/main ideas. 3-5 9 9
(2) Superior reflection of meaning through organization and
personal expression.
(3) Very good use of language though there may be a lapse or
two in accuracy.
COMPETENCE 4 Demonstrates:
(1) Captures only 5 points of the content/meaning.
(2) Conveys the meaning through accurate relationships and 3-5 7-8 7-8
sequencing/organization.
For 8 marks: Captures accurate connections between points; 5
points must be within the 120 words.
Award 7 marks where the connections are not always accurate
or smooth.
(3) Effective and accurate use of language though there may be a
few lapses 7 marks. Where the candidate consistently uses
his/her own words and consistently correct language award 8
marks.
3 Suggests:
(1) Captures only 3-4 points of the content/meaning.
(2) Some correctly structured relationships, and some doubtful
connections. 3-5 5-6 5-6
For 6 marks: 4 points with accurate connections between
points; 4 points must be within the 120 words.
Award 5 marks where the connections are not always accurate
or smooth.
Some ability to use language accurately and effectively but
with noticeable inconsistency award 5 marks. Where the
candidate uses his/her own words and shows consistently correct
language award 6 marks.
INCOMPETENCE 2 Suggests:
(1) Captures 1-2 points accurately. Misrepresents relationships
between ideas.
(2) Ideas and opinions are largely related out of the
correct/appropriate sequence. 1-2 3-4 3-4
For 4 marks: 2 points with mostly accurate connections
between points; 2 points must be within the 120 words;
Award 3 marks where the 2 points are attempted with weak
connection.
(3) Very frequent errors in language and mechanics.
Where the candidate changes only a few words (2 or 3 words in
most sentences) then the marks given should not exceed 3 marks.
Where the candidate attempts his /her own words but misinterprets the
content then the language mark should not exceed 4 marks.
1 Demonstrates:
(1) Incompetence in representing the content. Uses extraneous
content and or experiences.
(2) Incompetence in understanding and organizing information
given in the passage. 0 0-2 0-2
(3) No connection to the passage set for summary. Language
which is entirely lifted from the passage must score 0
marks.
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JANUARY 2024
ENGLISH A
Paper 02 – General Proficiency
MARK SCHEME

Question 1. (cont’d)

Points for summary- The Effects of Online Shopping

• Digital technology is simple, fast, and attractive to people who

need or wish to have more goods or services.
• Online shopping benefits the customers as they have the convenience
of longer hours to shop (any time or any day).
• Another benefit for customers is avoiding long queues (during the
holidays).
• Customers save money on travel (gas).
• Customers enjoy lower prices on commodities (because online
products are cheaper/more affordable).
• Online service is faster/efficient/convenient. (Any one = 1 mark)
• Online shopping can reduce human contact. (Any explanation given
continues the same point)
• It can cause widespread financial difficulty through job loss.
• It reduces opportunities for future employment.
• It has a negative economic impact on businesses which retain old-
fashioned ways (of doing business).

Sample Summary 1

Online shopping, supported by digital technology, has grown rapidly.

Consumers choosing online shopping over regular retail seem to enjoy
several benefits, in contrast to the physical businesses. Consumers
benefit from the convenience of longer shopping hours, economical
prices, speed, and ease of transactions. There are some disadvantages
for both retailers and consumers. Consumers have no face-to-face
contact with sales staff in resolving issues and may experience longer
wait-time for refunds. Financial loss to regular retail businesses
which continue to operate as they did in the past is one major
negative effect of online shopping. This results in either increased
debt, bankruptcy, or closure. Job loss becomes an immediate problem
and prospects for the future are limited.
(116 words)
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JANUARY 2024
ENGLISH A
Paper 02 – General Proficiency
MARK SCHEME

Sample Summary 2

Online shopping has grown very quickly due to the wide use of digital
technology. Consumers are choosing online shopping over physical
businesses to obtain their purchases. Convenience, economy, speed,
and ease of transactions are some of the main benefits derived from
online shopping. On the other hand, disadvantages include
inadequate product information, no face-to-face contact in resolving
issues, and longer wait-time for refunds. Financial loss to retail
businesses is one major negative effect of online shopping resulting
in either increased debt, closure, or declaration of bankruptcy.
Consequently, many employees have lost their jobs. While online
shopping has proven to have many positive advantages for consumers,
it can be detrimental for businesses and individuals in the labour
force.
(117 words)