Component 1: Reading
Q1 — 1 mark. 24°C to 30°C (both figures needed).
Q2 — 2 marks. One mark each, maximum two: most vets are not trained to treat exotic animals, so a specialist is needed · a single consultation costs £45 to £90 · surgery can cost hundreds of pounds.
Q3 — 2 marks. Identifies it as an opinion (1). Explains: it is what the writer believes / it cannot be proved / others would disagree (1).
Q4 — 1 mark. To persuade the reader to buy a hedgehog.
Q5 — 1 mark. To inform / to advise / to explain what a hedgehog needs before someone buys one. Accept any answer meaning inform or advise. Do not accept "to persuade".
Q6 — 4 marks. Two points, two marks each — one for identifying the information, one for explaining the disagreement. Acceptable: heating must run continuously and be thermostat-controlled (needs equipment and knowledge, not just anyone) · a specialist vet is needed and is expensive (not everyone can afford or access one) · hedgehogs are nocturnal (does not suit every household) · they need a large enclosure (not every home has room).
Q7 — 4 marks. Two differences, two marks each — one for the observation, one for an example. Acceptable: Text A uses emotive/exaggerated language ("cutest", "desperate for cuddles") where Text B is neutral · Text A uses exclamation marks, Text B does not · Text A addresses the reader urgently ("message us today"), Text B prompts thought ("ask yourself honestly") · Text B uses figures and specific detail (temperatures, costs, sizes), Text A uses only one figure, the price · Text B uses subheadings, Text A runs as continuous persuasive prose.
Q8 — 3 marks. Identifies that Text A is trying to sell (1). Recognises the missing information is off-putting / would discourage a buyer (1). Develops the point — e.g. it makes the hedgehog seem easier and cheaper than it is (1).
Q9 — 3 marks. One mark per relevant point drawn from the texts, maximum three. Points must come from the texts, not general opinion. Examples: the ongoing heating cost · the need for a specialist vet · that they are nocturnal · that they live four to six years · the enclosure size needed.
Q10 — 4 marks. Selects Text B (1). First reason (1–2). Second reason (1–2). Reasons should refer to: Text B gives facts and figures · covers the ongoing commitment · is balanced rather than one-sided · Text A is trying to make a sale so it is not impartial. A learner who selects Text A can be awarded up to 2 marks for a well-reasoned answer, but not full marks — the evidence strongly supports Text B.
Component 2: Writing
Task 1 — Email (15 marks).
Content & purpose — 6: subject line present and relevant (1) · congratulations (1) · two things the hedgehog needs (2) · one surprising fact (1) · offer of help (1).
Structure & organisation — 4: at least two paragraphs, sensibly divided (2) · appropriate email opening and closing (1) · tone suits a friend — informal but clear (1).
Language & accuracy — 5: at least two compound sentences, correctly joined (2) · capital letters and full stops accurate (1) · spelling largely accurate (1) · meaning clear throughout (1).
Task 2 — Article (12 marks).
Content & purpose — 5: heading present and suitable (1) · covers what people expect (1) · covers the reality (2) · gives clear advice (1).
Structure & organisation — 4: at least three paragraphs (2) · paragraphs break where the topic changes (1) · ideas follow a logical order (1).
Language & accuracy — 3: three or more compound/complex sentences (1) · register suits a magazine article (1) · spelling, punctuation and grammar largely accurate (1).