GCE Advanced Level - StudyGuide.PK

• Es admirable que se sigan practicando deportes tan antiguos y singulares como la pelota• El deporte alimenta el espírito de competitividad• Nos enseña a aceptar nuestros erroresCommunication marks were given for conveying the beneficial aspects of sport, whether physical orpsychological; the question of professionalism in sport; sport as a means of gaining popularity and money;the problems of hooliganism, violence and greed and the threats which they pose to sport.The most frequent grammatical errors related to subject/verb agreement, adjectival agreement and use ofthe passive voice.Paper 9109/04EssayNo Report available.Paper 9109/05Texts/Thematic StudiesGeneral commentsThe majority of candidates showed sound knowledge of their chosen texts and gave a considered responseto the questions set. It was noticeable that Section 1: Texts was better answered than Section 2:Thematic Studies. In the case of Thematic Studies the problems tended to be those noted in previousexamination sessions, namely the lack of ‘additional material’ to support the main text. In a small number ofcases there was no reference to any text at all in the answer.Comments on specific questionsWith a small entry it is not possible to consider the answers to each question in detail. The most popularquestions were both in Section 1: Texts.Question 2García Lorca: YermaMost candidates opted for (a), which gave much scope for the analysis of the poetic imagery and gave rise tosome sensitive responses. Candidates were able to discuss the main images and some related these toother sections of the play; certainly the principal issues were well understood. The second part of thequestion caused some debate as to whether Yerma was primarily idealistic or egotistic and both argumentscan be convincing.Question 3García Márquez: El coronel no tiene quien le escribaAgain, (a) was the preferred option. Candidates often tended to skirt around the main points in tackling (i).The opening paragraphs introduce many of the most important themes of the novel, and, of course, theprincipal character. There was sufficient material to present these points, but many did not use the extractfully. The second part of the question focused on the importance of the relationship between the colonel andhis wife – the temptation was to relate rather than analyse. However, there were some thoughtful answersshowing empathy with the couple.57