0500/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2023
Question Answer Marks
2(d) Re-read paragraphs 5 and 10. 15
Paragraph 5 begins ‘In the garden ...’ and is about how Rohaan becomes
momentarily covered by ivy when it suddenly comes loose from the
rock.
Overview: a relatively mild accident compared to exaggerated battle with the
ivy.
Responses might use the following:
• (things had taken) a more violent turn: (events had become) wilder; more
physically rough; getting more serious; loss of control; Rohaan is fighting
the ivy
• surrendering to one last mighty heave: ivy giving into a final pull; great
force; determination; the ivy had been resisting Rohaan's efforts but has
now succumbed to his superior power; battle has been won
• suddenly collapsed away with the completeness of a breaking
chrysalis shell: in a moment, ivy came away all in one go; shock;
something different is going to come out of this experience; life has
changed
• toppled heavily backwards: fell over; lost his balance; can’t stop himself;
forceful landing, potentially serious / humorous / silly / cartoon-like
• eager green ivy tendrils sprang: younger, stronger curly bits of ivy
bounce back; coming towards him; pounced, leapt; ambushing,
predatory; desire to take revenge; had been pretending to surrender
• (writhed around under) many stringy choking fingers: (struggled to
escape from the imprisonment by / twisted about under) a lot of ivy twisting
around his neck; exaggerated danger; dramatic / horrific
• ripping his mischievous assailants away: removing the plants that are
hanging on to him; tearing away the ivy; plants are hanging on to him;
(removing them in a) rushed, violent action, aggressive movement; panic;
‘mischievous’ suggests cheeky / naughty rather than intending serious
harm; ‘attackers’ are no real threat
Only credit comments on stylistic effect where these are explicitly linked to
choices.
© UCLES 2023 Page 14 of 21
0500/12 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2023
Question Answer Marks
2(d) Re-read paragraphs 5 and 10.
Paragraph 10 begins ‘Armed now with a torch …’ and is about
Rohaan's first experiences as he enters the cave.
Overview: Rohaan views the entry into the cave as a challenge.
Responses might use the following:
• armed (now with a torch): equipped with a flashlight; prepared as if going
to war; trepidation
• advanced: moved forward purposefully; like an army
• (dry and) vaguely warm: uncertain temperature, but not cold; reflects
Rohaan’s own uncertainty about what he has discovered
• contorting: twisting; unnatural movements; feeling uncomfortable or in
pain
• navigate an increasingly confined space: trying to find his way through
an area that is getting smaller; steering his way; requires skill; uncertainty;
claustrophobic
• (walked down) a gentle slope with caution: a slight incline; moving
slowly and carefully; misleadingly suggesting safety; concern about what is
ahead
• (trying to avoid) treacherously loose stones (underfoot): dangerous;
pebbles and small rocks underfoot; unstable; potentially unsafe ground;
working against him
• (The walls) swallowed the light: walls of the cave do not let light
in/through; light has completely disappeared; darkness engulfing him;
eaten by something fearsome
Only credit comments on stylistic effect where these are explicitly linked to
choices.
© UCLES 2023 Page 15 of 21
