Question 1(a): Model Answer (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note

Question 1(a)

Reread this extract from Text B:

'I'd worked for months to cultivate one prospective client,' explains Jaz. 'Everyone knew winning a big order from that client could be a deciding factor in which of us from the international sales team got promoted. Then I discover from a junior colleague that Ravi's also trying to net this wealthy individual, even though Ravi knew I was already in pursuit! I knew if I ignored the situation, he'd just seal the deal, profiting shamelessly from all my slaving away, and our boss would promote Ravi. But if I'd directly confronted Ravi, it could've made me look petty and selfish. At the time, I calculated the best way to fight back was to be just as devious as Ravi.'

Use your own words to evaluate Jaz's attitude to work. Give details from the text to justify your answer.

[5]

Workings

To answer this question, you need to select the evidence that demonstrates Jaz's attitude to work.

This means looking for words or phrases that imply what they are feeling.

For example:

'I'd worked for months to cultivate one prospective client,' explains Jaz. 'Everyone knew winning a big order from that client could be a deciding factor in which of us from the international sales team got promoted. Then I discover from a junior colleague that Ravi's also trying to net this wealthy individual, even though Ravi knew I was already in pursuit! I knew if I ignored the situation, he'd just seal the deal, profiting shamelessly from all my slaving away, and our boss would promote Ravi. But if I'd directly confronted Ravi, it could've made me look petty and selfish. At the time, I calculated the best way to fight back was to be just as devious as Ravi.'

Answer

Jaz demonstrates a hard-working and motivated attitude to work, having “worked for months” to secure a wealthy client which might lead to a promotion, demonstrating that they are ambitious. The use of competitive language such as “winning”, “net” and “pursuit” suggests they feel like work is a contest or battle, but that they also feel threatened and anxious about being treated unfairly, fearing that their colleague might “seal the deal” and take credit for their effort. Ultimately, they reveal a ruthless and calculating attitude, deciding that the only way to succeed is to “fight back” and be “just as devious” themselves.

[5]

Commentary

• The answer demonstrates clear understanding of the focus of the text

• The answer uses evaluative vocabulary in their own words to label Jaz’s attitude

• Each point is supported with relevant, concise detail from the text

• The answer does not just quote from the text; it explains what the quote shows about the writer’s attitude

• The answer covers a range of points