poem

SECTION B – Reading and Writing

Answer the question in this section.
You should spend 1 hour on this section.

Use ideas from BOTH Text One and Text Two in the Source Booklet to answer this question.

8 Write a letter to a friend on the topic of choosing and caring for a pet responsibly.

You should include:

  • the benefits and joys of owning a pet

  • the responsibilities and challenges of pet ownership

  • advice for how to make the right choice for your lifestyle

Think carefully about the purpose of your letter and the audience for whom it is intended.

(30 marks)

answers

SECTION B – Mark Scheme

A suitable register for a letter to a friend should be adopted.
Candidates should address all areas. The following are some points that candidates may make but there are other possibilities. Some candidates may interpret the task more widely and use other examples than those mentioned in the passages.

The benefits and joys of owning a pet

  • pets can improve mood: “decreasing feelings of depression, anxiety and anger” (Text One)

  • pets provide companionship/unconditional love: “Animals don’t judge and are always on our team” (Text One)

  • pets can provide physical and emotional comfort: “pat or hold our pets has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing” (Text One)

  • pets encourage exercise and social interaction: “taking your dog for a walk… meet others at the local dog park or beach” (Text One)

  • unusual pets can also provide joy: “turtle or parrot” (Text One)

  • working or therapy animals can support others: “therapy dog… offers support to students” (Text One)

The responsibilities and challenges of pet ownership

  • pets require time, attention, and energy: “biggest stressor in my life… constant attention” (Text Two)

  • pets can have behavioural or emotional issues: “unicorn dogs… are 1 in a million” (Text Two)

  • owning a pet can be expensive: costs for food, vet, training, or pet sitters (Text Two)

  • pets need space and a suitable environment: “Animals are not made to live in little boxes… most of us do not have space” (Text Two)

  • pets can be impacted if left alone for long periods: “8-10 hours alone in your house” (Text Two)

  • owning a pet is a serious commitment and should suit your lifestyle: “best fit for the owner” (Text One)

Advice for how to make the right choice for your lifestyle

  • consider which type of pet suits your personality and energy levels: “high-energy dog… calm contained cat” (Text One)

  • consider unusual pets if they better match your lifestyle: “turtle or parrot” (Text One)

  • think about time, space, and financial resources before getting a pet: “do I have the space and time… prepared for behaviourally difficult animal?” (Text Two)

  • consider alternatives: caring for friends’ pets, volunteering with animals, or therapy pets (Text Two)

  • adopt a pet only if you are ready for responsibility: “get one… if you feel prepared to commit” (Text Two)

Reward all valid points

  • points can be drawn from either or both texts

  • candidates may also use personal examples or experiences

  • a coherent letter structure and friendly, conversational tone should be rewarded


next 

SECTION C – Writing

Answer ONE question from this section.
You should spend 1 hour on your chosen question.
Do not re-tell events from Text One or Text Two in the Source Booklet.
Write approximately 400 words on one of the following:

EITHER

9 ‘Owning a pet brings more challenges than benefits.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
(Total for Question 9 = 30 marks)

OR

10 Write a story (true or imaginary) entitled ‘A Pet for Life’.
(Total for Question 10 = 30 marks)

OR

11 Describe the most unusual or memorable animal you have seen or encountered.
(Total for Question 11 = 30 marks)

Indicate which question you are answering by marking a cross in the box.
If you change your mind, put a line through the box and then indicate your new question with a cross. answers 

Question 9 – ‘Owning a pet brings more challenges than benefits’

  • Candidates are free to agree, disagree, or take a balanced view.

  • Content may include references to:

    • different types of pets (dogs, cats, birds, unusual pets).

    • the benefits of pet ownership: companionship, emotional support, physical activity, social interaction, mindfulness.

    • the challenges: time, attention, training, costs, space requirements, behavioural issues.

    • ethical considerations: choosing the right pet for your lifestyle, avoiding neglect or cruelty.

    • reflection on personal experiences, observations, or knowledge.

  • Examiners should be open to a wide range of interpretations and arguments.

Question 10 – Write a story entitled ‘A Pet for Life’

  • No indicative content can be specified, since candidates may choose to interpret the title as they wish.

  • Candidates should be rewarded for:

    • imaginative plot development, showing the relationship between a person and a pet.

    • exploration of challenges and joys of owning or caring for a pet.

    • vivid description, dialogue, action, or emotional impact.

    • reflection or moral of the story, which may connect explicitly or implicitly to the title.

  • Examiners should be open to a wide range of interpretations, including fantastical, humorous, or realistic stories.

Question 11 – Describe the most unusual or memorable animal you have seen or encountered

  • Candidates may choose from a wide range of animals, real or imaginary, domestic or wild, common or unusual.

  • Candidates should be rewarded for:

    • the ability to evoke a strong sense of the animal’s appearance, behaviour, and personality.

    • creating atmosphere or emotional impact using effective and descriptive vocabulary.

    • including sensory details, anecdotes, or imaginative elements.

  • Examiners should be open to a wide range of interpretations and approaches.

General note for all three questions:

  • Responses should communicate clearly and imaginatively, with appropriate form, tone, and register for the purpose and audience.

  • Examiners should reward originality, engagement, and the quality of ideas, rather than strict factual accuracy.

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