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8021_m26_qp_22 2026 March English General Paper 8021 Question Paper 2 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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8021_m26_qp_222026 March English General Paper 8021 Question Paper 2 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge AS & A Level English General Paper (8021) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 8021_m26_qp_22 · 8021/22/f/m/26 qp · 8021/22 Feb/March 2026 qp

Paper 2: Comprehension This is Paper 2: Comprehension, worth 50 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Section A: Logical reasoning based on a scenario (brochures, additional information, background). Section B: Reading comprehension on a single passage. Read the insert and ALL questions before writing. Follow line references precisely; copy exact wording unless 'own words' or a word limit is specified.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (8021_m26_ms_22). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this English General Paper question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in English General Paper (8021).

Same paper, other years

English General Paper (8021) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Comprehension

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2024)

7

Lifting and paraphrasing comprehension answers when copying is required

Unless directed to summarise or to use 'own words' in response to questions, as in some parts of Section B, candidates are best advised to copy the relevant material they have selected, in order to avoid losing the precision and full detail of the original.8021 Paper 2, May/June 2024

How to fix: Two modes in Paper 2: (1) When the rubric does NOT say 'own words' or impose a word limit, copy the exact wording from the insert — paraphrasing usually loses precision (e.g. 'closed down his previous construction company' becomes weaker as 'left his previous company'). (2) When 'own words' IS required, fully reword every element with the same grammatical form — partial rewording loses the mark.

8

Failing to develop points in extended logical reasoning questions

Answers evidenced by only one development being offered, even though two, three or more valid individual ideas had been presented, did not exceed Level 2, since the key skill of analysis was not sufficiently demonstrated to gain higher marks.8021 Paper 2, May/June 2024

How to fix: For 8-mark / 10-mark extended questions: identify a feature, then DEVELOP it by linking it to a specific personal characteristic of the person in the scenario (interests, profession, family situation, financial status). One developed point > three undeveloped points. Make connections across DIFFERENT parts of the material (Brochure + Additional Information + Background). Avoid 'lifting' general features that would appeal to anyone.

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English General Paper Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents