The Art of Artisanal Baking

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Art of Artisanal Baking
1
As I stood in my modest kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It was a Saturday morning, and the sun streamed through the window, casting a golden hue on the flour-dusted countertop. I had always believed that baking was more than just a task; it was an art form, a way to express love and creativity.
2
"Are you ready for another batch?" my friend Maya asked, peering over my shoulder with a smile. We had made it a tradition to bake together every weekend, sharing recipes and stories. Each loaf we crafted was a testament to our friendship.
3
"Absolutely! Today, I want to try something different. How about a sourdough with a twist?" I suggested, my excitement bubbling over. Sourdough had always intrigued me, with its tangy flavour and chewy texture, but I had yet to master it.
4
"Sounds perfect! Let's make it memorable," Maya replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. We gathered our ingredients: flour, water, salt, and the all-important starter. The starter was a living culture, nurtured over weeks, and it felt like a part of us.
5
As we mixed the dough, I couldn't help but think about the journey of artisanal baking. It wasn't just about the end product; it was about the process, the patience, and the passion that went into every step. Each fold and stretch of the dough felt like a dance, a rhythm that connected us to generations of bakers before us.
6
"Do you remember the first time we tried baking together?" Maya asked, laughter lacing her voice. "We nearly burned the cookies!"
7
"How could I forget? We were so proud of our ‘charcoal delights'," I chuckled, recalling our early mishaps. But those failures had only fueled our determination to improve. With each weekend, we experimented, learned, and grew more confident in our skills.
8
After letting the dough rise, we shaped it into loaves, each one unique in its form. "It's like each loaf has its own personality," I said, admiring our creations. "Some are round and plump, while others are long and slender."
9
Maya nodded in agreement. "Just like us, I suppose! Full of character." We placed the loaves in the oven, the heat enveloping them, transforming our efforts into something magical. The kitchen filled with the sound of crackling crusts and the sweet scent of baking bread.
10
As we waited, we shared our dreams and aspirations. Baking had become our sanctuary, a place where we could escape the pressures of life and simply be ourselves. "What do you hope to achieve with your baking?" Maya asked, her expression thoughtful.
11
I paused, contemplating my answer. "I want to create something that brings joy to others. There's nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up when they taste something delicious."
12
"That's beautiful," she replied, her voice soft. "You have a gift, and it's wonderful to share it."
13
When the timer finally rang, we opened the oven door to reveal our golden-brown loaves. The sight was nothing short of triumphant. "Look at them! They're perfect!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling with pride.
14
We let the loaves cool, and soon, the moment we had been waiting for arrived. Slicing into the crusty exterior revealed a soft, airy interior, the steam rising in wisps. "Shall we taste?" Maya asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
15
As we savoured the first bite, the combination of flavours danced on my palate. "This is it! This is why I bake," I declared, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Artisanal baking was not just about the ingredients; it was about the joy of creation, the connection with others, and the satisfaction of sharing something truly special.
16
In that moment, I realised that every loaf we baked was a story waiting to be shared, a piece of our hearts woven into each crumb. And as I looked at Maya, I knew that our journey in the world of baking was just beginning.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
(i) The smell of bread being made filled the room, creating a warm feeling of comfort. ___________ [1 mark]

(ii) Each time we baked, we created something unique and special together. ___________ [1 mark]

(iii) The process of baking requires time and dedication. ___________ [1 mark]

(iv) The various shapes of the loaves made them distinct from one another. ___________ [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2(a) prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}
My Answer 4 part (iv) : {ANSWER4}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: “wrapped around me like a warm embrace” (Paragraph 1)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: “a testament to our friendship” (Paragraph 2)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: “patience” (Paragraph 5)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: “each one unique in its form” (Paragraph 7)

You are marking an English comprehension question. Evaluate if I have answered the question. Accept answers that are relevant, paraphrased and is the same meaning and logic of the suggested answers.

First check the total marks for all the parts in the question.

The suggested answers has various points. Each point is equal to one mark.

Check for ‘My Answer against the marking scheme: ‘Suggested Answer’. Do not add on to my answers.

Give me one mark and a green coloured tick symbol for each point that I am correct. Give me no marks and a red coloured cross symbol if i have missed out a point from the suggested answers.

If i am wrong, provide useful guidance but do not show me the suggested answers or the marking scheme.

If I am correct congratulate me.

At the end of your Output, provide me with the total marks for all questions using this format: ‘Total Marks: (marks)’

Use very simple language and be concise.

Output the total marks at the end in this format: ‘Total Marks: (marks)’

Question 2(b)
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:

"Absolutely! Today, I want to try something different. How about a sourdough with a twist?" I suggested, my excitement bubbling over. Sourdough had always intrigued me, with its tangy flavour and chewy texture, but I had yet to master it.
"Sounds perfect! Let's make it memorable," Maya replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

(i) twist [1 mark]

(ii) tangy [1 mark]

(iii) enthusiasm [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2(b) prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: a unique variation or change in the recipe

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: a sharp and slightly sour taste

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: a strong feeling of excitement and eagerness

You are marking an English comprehension question. Evaluate if I have answered the question. Accept answers that are relevant, paraphrased and is the same meaning and logic of the suggested answers.

First check the total marks for all the parts in the question.

The suggested answers has various points. Each point is equal to one mark.

Check for ‘My Answer’ against the marking scheme: ‘Suggested Answer’. Do not add on to my answers.

Give me one mark and a green coloured tick symbol for each point that I am correct. Give me no marks and a red coloured cross symbol if i have missed out a point from the suggested answers.

If i am wrong, provide useful guidance but do not show me the suggested answers or the marking scheme.

If I am correct congratulate me.

Use very simple language and be concise.

Output the total marks at the end in this format: ‘Total Marks: (marks)’

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the significance of baking in their life. [3 Marks]

As we mixed the dough, I couldn't help but think about the journey of artisanal baking. It wasn't just about the end product; it was about the process, the patience, and the passion that went into every step. Each fold and stretch of the dough felt like a dance, a rhythm that connected us to generations of bakers before us.

"Do you remember the first time we tried baking together?" Maya asked, laughter lacing her voice. "We nearly burned the cookies!"

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2(c) prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:

  • The writer highlights that baking is not merely a task but an artistic journey, emphasising the importance of the process over the final product.
  • They describe the act of mixing dough as a dance, suggesting that baking is a rhythmic and creative expression that connects them to a long tradition of bakers.
  • The mention of past failures, such as nearly burning the cookies, illustrates how these experiences have shaped their growth and determination in baking, making it a meaningful part of their life.

You are marking an English comprehension question. Evaluate if I have answered the question. Accept answers that are relevant, paraphrased and is the same meaning and logic of the suggested answers.

First check the total marks for all the parts in the question.

Award 3 marks for an appropriate example with a comprehensive explanation which shows good understanding of the paragraphs and question.
Award 2 marks for an appropriate example with a basic explanation.
Award 1 mark for an appropriate example with very little explanation.

You may use the suggested answer as a guide.

If i am wrong, provide useful guidance but do not show me the suggested answers or the marking scheme.

If I am correct congratulate me.

Use very simple language and be concise.

Output the total marks at the end in this format: ‘Total Marks: (marks)’

Question 2(d)
Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect in the following paragraphs. Choose three examples of words or phrases from each paragraph to support your answer. Your choices should include the use of imagery. Write about 200 to 300 words. [15 Marks]
Paragraph 1: “As I stood in my modest kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air…”

Paragraph 5: “As we mixed the dough, I couldn't help but think about the journey of artisanal baking…”

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:

  • In the first paragraph, the phrase “the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air” creates a vivid sensory image that evokes warmth and comfort, inviting the reader to experience the setting alongside the writer.
  • The description of the kitchen as “modest” suggests a humble, personal space, enhancing the theme of baking as an intimate and heartfelt activity.
  • The phrase “wrapping around me like a warm embrace” employs simile to convey the emotional effect of the aroma, suggesting that the experience of baking is nurturing and fulfilling.
  • In the fifth paragraph, the phrase “the journey of artisanal baking” conveys that baking is more than a task; it is a meaningful process that involves growth and learning, reinforcing the idea of baking as an art form.
  • The metaphor “each fold and stretch of the dough felt like a dance” illustrates the rhythm and grace involved in baking, suggesting that it is a creative and expressive act that connects the baker to tradition.
  • The phrase “a rhythm that connected us to generations of bakers before us” evokes a sense of continuity and shared experience, highlighting the cultural significance of baking and its role in building bonds through shared practices.

Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 3

You are giving a speech at a community event about the importance of baking as a way to connect with friends and family. In your speech, you should highlight the personal experiences and emotional significance of baking as described in the text.

    In your speech, you should:

  • Discuss the warmth and comfort that baking brings to your life.
  • Share a memorable experience of baking with a friend.
  • Emphasise the joy of creating something special to share with others.

Write the words of the speech.

Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:
(Baking has always been a source of warmth and comfort in my life. As I stand in my kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread wraps around me like a warm embrace. It's a Saturday morning ritual that fills my heart with joy and creativity.)
(Every weekend, I get together with my friend Maya to bake. We share recipes and laughter, and every loaf we create is a testament to our friendship. I remember our first baking attempt, where we nearly burned the cookies, yet those mishaps only fueled our determination and made our journey even more memorable.)
(Baking is not just about the end product; it's about the joy of creation and sharing something truly special with others. Each loaf we shape has its own personality, just like us. When we finally taste our creations, the flavours dance on our palates, and seeing the joy on others' faces when they taste our bread is the ultimate reward.)
(In conclusion, baking is a beautiful way to connect with friends and family, to escape life's pressures, and to create lasting memories. So, let's embrace the art of baking and share our love through every loaf we make.)

Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

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