Q1 a–e · Comprehension: past paper questions
Real questions on q1 a–e · comprehension
The newest 20 of 203 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
What are burgers, pizzas and burritos examples of, according to the text?
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘typically offer’ (liNn@
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘convenience prioritised’ (lIN€
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[2]
Reread paragraph 2 (‘Critics regarding health.’). Give two different reasons why people are critical of fast food.
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two environmental concerns linked to the increased popularity of fast food.
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain how drive-throughs selling fast food have already tried to reduce waiting times for customers.
See it on the paper → - 0990/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1e[3]
Reread paragraph 5 (‘Today restaurant.’). Using your own words, explain how fast-food restaurants are trying to improve the image of their product. Read Text B, Why I don’t rely on documentaries, in the insert and then answer Question 1(f) on this question paper.
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
How many species of rhinoceros are critically endangered?
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘terrific Fuss’ (liN@
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘draw tourists’ (liN@
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[2]
Reread paragraph 3 (‘In direction.’). Give two potential effects on an ecosystem of losing one of its ‘keystone’ species.
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two reasons why researchers had not previously looked closely at rhinos’ roles in shaping the eco-system.
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain what scientists did to identify the impact of the rhinos on the landscape.
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1e[3]
Reread paragraph 6 (‘Rhinos have many others.’). Using your own words, explain why some people might not be convinced that rhinos should be referred to as a keystone species. Read Text B, Finding the right name for our rhino, in the insert and answer Question 1(f) on this question paper.
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
How fast are we travelling through time, according to paragraph 1?
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘entirely feasible’ (line 1)
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘recent acquaintance’ (lines 4–5).
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[2]
Reread paragraph 2 (‘But this isn’t … such knowledge.’). Give two things that fictional time travellers do, according to paragraph 2. •
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two reasons why the possibility of time travel seems unlikely. •
See it on the paper → - 0990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain the different opinions that people have about the causes of déjà vu.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
– (e) Short answer Questions 1(a)–(e) required candidates to read and respond to Text A: Treasure hunting. More effective responses paid attention to the paragraph references and command words in the instructions to demonstrate efficiently the evidence of understanding required. Some mid-range responses missed opportunities to target higher marks, for example through overlong, muddled or unfocuse...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0990/11 Q1(a) (Cambridge)
‘… concealed around the globe.’ (line 7). In Question 1(b) task guidance made it clear that use of own words was required to evidence understanding. Where responses failed to score both marks, it was sometimes the result of offering a partial explanation only, for example in Question 1(b)(ii) offering a meaning for ‘concealed’ and/or ‘globe’ but repeating rather than explaining any sense of ‘arou...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0990/11 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Reread paragraph 3 (‘So, how … of the treasure.’). Give two different ways treasure hunters should get the information they need to start their search. In Question 1(c) candidates rereading paragraph 3 closely were able to identify two distinct ways advised in the text; most recognised the explicit advice that this should be done ‘By reading’ (reference to the example(s) of books and/or old maps...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0990/11 Q1(c) (Cambridge)
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