Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2018
Last exams 2026
Question 3 Model Answer: Article (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note
Exam code: 0500 & 0990
This revision note is for exams in 2026. If you are sitting your exam from 2027, please switch to the 'First exams 2027' syllabus edition.
Question 3 Model Answer: Article
For this task, you will be asked to produce a piece of writing in a particular format, based on what you have read in Text C. You may be asked to write in one of six possible formats (genres):
A letter
A report
A journal entry
A speech
An interview
An article
The following guide will demonstrate how to answer Question 3 in the format of an article. The task itself is taken from a past exam paper.
Text and question
The following text is about a drummer who has been invited to play with a jazz band at their next gig, which is at an open-air summer concert.
Question:
Article model answer
Based on the above question, the following model answer is an example of a full-mark article response:
Worked Example
REVIEW: The Nightblooming Jazzmen Bloom in Sutton Park
This month's featured concert series at Sutton Park concluded with a charming performance by The Nightblooming Jazzmen. Aside from their drummer, ‘Old Stanley’, the group consists of retired musicians who share an obvious, comfortable camaraderie. Dressed in bow ties and moustaches, they exude a retro vibe that perfectly suits their shift towards jazz and swing — a strategic move to attract larger audiences that has clearly paid off. There are no gimmicks or backing tracks here, only a stripped-back, honest sound that the crowd absolutely lapped up.
The setting, a graffiti-covered bandstand, provided a gritty contrast to the music, yet the atmosphere was electric. The predominantly older crowd remained fiercely loyal, their appreciation evident as the Jazzmen’s talent won over the park. Post-concert, the mood stayed buoyant over crackers and dips, with devoted fans like Ruth, Nancy, and Betty reminiscing about the band's history and their enduring love for the genre.
At the after-party, I caught up with ‘Old Stanley’ (Nathanial) to see how he adapts to the group. Though decades younger, his false moustache and bleached eyebrows reveal a dedicated, endearing effort to blend in. While his social graces lack polish — he spoke enthusiastically with his mouth full — his musical pedigree is undeniable. Having learned from his father, a jazz veteran, Nathanial clearly feels at home. His connection with the band, particularly Hal, is genuine. He is not just a drummer, but a welcome, energetic addition to this unique ensemble.
Commentary
The answer uses the suggested sentence starter from the task instructions
The response directly refers to details from the text, with appropriate development
The tone and register are appropriate for an article written for a music magazine (sub-headings are not required for this kind of article)
Each bullet point in the task is dealt with in a separate paragraph
Details from the text are well integrated into the response
The first person perspective is appropriate for the format of the task
Development is not too far-fetched
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The suggested word count for this task is a guide, and you are not penalised for writing under or over 250-350 words. However, writing too little can mean that your answer does not have enough development or detail. Writing too much can mean that you go off topic and lose focus, which again can be self-penalising. It is therefore a good idea to stick as closely as you can to the word count guidance.
You can find further guidance on suggested word counts for CIE here (opens in a new tab).
Summary
Remember to read the question carefully and highlight:
The instructions (what you have to do)
The focus of each bullet point
Re-read Text C and highlight the relevant information you can use in your answer
Address each bullet point in order:
Make sure you cover all of the bullet points as equally as possible
Base all of your answer on the ideas and details you find in Text C
Decide on the voice and style you want to create and maintain that in your answer
Do not just repeat details of what happened:
You need to develop your ideas to demonstrate understanding
Unlock more, it's free!
Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams
the (exam) results speak for themselves:
Was this revision note helpful?
