Paper 1: Reading (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Exam Questions

Read Text B, Finding my feet again, (as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)) and then answer Question 1(f).

According to Text B, what particular challenges has Denise faced as an elite-level cyclist?

You must use continuous writing (not note form) and use your own words as far as possible. 

Your summary should not be more than 120 words. 

Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer and up to 5 marks for the quality of your writing.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined. 

(i) Sonny’s phone is sparkling in the sunshine.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined. 

(ii) The narrator expected his bike ride to be a new, exciting experience.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined. 

[1 mark]

(iii) The narrator considers his fiftieth birthday to be a significant stage in his life.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined. 

(iv) Sonny plans to record the entire bicycle ride on his mobile phone.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Using your own words, explain what the writer means by each of the words underlined:

Though I am keeping to the outside of the bend, I feel the tension in my thighs increasing in a matter of metres. Ahead lies the notorious forest where many a dismayed cyclist is forced to dismount after kilometres of hard labour.

(i) increasing

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Using your own words, explain what the writer means by each of the words underlined:

Though I am keeping to the outside of the bend, I feel the tension in my thighs increasing in a matter of metres. Ahead lies the notorious forest where many a dismayed cyclist is forced to dismount after kilometres of hard labour.

(ii) notorious

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Using your own words, explain what the writer means by each of the words underlined:

Though I am keeping to the outside of the bend, I feel the tension in my thighs increasing in a matter of metres. Ahead lies the notorious forest where many a dismayed cyclist is forced to dismount after kilometres of hard labour.

(iii) dismayed

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer suggests the father’s experiences and feelings as he starts the sharp incline on the hill.

Use your own words in your explanation. 

I can see my own contorted expression, looking out, gargoyle-like, over the bike handlebars, forming part of that ‘family entertainment’.

‘Dad, this is the forest, right?’ I nod and pant.

‘It’ll soon be ten per cent gradient, Dad.’

I change my gear, and my legs heave a sigh of relief.

Read Text C, Moving on upwards,(as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)).

Re-read paragraphs 2 and 12.

• Paragraph 2 begins ‘Time for another...’ and is about the father trying to drink some water.

• Paragraph 12 begins ‘The steep road...’ and is about the father’s feelings about the road ahead.

Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect in these 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. 

Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer.

Re-read Text C, Moving on upwards, (as found in the November 2021 (0500/12 (opens in a new tab)) insert).

You are Sonny. Your father and the rest of the family have watched the video you made to record his fiftieth birthday bicycle ride. After the family have watched the video, you write your journal entry in which you:

• describe your father’s plans and preparations for his birthday and how you felt about them

• explain the hardships and challenges your father faced on the journey up the hill and your thoughts as you watched him cycling

• describe your father’s reactions as he watched the finished birthday video of the whole ride.

Write the words of the journal entry.

Base your journal entry on what you have read in Text C but be careful to use your own words.

Write about 250 to 350 words. 

Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer and up to 10 marks for the quality of your writing.