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

Read Text B, Annoying passengers, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

According to Text B, how should passengers on an aeroplane act to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on the plane?

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, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

• Edgar took big, confident steps while escorting Jeswin to the place where they would be working together that day.

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

• Jeswin realised at once that the members of the family approaching could be in need of help.

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

• Jeswin felt happy that his job was mostly going well.

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

• Jeswin believed that the older man was not guilty of trying to steal from the other man.

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

Jeswin wriggled to detach himself from Edgar’s large hand. He had been attached (in a more figurative sense) today to Edgar to learn his job: making sure that the passengers had the documents they needed to fly, showing them where to take their luggage and giving helpful and friendly advice.

• detach 

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

Jeswin wriggled to detach himself from Edgar’s large hand. He had been attached (in a more figurative sense) today to Edgar to learn his job: making sure that the passengers had the documents they needed to fly, showing them where to take their luggage and giving helpful and friendly advice.

• documents

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

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

Jeswin wriggled to detach himself from Edgar’s large hand. He had been attached (in a more figurative sense) today to Edgar to learn his job: making sure that the passengers had the documents they needed to fly, showing them where to take their luggage and giving helpful and friendly advice.

• helpful

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer suggests Edgar’s thoughts and feelings at that time. 

Use your own words in your explanation. 

‘I’ve got a report to write for the boss tonight!’ huffed Edgar. ‘Apparently she doesn’t know what our job involves. Hah!’ 

He marched towards the group. ‘Good morning. Your documents, please, so I can make sure they are in order before you drop your luggage off.’ Edgar flipped through identity documents with the dexterity of a master player shuffling a deck of cards, before surveying the three suitcases. ‘Take it you packed those suitcases yourselves and they haven’t been out of sight since you got here? Go to the roped area over there. Shouldn’t be too long to wait.’ 

Read Text C, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)).

Re-read paragraphs 2 and 4.

• Paragraph 2 begins ‘You’re going to be ’ and is about Jeswin’s and Edgar’s experiences at the beginning of this day.

• Paragraph 4 begins ‘Edgar’s expression began’ and is about the arrival of the first passengers of the day. 

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, The new job, (as found in the November 2023 (500/11) insert (opens in a new tab)) .

You are Edgar. That night you write the report that your boss has asked for about the work the ‘Meet and Greet’ team do. 

In your report you should:

• explain what the role of meeting and greeting passengers involves at present

• evaluate potential problems for both ‘Meet and Greet’ staff and passengers

• suggest how the experiences of both passengers and ‘Meet and Greet’ staff could be improved.

Write the words of the report. 

Base your report on what you have read in Text C, but be careful to use your own words. Address each of the three bullet points. 

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.