How to Answer Question 1: Comprehension (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note

Paper 1: Reading is the compulsory exam for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English, and examiners recommend that you complete the questions in the order they are set.

Question 1 is a series of compulsory short-answer questions based on Text A in your reading insert.

The following guide will provide you with the information you need to answer Question 1: Comprehension confidently.

Overview for Question 1

• Source: Text A

• Marks: 20

• Time: approximately 20 minutes

• Skills tested:

  • Explicit and implicit meanings (R1 and R2)

  • Analyse/evaluate (R3)

  • Writer's effects (R4)

  • Select and use information (R5)

Breaking down the questions

Question 1 is divided into sub-questions (a) to (f). You must read the specific paragraph references carefully.

In each question, highlight:

• The command words in each question (what you have to do)

• The focus of each question (what you are looking for in the text)

• How many marks each question is worth (this indicates how much you need to write)

Steps to success

Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering these questions effectively:

1. Read each question and highlight the:

   • Command words (what you are instructed to do)

   • Focus of the question (the words or phrases you have to look for in the text)

   • Marks given for each sub-question

2. Scan Text A and highlight the evidence that answers the question, or the words or phrases you need to explain:

   • Remember that there may be more than one answer

   • Make sure your answer provides what the question instructions have asked for

3. Write your answers according to the question instructions:

   • If the question asks for two examples, then make sure you give two separate examples

   • If the question asks you to use your own words, then make sure you do not repeat words from the text

   • Check how many marks are awarded for each question, and tailor your answers accordingly

   • When explaining the meaning of a phrase, consider the context of the text (do not just guess the meaning without context)

   • Remember, not all of the answers will be explicit:

     • You will have to make some inferences or read between the lines

You are advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on these questions (including reading time).

Exam tips

• Read the command words and the paragraph references in the instructions carefully

• Do not write overly long explanations or answers in your own words where they are not required:

  • Equally, make sure you do not just repeat the language of the text in answers where your own words are required

  • It is made clear in the task instructions when you should write your answers using your own words

• Avoid adding additional unnecessary material and/or extra guesses in your answers

• Follow the order of the sub-questions and work through the text from the beginning

• Where a question asks you to explain a phrase in your own words, make sure you explain the meaning of the whole of the phrase (rather than just trying to analyse an individual word in the phrase)

• Where a question directs you to a particular paragraph(s), make sure that you only use the sections of text specified:

  • You will not be awarded marks for anything taken outside of these sections or paragraphs

• Watch the "writer's effects" questions:

  • Unlike previous years, Question 1 now asks you to analyse language

  • Analyse don't describe; focus on associations and imagery

• Check the mark allocation:

  • If a question is worth 3 marks, you must provide 3 distinct points

• Manage your time:

  • This section is worth 20 marks, but do not spend more than 20-25 minutes here or you will run out of time for the Extended Response (Question 4)

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 1 skills: Explicit and implicit meanings revision note.

For model answers to these questions, please see Question 1 Comprehension: Model answers.