How to Answer Question 2(a): Summary (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note

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

For exams from 2027, Question 2 is split into two tasks:

• Question 2(a) — a summary task

• Question 2(b) — writer’s attitudes and opinions

The following guide will provide you with the information you need to answer Question 2(a) to a high standard. It includes:

• An overview of Question 2(a)

• Breaking down the question

• Steps to success

• Exam tips
  

Overview of Question 2(a)

• Source: Text B

• Marks: 15 (10 for reading, 5 for writing)

• Time: approximately 15-20 minutes

• Skills tested:

  • Explicit and implicit meanings (R1 and R2)

  • Select and use information (R5)

  • Clarity (W1)

  • Organisation and structure (W2)

  • Vocabulary and sentence structure (W3)

Breaking down the question

For this task, you will respond to one question about Text B.

The question will test you on your ability to understand explicit and implicit meanings and ideas in a text, and to select and use information for specific purposes.

It will also assess your ability to organise and structure your ideas in writing, use a range of suitable vocabulary and sentence structures and write accurately, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

The question is worth 15 marks in total and is broken down as follows:

Steps to success

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

1. Read the question and highlight:

   • The command words (what you are instructed to do)

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

     • When highlighting, take note of the word count guidance and make sure you are using the correct text (Text B)

2. Scan Text B and highlight the evidence that answers the question:

   • Aim for the "10 point" goal:

     • You need a wide range for full marks

   • Disregard any information or extra details which are not directly relevant to the focus of the question

3. Plan your answer before you start writing:

   • Look at your highlighted points; can they be grouped?

   • Use bullet points for this

   • Make sure each idea in each bullet point is distinct and complete (you are not repeating yourself)

4. Write your answers according to the question instructions:

   • Do not just copy whole paragraphs from the text, or use quotes from the text

   • You must summarise using your own words as much as possible

   • Remember, not all of the information will be explicit (obvious):

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

5. Re-read your answer when you have finished to check whether:

   • It answers the question

   • It makes sense

   • It is accurate (correct any obvious spelling, grammar or punctuation errors)

   • It stays within the word limit (this will be 1-2 paragraphs):

     • If it is over, then cut out adjectives and repetition

You are advised to spend no more than 15-20 minutes on this question.

Exam tips

• Read the command words and the question carefully:

  • This will allow you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the requirements of the task

• Write your answer in paragraph form, expressing yourself clearly, fluently and concisely:

  • Explain the ideas in a way that someone who had not read the text themselves would understand

• Do not just copy from the text or use quotes — this is not a language analysis question

• Try not to repeat the same idea — the examiner can only credit you once

• When summarising, you should use Standard English:

  • If Text B is written using a more informal register, adapt this to a more formal style suitable for a written summary

• Start your answer with a focus on the question:

  • Do not waste time on unnecessary introductions

• As you read Text B, highlight a range of ideas from different parts of the text:

  • Then re-organise them more efficiently for the reader

  • You do not need to work through the ideas in the order they appear in the text

• It is a very good idea to make a brief, bulleted plan of your answer before you start writing:

  • This will help you structure your response concisely

• Ensure you do not write too little or too much:

  • 120 words is approximately half a page of A4 in average handwriting, or 1-2 paragraphs

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 2(a) Skills: How to Summarise revision note.

For a model answer to this question, please see Question 2(a): Model Answer.