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

Paper 1: Reading is a compulsory exam for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English, 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(b) to a high standard. It includes:

• An overview of Question 2(b)

• Breaking down the question

• Steps to success

• Exam tips

Overview

• Source: Text B

• Marks: 5

• Time: approximately 5-10 minutes

• Skills tested:

  • Implicit meanings (R2)

  • Analyse/evaluate (R3)

Breaking down the question

This question tests you on your ability to understand a writer’s attitudes and opinions. The command word is likely to be “assess”, which means to make an informed judgement. 

Here is an example of Question 2(b):

It is important to highlight the key information in the question: 

• What have you got to do?

• What have you got to focus on in the text?

You should do this before you begin scanning the text for your evidence.

Steps to success

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

1. Read the question carefully and highlight:

   • The command words (what you have to do):

     • Here it is “assess”

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

     • In the example above, it is “the cloning of endangered animals”

   • Any other instructions you are given:

     • Here it is “use three details from Text B to support your answer”

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

   • In the example above, that would be what the writer says about the cloning of endangered animals

3. Identify what the writer feels about the question’s focus:

   • To get full marks, you cannot simply list quotes

   • You must identify how the writer feels and support that feeling with a specific detail from the text

4. Use the key words from the question in your answer:

   • For example: “The writer’s attitude is that they are impressed by the science”

5. Support each point with specific details from Text B:

   • For example: “The writer’s attitude is that they are impressed by the science because they call it ‘amazing technology’ and an ‘incredible effort’”

6. State how this specific detail supports your point:

   • For example: “The use of positive adjectives shows admiration”

Remember, this is a 5-mark question, so you should aim to spend no more than 5–10 minutes answering it. You will already be familiar with Text B by answering Question 2(a).

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

• The highest level of the mark scheme (Level 3) rewards candidates who demonstrate clear understanding of the writer’s attitude with relevant support from the text:

  • Demonstrating understanding is going beyond simply making a point along with a quote copied from the text

  • You need to do something with the quote

• Look for words or phrases in the text that give you a clue about what the writer’s attitude might be:

  • These might be adjectives, adverbs or emotive verbs (words that suggest conflict or strong feeling)

• Ensure you use three separate pieces of evidence in your answer, as the question specifically asks for “three details”

• Do not summarise:

  • This is not a summary task, so do not just retell what happens

• Check the command word:

  • If the question asks you to “assess”, ensure you are making a judgement about the writer’s view

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see:

Question 2(b) Skills: Supporting your Answer.

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