How to Answer Question 3: Short-Answer Questions (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.

For exams from 2027, Question 3 is split into two main tasks:

• Question 3 (a-c) — short answer questions

• Question 3(d) — language task

The following guide will provide you with the information you need to answer Question 3(a-c) to a high standard. It includes:

• An overview of Question 3(a-c)

• Breaking down the questions

• Steps to success

• Exam tips

Overview for Question 3(a-c)

• Source: Text C

• Marks: 10

• Time: approximately 10-15 minutes

• Skills tested:

  • Explicit and implicit meanings (R1 and R2)

  • Writer's effects (R4)

Breaking down the questions

For this task, you will respond to a series of sub-questions about Text C. These sub-questions will require answers of different lengths and test your understanding of precise vocabulary and your ability to analyse the effect of a specific language choice.

These sub-questions are worth 10 marks in total and are broken down as follows:

It is important that you read each question carefully and 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 this question effectively:

1. Read each 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 marks given for each sub-question

2. Scan Text C 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 you to explain each of the words underlined, make sure that you give an answer for each one

   • 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:

     • For Question 3(b), 3 marks tells you that you should make three distinct points

4. For Question 3(c), examiners are looking for you to select an appropriate example and provide a comprehensive explanation which shows that you understand how the writer gets their message or point across:

   • For example, you might consider the meanings of particular phrases and why the writer has chosen to use them

   • You might wish to consider why the writer has punctuated a phrase or sentence in a certain way

   • Above all, you need to read between the lines to consider what the writer really means

You are advised to spend no more than 15 minutes on these questions.

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:

  • In Question 3(c), make sure you select just one example and explain its meaning first in context:

    • You can then go on to explore what this suggests

    • Make sure you make three distinct points about your chosen example

• Remember, you are being tested on your ability to analyse how the writer shows their feelings, so you must explore the writer’s craft: 

  • This means not just their use of language, but also the structure of the writing

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 3 skills: Synonyms revision notes.

For model answers to these questions, please see Question 3 short-answer questions: Model answers.