Overview (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note

1(a) — short answer

• You are given a short extract from the text

• You must use your own words to evaluate the writer's or character's attitude, and provide details from the text to justify your answer

5

1(b) — directed writing

• You will be asked to write a discursive, argumentative or persuasive response based on the texts

• Word count = 250-350 words

• Formats = speech, letter, article or report

• You must evaluate and develop the information from the texts, writing in an appropriate voice and register

35 (reading = 10, writing = 25)

Descriptive (Questions 2 or 3)

• You will be asked to describe a scene, atmosphere or object

• You should focus on creating a convincing picture using sensory details and imagery

• Recommended word limit = 350-450 words

40 (16 for content and structure, 24 for style and accuracy)

Narrative (Questions 4 or 5)

• You will be asked to write a story based on a title or an opening sentence

• You should focus on plot, characterisation, structure and setting

• Recommended word limit = 350-450 words

40 (16 for content and structure, 24 for style and accuracy)

W1: articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined

• Write convincingly to convey real and imagined experiences, thoughts and feelings

W2: organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect

• Sequence and connect the ideas and opinions effectively within your written response to interest and influence your reader

W3: use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context

• Use a range of appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures deliberately within each written response to achieve certain effects

W4: use register appropriate to context

• Vary your writing to suit the purpose, audience and form of the task

W5: make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar

• Write accurately, avoiding spelling, punctuation and grammar errors

R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings

• Show that you understand the obvious meanings communicated in a text

• Tested in Question 1(b)

R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes

• Show that you can recognise hints and suggestions in a text to understand the more hidden meanings and attitudes of the writer

• Tested in Question 1(b)

R3: analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text

• Evaluate and analyse the facts, ideas and opinions you read by using, explaining and developing them

• Refer to supporting evidence from the text where appropriate, such as using quotations or references to the text

• Tested in Questions 1(a) and 1(b)

R4: demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers

• Show that you understand how a writer has influenced their reader through their use of language

• Consider the deliberate choices a writer has made and why they have made those choices

• Tested in Question 1(a)

R5: select and use information for specific purposes

• Select and use relevant and appropriate information from a text to answer the different questions

• Tested in Question 1(b)