IGCSE English First Language － Free Online Lesson and Q&A Session

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1. Hello, what is the approximate vocabulary size required for language exams, for example foreign languages like spanish, german, etc. or first languages like EFL? Lots of thanks.

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   1. Hello there,

      Thank you for joining our free English lesson!

      For English First Language, you will be rewarded for showing a wide range of vocabulary, so aim to avoid using the same word too often and try to choose a more precise vocabulary rather than always the first word you think of.

      For foreign language subjects, you must understand and use a range of appropriate vocabulary. Examiners are also looking for varied, precise vocabulary.

      We hope this helps! Thank you.

      Best Regards,
      English Department

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      1. 🙂

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         1. You are very much welcome, candy dream. We are here to help!

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      2. wait I watched today’s video about metaphor. Do I have to use metaphor, or other rhetorics, in all of the descriptive&narrative writings to make them more vivid or it’s up to me?

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         1. Hi again,

            Using metaphors in your descriptive and narrative writing can add depth to your writing. A metaphor can be used to set a scene, express a mood or even to get straight to the point and not lose a reader in a paragraph of descriptions when a simple metaphor can show the reader so much more.

            But metaphors shouldn’t be used just for the sake of it. Otherwise, they might seem forced and will fail to convey the description strongly or in the best way.

            To get a more in-depth tutorial, you might want to check out our A* Online courses here: https://www.skolatis.com/online-courses/. Best of all, we are giving away a special discount. Enter the discount code “JUNE15” on the coupon code page to get 15% off your revision course.

            Happy learning!

            Best Regards,
            English Department

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2. Hi, may I know how many ideas should I address each bullet point with in both paper 1 and paper 2 FLE directed writing section?

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   1. Hello Arnold,

      Thank you for joining our free English Lesson.

      We suggest that keep your focus on what the question is asking you to do. Do not get distracted by peripheral issues and though you cannot make up things which are not in the passages, you should try to use your own ideas in the way that you extend those of the passages, provided that they are ‘based on the reading material’.

      You might be interested with our A* Exam Model Answers. You will able to see what is an A* answer like: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/

      You can also consider our English First Language course where we are able to provide a more comprehensive guide to fulfil your needs. You can use the discount code “MAR15” to get 15% discount. Have a read at this page to learn how it works: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/

      We hope this helps. We are here for you.

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3. A lot of websites say to do well for IGCSE FLE, the best way would be to practice writing. Yet, to improve by practicing you would need someone to mark your writing right? Does that mean to do well for IGCSE FLE writing, the only way would be to sign up for tutors/ tutions?

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   1. Hello Ailee,

      Thank you for joining our free English lesson.

      We believe that the key to get good grades is to practice, practice, and practice. Although studying at a tuition centre can have its advantages, it is not a requirement to do well on the exams.

      You can use the mark scheme to give you an idea how the papers are marked. You can also read the Examiner’s Report and study what are the needed points to gain marks. You could also learn the common mistakes candidates made during the exam. You can download past exam papers here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/.

      You can also consider our Mark Your Paper service. For a small amount of fee, you can get your past paper practices marked by a qualified examiner. Aside from getting your papers marked, you will also receive feedback on your mistakes, suggestions to improve, the marks awarded for each question. Please check out the details here: https://www.skolatis.com/mark-your-papers/

      We hope this helps. Thank you.

      Best Regards,
      English Department

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4. Hi,
   How do i improve in the writers effects and directed writing FLE

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   1. Hello Saanvi,

      Thank you for joining our free lessons.

      For Writer’s Effect segment, you must build your ability to spot the required phrases or words. Besides that, you must also practise on how to elaborate those phrases and words that you have chosen. You need to give a full range of explained effects and link them into an overview which shows understanding of what the writer was trying to achieve in the passage as a whole. Try to avoid generalised comments such as ‘The writer makes me feel as though I am there’ and ‘The passage is cleverly written’. These will gain no marks and give the impression that you are failing to find things to say. You need to explain HOW in this the case.

      For Directed writing, you will need to put yourself into role, and address your audience directly. The opening needs to introduce clearly the situation and purpose of the task, and will be rewarded if it puts the reader in the picture. The recommended structure for the response will be offered in the wording of the question, and you should follow this. There will be at least two factors to focus on – for example advantages and disadvantages. You will need to make two lists before you start in order to make sure you have enough material for both sides of the question. Lastly, the ending needs to be definite and provide an effective and satisfying conclusion to the piece.

      These A* Model Answers could help you in this, and you are able to see what is an A* answer like:
      https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/

      We hope this helps.

      Best regards,
      English Department

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      1. thankyouuu:)

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         1. Hello Saanvi,

            You are very much welcome.

            Best Regards,
            English Department

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5. How can I expand my vocabulary please tell me some solid tips beside reading newspapers; please tell me some website or something from which I can learn range of words. My English As a Second Language Exams are in February and I’m so worried because of my weak vocab for descriptive and narrative writing.

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   1. Hello Paawanjot,

      We will be considering this topic for our next free English lessons. We suggest that you vote for your favourite topic so that we can cover it in our next free lesson. Please sign up to our newsletter and get notified for the upcoming free lessons.

      Thank you.

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