Descriptive vs Narrative Essays
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
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A summary is a shortened version of a passage containing the key points in as few words as necessary. The summary exercise requires the ability to identify the main ideas, express them in one’s own words, and arrange them in a logical sequence, all while adhering to a word limit.
Content. Answer directly the question and focus on the relevant points only. Use as much material as possible; while exercising caution towards any irrelevant details. Take points directly from the passage and avoid repeating similar points, even if they were mentioned twice.
Your summary must be supported by references and directly connected to the passage. Adding facts or opinions is not suggested since this exercise is meant to summarise, not add to the original ideas. You will only obtain content marks when you provide the right content.
Language. Write your summary in your own words as far as possible. Although the message must be the same, the wording must be different. The replaced words must convey the essence of the point. Only change the words when appropriate. Therefore, there is no need to find synonyms for technical objects, e.g., solar heaters.
Lifting a few words is acceptable if it shows evidence of understanding and focuses on key details. But avoid over-lengthy lifting and quoting straight from the passage. Find precise words to use and vary your choices.
Writing Style. Express the key points clearly, succinctly, and fluently using an impersonal and formal writing tone. Connect your ideas into a paragraph to organise and sequence points cohesively. Try to use complex sentences instead of simple or compound structures, and ensure that you use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Avoid any introductions and conclusions, and instead, begin your summary with the exact wording of the question. Then, do not include examples, repetition, direct speech, figurative language, and minor details in your summary. Lastly, ensure that your ending is strong and impactful.
Word Limit. Always write your summary within the word count, as this exercise assesses the ability to write concisely. There are no penalty marks for writing more or less. However, it may be self-penalising to write more than suggested. Going over the word limit implies poor structure or unclear ideas. On the other hand, writing way too less than the limit may mean the response does not have sufficient coverage. For example, if the question requires 200 to 250 words, but you only provide 180 words, there is a chance that you do not include sufficient points.
Before the exam, check how many words you write on a line; then, you’ll know approximately how many lines you will need. Lastly, do not write beyond the lines given to avoid your answers not fitting into the scanned screen.
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| Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| anti- | against/opposed to | anti-government, anti-racist, anti-wat |
| auto- | self | autobiography, automobile |
| de- | reverse or change | de-classify, decontaminate, demotivate |
| dis- | reverse or remove | disagree, displeasure, disqualify |
| down | reduce or lovwe | downgrade, downhearted |
| extra- | beyond | extraordinary, extraterrestial |
| hyper | extreme | hyperactive, hypertension |
| il-, im-, in-, ir- | not | illegal, impossible, insecure, irregular |
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In 2024, Cambridge IGCSE removed the summary task from its English as a Second Language Reading and Writing paper.
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* Note: Some relevant info taken from CIE.
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Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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89 responses
thanx a lot but how can i download this material?
Hello Gamalhassan,
Unfortunately, you are not permitted to copy any of our posts. You are most welcome to come back to our website to read all the posts. We thank you for your cooperation.
You may be interested to purchase our exam model answers. Our model answers will show you what is an A* answer like for the writing questions/exercises:
https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
Hi I?m taking my olevel English exam this May . I know this is an igcse center but it?s the same English so I guess it wouldn?t matter me referring to these notes as we already study from igcse textbooks .
Currently in summarry writing I get full marks for content points but only recieve 4/10 for the summary. I don?t really understand what?s the problem in my writing. Is there any way for me to submit one of my summaries along with the question for correction and guidance on what aspects i need to improve ?
Hi Lillly,
Thank you so much for your trust. We?ve added O-level papers in our Mark Your Paper service. Kindly follow the step-by-step instructions here: https://www.skolatis.com/mark-your-papers/
in taking exams for note making I always find it hard to find the answers since there are many look-alike answers and I can’t differentiate between the answers can you please help and also for a summary like if it says write 100-150 words can we write for example less than 100 words but it could make a great summary
Hi Aya,
For note taking, you will need to focus on and select the specific ideas or details relevant to the question set. Make sure that your points are clear and show the examiner what specific idea you have selected. You do not need to use your own words for this part of the question, but you should make sure that the points you record are clear.
On the other hand for summary writing, the important point is not to go beyond the word limit. However, writing way too less than the limit may mean the response does not have sufficient coverage. You need to show evidence of clear and concise summary style throughout, with good focus on the points you have identified in 3(a) Notes. The examiners are looking to credit candidates who can write a cohesive piece of writing, with ideas presented in a logical sequence.
You may be interested to purchase our exam model answers. Our model answers will show you what is an A* answer like for the writing questions/exercises:
https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
hello ,
this is the first time I’m taking igcse , I’m doing my AS level . I’m finding difficulty in my subjects , are there any classes or tips offered on the website ??
Hi Casy,
Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately, we are still in the midst of creating A Level revision courses.
Here are some revision tips for you:
Start as early as possible.You should start doing your revision based on the latest syllabus: (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-international-as-a-level-syllabuses/) and practice with the latest past exam papers (https://www.skolatis.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/). Start with the latest paper as they have the newest syllabus format and continue with the older one date back from 5 to 10 years. Then, revise on the most common mistake you always seem to make.
Where could i get the grade boundaries?
BTW love your website!!
Hi Rachit,
Thank you for your kind words. You may refer to past papers https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/ for the previous grade threshold.
Will it be fine if I exceed the word limit in my igcse examinations or will my marks be cut?
Hi Ayaan,
If you are writing a summary ? DO NOT exceed the word limit. If there are needed points inside the excess words, it won?t be marked and would be crossed out.
TIP:
It is best to write a cohesive piece of writing, with ideas presented in a logical sequence. Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas. Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means to focus more on writing excellent English rather than a long essay.
When will the 2018 Oct/Nov papers be published
Hi Saaim,
We do not have a fixed date to upload the papers. We upload the past exam papers as soon as we get ahold of them ? can be anytime after the results are released. You may need to check our website from time to time.
What is the range of the ideas included in any summary ?
Hi Ibrahim,
All the points must be taken from the passage. Only include ideas that directly answer the question, any redundant material or extra information from the text should not be included. Furthermore, keep your summary objective ? do not include personal experiences, comments or opinions. Lastly, content marks will only be obtained when the right content is provided.
You may also be interested in our exam model answers. Our model answers will show you what is an A* answer like: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
IT is kind of impossible for me to write in the word limit please help me and kindly leave some tips as well
Hi Zeyad,
It is best to write a cohesive piece of writing, with ideas presented in a logical sequence. Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas. Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means to focus more on writing excellent English rather than a long essay.
I am struggling with summary writing.I always exceed the word limit, no matter how much I try, I still can’t come up to the limit.Any tips?
Hi Sarah,
Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means to focus more on writing excellent English rather than a long essay.
Kindly read the article above for more tips.