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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Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, and AS & A Level November 2024 past papers are now available.
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
What if we mug up a book review from internet and then write the same book review in the paper so will we lose our marks for copying from internet??Please reply as early as possible as the board examination of ESL is tomorrow
Hello Bobby,
Do not copy another person’s work and pretend it is your own. This includes the work of other students, books, images and web pages. This is known as plagiarism.
What you can do is copy the style of the book review. We suggest that you make an outline of your own original ideas and the ideas of your sources. Then use your own words to write your book review.
In ESL how many vocabulary and idioms we have to use in one email or article?If we exceed the word count so will we lose our marks?Pls reply soon as exam is there tomorrow.
Hello Bobby,
If you like using idioms, be careful not to use too many. It can make your writing sound unnatural. They also need to suit the task. Try to write fluently, using a good range of words, phrases and types of sentences. For the language mark, the examiner will be looking at the level of your vocabulary and sentence structures.
Our advice is not to write too much. Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means to focus more on writing excellent English rather than a long essay. On a side note, if you are writing a summary – DO NOT exceed the word limit.
You may also check out our A* model answers here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/. Many candidates scored A* by simply copying the style of the answers in their exams.
Could you give an exact number about how many idioms and vocabulary should be used?There might be a limit…Please respond soon as exams are there tomorrow
Hello Bobby,
One or two proverbs/idioms are ok. But not more than that. Otherwise, your essay would sound too stereotypical. Go for sayings that could be used to talk about any topic or topic-specific ones that you know you’ll be able to use in the exam.
thank you for your help
Hello Bobby,
You are very much welcome. We wish you well on your exams.
In IGCSE Information and Communication Technology practical’s, if we take extra printout (the one with the error). Will they cut marks for it?
Hello Ratio,
Upon checking the Examiner’s Report, candidates should be encouraged to print evidence as it is completed rather than waiting until the end of the examination time. They should print all pages of a document or report and not just the first page. It is essential that candidates print their Evidence Document towards the end of the examination time, regardless of whether they have finished the examination. The document will contain supporting evidence which can substantially improve the candidate’s mark and they should be taught to print this before the examination ends.
Hope this helps.
In Economics[0455] if there is a question about “discuss” so do we have to give a conclusion about what is our opinion??
Hi Lisa,
The use of command word “discuss” means to write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way.
We suggest that you download the subject syllabus here https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/ to familiarise your with the different command words.
Hi,
Firstly, thanks for all your resources for students!
1) I had a question regarding English paper 2, I don’t understand what evaluate means.
2)It is really hard when to identify when its argumentative, persuasive, discursive, Hence, please advise on how I can know this.
Thanks a lot,
Bob
Hello Bob,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Please see our suggestions below:
1. For this task, you will have to decide which of the options is better, present reasons why you have formed this opinion and justify it. 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’.
2. 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.
In argumentative writing, you must write down all the relevant and logical points made by the writer. Evaluate each point and include your opinion. Then decide if you are in favor or against and how far you agree with the writer’s view.
In persuasive writing, support all points with proofs and think about how you might persuade your reader, for example the use of tricolon, rhetorical questions, direct address perhaps.
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/
Hope this helps.
could we drop a subject after statement of entry is prepared?
Hello Savanaah,
If you wish to drop a subject, you will need to complete a cancellation form from your school/exam centre.
If you provide a written notice of your intention to withdraw from the exam before the registration deadline, you will receive a refund of the subject fees (less 25% of the total, which is deducted as an administrative fee). The refund will be issued after the end of the examinations period.
However, if you’ve given your written notice of your intention to withdraw from the exam during the late entry period, you will not normally receive a refund.
Is English speaking skills of English as Second Language[0510] marks calculated in our overall percentage result?
Hello Reet,
The oral component of English Second Language (0510) is a ‘non-counting endorsement.’ In other words, it is certificated separately from the main grade awarded for the written papers, on a scale of 1-5. Performance in this component does not affect the syllabus grade for the written papers.
Kindly download the subject syllabus (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/) to learn more.
Does the English speaking examination affect our ESL[0510] results?Will the speaking result included in our percentage calculated?
Hi Bhoomi,
The speaking component do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. Instead, you will receive a separate certificate with grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) for speaking.
For full details of how English Second Language (0510) oral test (component 5) should be conducted please refer to the current syllabus here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
I had a question regarding the subject Accounting
There had been a change in the syllabus for examination in 2020 so I wanted to ask that if we have a question to prepare statement of changes in equity and in the question only “preference share” is mentioned so will it be redeemable preference share or non redeemable preference share?
Hello Bhoomi,
We suggest that you download the Specimen paper here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/. This will help you familiarise with the new question format.
We can’t speculate any questions for redeemable and non-redeemable preference shares. Just follow the syllabus, and the teaching from your school. Make sure that you understand the concept and know how to apply them.
Its not about speculating but a question that if just preference share is mentioned so is it redeemable or non redeemable??
Hi Bhoomi,
Upon checking the syllabus, it only states that candidates should understand the difference between redeemable and non-redeemable preference shares. We suggest that you confirm this with your teacher.
I wanted to ask that in English as Second Language my teacher told in exercise 1 i have to write precise answer if my answer doesn’t match exactly with mark scheme so it is wrong. For example I wrote the answer as “She didn’t like carrots” and the answer in mark scheme is “carrots” so will I get a mark or not
Another example like I wrote the answer as “Her Uncle Tom” and answer is”Uncle Tom” so will I get a mark
One more question how many idioms we have to use in a directed writing in English as Second Language
Hello Bhoomi,
In Exercise 1, candidates are required to identify key elements in questions. Responses should be brief and concise and should avoid irrelevant details. Responses which included too much extra, often distracting, detail could not be credited. On the other hand, for Directed Writing, be careful not to use too many idioms. It can make your writing sound unnatural. They also need to suit the task. The context must be appropriate if they are to be used effectively.
Hope this helps.