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
Can you guys give an example like can you guys give an summary plzzzzzzzz
Hello Rayyan,
You may be interested to purchase our exam model answers here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/. Our model answers will show you what is an A* answer like for the writing questions/exercises.
In eng 2nd language, does report writing have to be detailed like giving explanations regarding the written point?
Hi Jason,
It is suggested that you develop the views in the prompts, expressing these in your own words, and include a range of perspectives on the topic. Be resourceful in terms of the development of the prompts provided and in the introduction of your own ideas and other perspectives on the topic. The best responses included a clear and well-supported argument.
You might want to consider our A* Subscription Courses. For English subjects, there is a writing practice after each topic and you can submit your writing for marking. To know how it works, please kindly read this page: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/
Should you need further assistance, feel free to contact us. Thank you.
How do we write a rewiew in eng 2nd language paper? In what structure should we write a rewiew?
Hello Mahil,
Before you begin writing, decide if you’re going to write about the topic from two sides (for and against) or from just one (your opinion). If you write a two-sided (balanced) piece of writing, remember to include your opinion in the last paragraph. If you want to write only from your own point of view, include it in the first paragraph.
Furthermore, try to think of your own ideas on the topic which match the task and include them in your writing. For each of the ideas included in your answer, support them with evidence or examples. Note, the examiner knows that the evidence or examples will be made up and doesn’t expect these to be correct.
Lastly, remember to organise your writing: include an introduction, a middle section and a conclusion.
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We hope this helps.
You say not to use or, but or and. What kind of other conjunctions can we use?
Hello Faheem,
You can use other conjunctions such as furthermore, moreover, however, nevertheless, and on the other hand.
You might want to check out our upcoming free lessons here: https://www.skolatis.com/free-english-online-course-and-qa-session/. Vote for the topic that you would like us to cover and we will provide short video tutorials and Q&A session on the winning topic.
Hello IGCSE center
I can’t really extract the points from the text of the summary correctly I always get around 6 or 7 points I am going to sit for may June 2021 so any tips about how to extract the points from the text according to the question I need help please
Btw is it English as a second language
Hello Rowan,
You might want to consider our A* Subscription courses here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/ where you may submit your writing practices for marking and you will receive your corrected papers along with suggestions to improve and feedback on your mistakes. We will also provide you sample model answers of each writing practices.
In the summary, should I organise and write the point in my own way, or should I just stick to writing them in the chronological way in which they are found in the text.
In the summary, can I organise the points in my own way or should I just stick with the chronological way found in the text?
Hello Rowin,
We suggest that you write it in a logical sequence. You may use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and write in one coherent paragraph that conveys the relevant content points.
You might want to check out our Exam Model Answers. Simply follow and copy the style of the answer and score A* in the exam. Please find out more here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
Do you guys have any tips on extended writing? e.g. writer’s analysis
Hello RK,
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. 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/
You may also be interested to join our A* subscription course, https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/, where we will be able to provide a more comprehensive guide to fulfil your needs.
Hello,
What happens if we go over the word count on the summary writing section of the IGCSE ESL writing exam? For example, the instructions say 100-120 words. What if I write 121 words? Or what if I write 99 words? Will it deduct my score or will it even be considered at all to be graded?
Hello Elizabeth,
The important point in writing a Summary is to not go beyond the word limit. There are no penalty marks writing more or less. However, if there are needed points inside the excess words, it won’t be marked and would be crossed out. On the other hand, writing way too less than the limit may mean the response does not have sufficient coverage.
Please kindly read the article above for more tips.
What if we write extra words or less words in English listening[0510] for example if I wrote “love his jobs” and answer is “his jobs” or I wrote “jobs” and answer is “his jobs” so will this deduct my marks?Please respond soon as IGCSE examination for ESL listening is conducted tomorrow
Hello Bobby,
We suggest that you read the rubric carefully for each question on the paper. This is particularly important where a word limit must be adhered to. In most cases, short, direct responses are most successful. You should also check your responses carefully to make sure they fit grammatically and are within the word limit.