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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Papers 3 (Core) and 4 (Extended) are composed of questions that require short answers and extended writing. It is expected that there is more to read in these papers as the whole question often includes stimulus materials and parts. This tests the candidates’ ability to demonstrate their knowledge and to apply the concepts in their response. Through this article, candidates will be guided on how to draft their answers properly.
The question set usually includes all the stimulus material and parts (a), (b), (c) (i) and (c) (ii), etc. Read them carefully before answering them. All the information applies to the question. The question will tell you what material will be used or where you will take the information from. You will not earn marks if you take the irrelevant information.
The stimulus material may be in the form of diagrams, graphs and tables. Study diagrams, such as a food web, a set of apparatus or a biological structure. Analyse graphs which could be a line graph, a bar chart or a histogram. Read tables and always check for the heading and units. You might be unfamiliar with the new information but do not hesitate. This tests your ability to apply knowledge to new information. Follow the same advice as before. There will always be enough information in the question to answer it. Look for clues that will help you identify which part of the syllabus the question is about.
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Command words are used to guide the candidates on what is being asked as it provides the context on what must be included in the answer. You must review all the command words to have an idea of what to answer. The table below lists the terms used in biology papers and how to respond to each command word. These can be found at ‘Glossary of terms used in science papers’ towards the end of the syllabus.
| Command word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Calculate | work out from given facts, figures or information |
| Compare | identify/comment on similarities and/or differences |
| Define | give precise meaning |
| Describe | state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features |
| Determine | establish an answer using the information available |
| Evaluate | judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something |
| Explain | set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or how and support with relevant evidence |
| Give | produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory |
| Identify | name/select/recognise |
| Outline | set out the main points |
| Predict | suggest what may happen based on available information |
| Sketch | make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions |
| State | express in clear terms |
| Suggest | apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals / put forward considerations |
There are specific biological concepts and terms that you must understand and use correctly in your response. Most of the terms are defined in the syllabus and that is a good place to learn all the definitions. It may be best to make a list of the terms using the glossary found in the syllabus to familiarise the meaning of these words.
It is also important to use the correct spelling of the terms. No marks will be given if your spelling is too far out but there are cases where examiners will try to discern your wrong spelling. You must also keep an eye on biological terms that have similar spelling. One example is ‘ureter’, ‘urethra’ and ‘uterus’. If the answer is ureter, and it was misspelled to ‘uretus’, it is not clear enough as it could have thought the answer is ‘uterus’. Also, don’t try to mix the spellings of two words when there’s uncertainty on which one of them is the correct answer. For example, writing ‘urether’ as an answer when indecisive on which is the correct answer between ureter or urethra.
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The papers often ask to write common and complicated terms in biology and it is not only understanding the concepts that are significant but also how it will be conveyed in the response. Make sure the answers are clear and easy to read to avoid confusion. Aim to write in short sentences rather than long sentences. Writing lengthy response is prone to contradictory statements and muddled answers.
You must write a clear explanation if you are using the words ‘it’, ‘they’, ‘effect’, ‘affect’. A sentence like ‘It has an effect on the body’ or ‘They affect the process’ does not say anything. If you would be using the word ‘it’ or ‘they’, you must specifically state what you are referring to. On the other hand, if ‘affect’ or ‘effect’ would be used, write the impact or the outcome that they would have caused.
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* Note: Some relevant info taken from CIE
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Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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30 responses
Hello IGCSE center,
What are the abbreviation that can be accepted wben the student answer a structured question. For example conc for concentation or temp for temperature. Are these accepted? If yes can you tell me the list of accepted abbreviations. Thank you.
Hello Salma,
Thank you for writing in.
Always try to write accurately using the correct biological terms. Candidates often lose marks because they don’t use the vocabulary of biology correctly.
Hi IGCSE centre,
I have a little request/question: could you please give me some tips on how to draw a perfect table and score full marks in that question in Biology Paper 6?
Thanks.
Hello Abide,
The construction of a table should be done with ruled lines, preferably with an outer border. Units need to appear in the headings and not in the cells of the table. Each item of information needs to be in a discrete cell.
Furthermore, use a sharp pencil and eraser for drawing tables, diagrams, and graphs. Mistakes can then be rectified and necessary additions made very easily. Drawings should be neat, in proportion, and show sufficient detail.
You may be interested to purchase our A* Model Answers which shows the A* answers for the Alternative to Practical exam papers here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
Should you need further assistance, feel free to write to us. Thank you.
Thanks, but I actually meant ‘how do we decide on which format we should display our table in?’
Thanks again
Hello Abide,
Read the question very carefully – it may give you guidance on what your table should be.
Furthermore, each column should be headed with the physical quantity and the appropriate unit, e.g. time / s while the column headings of the table can be directly rewritten on to the axes of a constructed graph.
Hi IGCSE centre,
how many points should I write for a 4 marks question. In the marking scheme, it has not mentioned. In some marking schemes its written write any 4 points out of the given points. So marks = number of points given.
Hello Shaina,
Yes, you are right. For example, if a part of a question is worth four marks you should make four separate points. Be careful to not to repeat the same point.
Furthermore, do not do more than what is required. For example, if two reasons are required, do not provide four. You will not lose marks but you will lose time. In such a situation, the examiner will usually take the first two answers; the examiner will not select the correct answers from your list.
We hope this helps. Thank you.
hi I want to clarify whether June 2021 session will go ahead as planned or not
Hello Azamek,
CAIE announced that they continue to plan for exams to go ahead in June 2021 where it is permitted and safe. But for small number of countries (such as Mexico and the UK) and regions within countries where running exams is not possible because of directives from national or regional authorities, CAIE is looking at switching from exams to an approach based on teacher assessment. This would apply to all schools in those countries and regions.
We suggest that you keep in touch with your exam centre for any changes. Thank you.
Hello IGCSE centre how we be able to answer questions well on Paper 6 like in Physics and Biology.
Hello Takudzwa,
Here are some tips for you:
Biology Alternative to Practical:
– Read through the questions carefully, looking to see how many marks are given for each question
– Make sure that you have done plenty of practical work so you can imagine what has happened to obtain the results that you will process, analyse and interpret in the questions
– Make sure that you have a sharp pencil to use for making drawings and drawing graphs and charts. Don’t draw in ink because you can’t make changes as you can when using a pencil
– Write down exactly what you see – as differences or similarities. Measurements may need to be made and magnifications calculation.
– Use one clear continuous outline not an artistic drawing. Don’t shade other than using very light dots
– Make your measurements as accurate as you can. Measure to the nearest unit, e.g. mm. Don’t try and ‘guess’ 0.5 mm.
Physics Alternative to Practical:
– It is important to be able to set up a circuit from a diagram, draw a circuit diagram of a circuit already set up and also to draw a circuit diagram from a written description.
– Column headings in tables of readings must be headed with the quantity and unit as in these examples: I/A, or t/s, or y/m. Graph axes are labelled in the same way
– You should understand the significance of wording such as ‘within the limits of experimental accuracy’.
– If you are asked to justify a statement that you have made it must be justified by reference to the readings. A theoretical justification in a practical test will not gain marks.
Furthermore, you may be interested to purchase our A* Model Answers which shows the A* answers for the Alternative to Practical exam papers here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/
We hope this helps.
Hi IGCSE CENTRE,I just wanted to ask about October November series, and is it taking place or not?
Hello Mohamed,
As far as we know, CAIE is still planning for the November 2020 exams to go ahead. CAIE also recognises that the covid-19 pandemic will continue to create uncertainty this year, in different countries at different times. They are developing our contingency plans and they will keep centres up to date in the coming weeks and months.
We suggest that you contact your school/exam centre for any changes. Thank you.
Where do we get notes for all subject
Hi Doom,
You may consider reading the Examiner Report (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/). It will help yo understand what are the needed points to gain marks and learn from the common mistakes of students during the exams.
We hope this helps.
Do we have 2020 oct-nov series?
Hello there,
As far as we know, Cambridge International is planning to run exams for the November 2020 series. They are continuing to monitor advice from government authorities around the world on whether schools can open and exams can be held in October/November. Cambridge International’s regional teams are also in close contact with their schools.
We suggest that you keep in contact with your school/exam centre’s for any changes. Thank you.
GOOD DAY IGCSE CENTRE, MY NAME IS INI AND I NEED HELP WITH PHYSICS ADDMATHS AND ENGLISH PLEASE HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT
Hello Ini,
You might want to subscribe to our A* subscription courses where we provide A/A* guarantee for candidates who follow our programme diligently. Furthermore, we offer discounts if you subscribe to more subjects. You may find out more here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/
You can also check out our free lessons and Q&A sessions. We will be uploading short video tutorials (which is a small part of our world-renowned A* course) and you can leave questions inside our comment box. Our subject matter experts will be answer the questions by providing step-by-step A* answer in the comment section. Kindly check it here:
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If you need further assistance, please let us know. Thank you.
Hello IGCSE Centre! My name is Varshith and I’m from India. My boards are in February and March 2020. I’m pretty weak in Maths(0580) Paper 4, Chemistry(620) Paper 4, English(0500) Paper 2[Compostions] and French Paper 3 and 4(0520). Can you give some tips for improving in these subjects, where I feel I lose most of the marks in those areas. Please can you give any tips and advice?
Hello there,
We suggest that you start your revision as early as possible. Highlight the important facts that you think could be on the test (you should refer to the latest syllabus on what is expected during exams here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/). You can then use the past exam papers (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/) as your revision. Start with the latest papers as they have the newest syllabus format and continue with the older ones date back from 5 to 10 years. Then, revise on the most common mistakes that you always seem to make. Pay attention to the most common mistakes you always seem to make. Make notes and revise them, so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your actual exam.
Along the way of studying, our A* exam model answers might help in learning how to write A* answers. Many students scored A* by copying the style of the answers. Please check them out here: https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/.
Hope this helps.