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
helloo igcse center , my ol exams are in days i just wanted to ask if it is really true that starting from 2024 exams are gonna be alot harder than the previous years because it is making me alot worried espiscially in biology… I could see through solving past paper exams that by each exam it is getting harder and harder and questions are getting more complicated and indirect, also i would be grateful if u have any tips to solve the indirect quesions in biology . Thank you!
Hi Rawan,
First of all, we suggest you take a deep breath and relax. This article can help you how to handle your stress before your exams: https://www.skolatis.com/how-to-handle-your-stress-when-exam-is-approaching/
We do not know how difficult the upcoming exams will be. But you should always remember that you have control over your preparation. No matter how difficult the upcoming exams may be, your focus on studying hard and doing your best is what matters most.
In case you encounter questions on events and situations that are new to you, do not be discouraged. The question will provide you with all the information you need. Carefully read the provided information and look for clues to help you identify which part of the syllabus the question refers to.
If you need last-minute guidance, you can join our free IGCSE Biology tutorials next month. Kindly check the schedule here: https://skolatis.com/free-biology-online-lesson-and-qa-session/
We hope this advice helps you. Good luck with your exams! You can do it!
Could you specify the dimensions of the printed exam papers.
Hi Mr. X,
Please refer your question to CAIE’s exam board (https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/). They are best placed to answer this question because they are the ones that set the exams.
I hope this helps. We are here for you!
Best regards,
Biology Department
Can i write in points like only mark points avoiding extraneous material like “this is because”
Hello Iopo,
It is suggested to always use full sentences if you can. If you find it helps to write bullet points, then make sure each bullet point is a full sentence. If you abbreviate your answer too much by writing notes, then you may not convey enough information to gain the marks.
We hope this helps.
Thank you
Hi Lopo,
You are very much welcome. We are glad to help.