Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
Learn how to write step-by-step answers, and score A* in your exam!
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
Preparing for your IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam can feel daunting. You are not just learning grammar rules; you are learning to communicate effectively in a global language. The key to confidence isn’t secret knowledge—it’s a structured, active approach to your studies.
This guide provides straightforward, actionable plans to sharpen your core skills: Listening, Writing, and Speaking. By integrating these strategies into your routine, you will walk into your exam hall ready to excel.
Why a Strategic Approach to English as a Second Language is Essential
Tackling IGCSE English as a Second Language requires a different mindset compared to a first language. The exam focuses on practical, real-world communication. You need to understand various accents, write clearly for different purposes, and speak with confidence. A scattered approach will not work. A targeted plan, however, builds the specific competencies examiners are looking for, turning your study time into tangible progress.
A common question we often get is:
“It’s hard to do listening, writing and speaking. Most frustrated things are: becomes blank and wrong grammar.”
~ Farren
The listening paper tests more than just hearing; it assesses your ability to extract information, understand gist, and recognise attitudes. Passive listening is not enough. You must engage actively with the language.
Do not limit yourself to exam practice tracks. Immerse yourself in authentic English-language media. We recommend:
When you do a past paper, simulate exam conditions. After your first listen, check your answers. Then, play the recording again. This time, follow the transcript. Identify why you made a mistake—was it a tricky accent, a keyword you misheard, or a distraction in the question? This analysis is where real learning happens.
You will not remember every detail. Create your own simple shorthand for common words (e.g., “b/c” for because, “w/” for with). The goal is to capture the essence of the information quickly and accurately.
The writing component often intimidates candidates the most. However, by breaking it down into process-driven steps, you can produce clear, coherent, and impressive responses.
You will likely face two main tasks: a directed writing (like a letter, report, or interview) and a discursive essay. For each:
Never start writing immediately. Spend five minutes planning. For an argumentative essay, use a simple framework:
This structure gives your writing an immediate backbone and logical flow.
To score high marks, you need to showcase a range of language.
Always reserve 5 minutes at the end to check your work. Look for common errors: subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, articles (a, an, the), and spelling. A clean, error-free script creates a much better impression.
The speaking test is your chance to shine personally. The examiner wants to hear you communicate your ideas, not deliver a perfect, robotic monologue.
The key to the conversation part is fluidity. Practice speaking for one minute on random topics. Ask a friend or family member to give you a subject (e.g., “your favourite hobby,” “the importance of recycling,” “a memorable journey”) and just start talking. The goal is to organise your thoughts while speaking.
For the individual long turn (the card topic), use a simple structure to ensure you speak for the full time:
Avoid yes/no answers. If the examiner asks, “Do you enjoy reading?” do not just say “yes.” Elaborate: “Yes, I really enjoy reading, particularly science fiction novels. I find they spark my imagination and allow me to explore fascinating new worlds.”
Use your smartphone to record yourself answering practice questions. Listen back critically. Are you speaking clearly? Are you using a good range of vocabulary? Is your pace too fast or too slow? This is the most powerful way to identify and correct your own habits.
Consistency beats cramming every time. Integrate these plans into a balanced weekly routine:
By adopting these simple, focused plans for listening, writing, and speaking, you are not just preparing for an exam. You are building a solid foundation in English as a Second Language that will serve you well in your future academic and professional life.
Understanding the theory is the first step. Applying it with confidence is what secures top marks. If you’re ready for structured guidance and expert feedback, we’re here to help you excel.
Don’t just hope for success—plan for it. Explore our revision courses and free resources today and take a decisive step towards IGCSE excellence.
Good luck!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance in November 2025.
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Akshaya S T
Singapore
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
If you are wondering what is A level, it is one of the most recognised pre-university pathways in the world,
Choosing the right educational pathway for your child is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. In
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
59 responses
How do we write a perfect article?
And what are the main points that has to be included in the article?
Also how should we wrap up and finish the conclusion in a summary and in an article?
Hi Omar,
You can consider using these A* Model Answers (https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/) very helpful in writing. You will be able to see how questions are being crafted/answered and you can copy the style of the model answer for your exam.
Here are more resources that will help you in writing: https://www.skolatis.com/category/english-as-second-language/
Dear igcse
I would like to raise some questions on summary writing in english as second language they are as follows
1) from the points we have found from the passage are they the ones written in our words to give a summary or do we have to write the summary in our own words but the points be exertly from the passage
2)let’s say I found 6 points but in the marking scheme there were 9 point but my language is excellent how would that be marked
Hello Jiji,
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. You must always use your own words when writing Summary. The points must be taken from the passage, but change them to your own words. Not all the words could be changed, for example: chair is chair, hand is hand… etc. You can’t possibly change all the words, just justify them.
2. The points in the mark scheme indicate all possible answers for Summary. As long as you provide any relevant points within the given points in the mark scheme, you would gain marks.
Thank you
Can I ask a question in physics (0625) when they say you may draw … does it mean that I won’t loss any marks for not drawing and what if I draw whatever the exams asks bt I don’t write down the experiment what would that effect my score
Hi Jiji,
If you refer to the instructions in the exam paper, you should see this:
?You may lose marks if you do not show your working or if you do not use appropriate units.?
When they say ?you may draw?, it usually means that a diagram is not required but you may draw a diagram if it helps your explanation. So, no, you will not lose any marks.
I?d assume this question you?re asking is for Practical Test paper. If they asked to write a plan for the experiment, you will have to write it out, or else you would lose marks even if you?ve drawn a diagram.
Always refer to the instructions and answer the questions as required.
Mmmh what about if I write 106 words in summary is the examiner going to mark the summary or will I get a 0 mark adding to that sometimes the question may ask on a two sides point of view and I got more points from 1 side than the other is that ok or i should have equal point in both sides
Hi Jiji,
You need equal points for both sides. All the extra wordings would be crossed out and won?t be marked. If you have any relevant points in the crossed out wordings, you will not gain any marks. You will still gain some marks for relevant points within the word limit.
When is the feb/March past examination paper going to be posted because I need practice for the paper
Hi Jiji,
We do not have a fixed schedule to update the papers but we are trying our best to have the papers uploaded before the June exam series. In the meantime, you can revise using the older past exam papers.
Hi
i want to see the student response answer sheets with corraction of igcse hindi 0549 .please send me as soon as possible .
I am going to be appearing for listening and writing papers for English this year.
Our teacher says that the speaking test is optional.
What are the advantages of taking that test?
Hi Minahil,
Most of the universities would want to see the grading for “Speaking” test. It certainly beneficial for you if you take the test.
Dear igcse
I would like to acquire about article writing
*should the merits or demerits be in points explanation or without
that’s all for today
thank you kindly in advance