danielstavisky
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The Official Student’s Guide To The 0500 English IGCSE Examination
By Daniel Stavisky
Paper 1 question 1
• Skim read the passage for gist before you look at the question. Then scan the passage to
find the answer to each of the questions in turn.
• Be aware that the questions are graded in an increasing level of difficulty.
• The answers to the questions, except for the last summary question, will be found in
chronological order in the text.
• Responding precisely to the wording of the question is very important in this part of the
exam.
• Notice how many marks there are for each question. This will help you to understand the
length of the answer and the number of points required.
• There is no need to repeat the whole of the question before beginning of your answer.
‘He means that...’ or ‘It is because...’ are enough to provide a grammatical introduction to
your sentence.
• Where you are asked to give a word or words you do not need to answer with a full
sentence.
• When you are asked to find words they are separate not consecutive words unless you
are told otherwise. Do not give several words if asked only for one, even if you think there
are other correct answers.
• Notice which questions specifically ask you to use your own words and do not then repeat
in your answer any of the words contained in the phrase to be explained.
• Notice exactly which part of the passage is to be summarised in the final question and do
not include information from other parts of the text.
• Your summary must be in a paragraph of continuous writing, not as a list.
Paper 1 question 2
• Use the bullets points to help you structure your piece of writing.
• You are expected to develop the ideas contained in the passage, and add original details
of your own, but your response should remain based on the passage and not stray too far
from it. This is not a creative writing exercise.
• Remember that the quality and accuracy of your writing is being judged in this part of the
paper, and Writing carries the same number of marks as Reading (10 each).
• You will be rewarded for showing a wide range of vocabulary and an ability to sequence
and punctuate your sentences, and the use of an appropriate register for the task.
• Make sure your style and structure suit the genre of the written response you have been
asked to produce. For instance, a magazine article differs in style and structure from a
news report.
By Daniel Stavisky
Paper 1 question 1
• Skim read the passage for gist before you look at the question. Then scan the passage to
find the answer to each of the questions in turn.
• Be aware that the questions are graded in an increasing level of difficulty.
• The answers to the questions, except for the last summary question, will be found in
chronological order in the text.
• Responding precisely to the wording of the question is very important in this part of the
exam.
• Notice how many marks there are for each question. This will help you to understand the
length of the answer and the number of points required.
• There is no need to repeat the whole of the question before beginning of your answer.
‘He means that...’ or ‘It is because...’ are enough to provide a grammatical introduction to
your sentence.
• Where you are asked to give a word or words you do not need to answer with a full
sentence.
• When you are asked to find words they are separate not consecutive words unless you
are told otherwise. Do not give several words if asked only for one, even if you think there
are other correct answers.
• Notice which questions specifically ask you to use your own words and do not then repeat
in your answer any of the words contained in the phrase to be explained.
• Notice exactly which part of the passage is to be summarised in the final question and do
not include information from other parts of the text.
• Your summary must be in a paragraph of continuous writing, not as a list.
Paper 1 question 2
• Use the bullets points to help you structure your piece of writing.
• You are expected to develop the ideas contained in the passage, and add original details
of your own, but your response should remain based on the passage and not stray too far
from it. This is not a creative writing exercise.
• Remember that the quality and accuracy of your writing is being judged in this part of the
paper, and Writing carries the same number of marks as Reading (10 each).
• You will be rewarded for showing a wide range of vocabulary and an ability to sequence
and punctuate your sentences, and the use of an appropriate register for the task.
• Make sure your style and structure suit the genre of the written response you have been
asked to produce. For instance, a magazine article differs in style and structure from a
news report.
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