CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH 1. Reading Comprehension When working on reading comprehension, keep your answers short and direct. Focus on the main points quickly. Don't spend too much time on these questions, and avoid adding extra details that might confuse your answer. 1.1. Task Overview You'll answer several sub-questions about a text. These questions check how well you understand both clear (explicit) and hidden (implicit) meanings, and how you pick out information from the text. The questions total 15 marks, divided like this: Question 1(a): Find two specific pieces of information from the text. (1 mark) Question 1(b)(i): Explain what a word or phrase means in your own words. (2 marks) Question 1(b)(ii): Explain a word or phrase with a deeper meaning. (2 marks) Question 1(c): Find two specific pieces of information from the text. (2 marks) Question 1(d)(i): Find two specific pieces of information from the text. (2 marks) Question 1(d)(ii): Make three points to explain something from the text. (3 marks) Question 1(e): Explain something from the text in your own words, making three points. (3 marks) 1.2. Steps for Success 1. Read the Question Carefully: Highlight action words like "find" or "explain" to know what to do. Note what the question is about and how many marks it's worth. 2. Scan the Text: Highlight relevant parts that answer the question. Some questions may need more than one answer. 3. Write Your Answers: Provide the exact number of examples or points asked for. Use your own words when instructed; don't copy from the text. Adjust your answer length based on the marks. 4. Consider the Context: When explaining phrases, think about their meaning in the text. Be ready to make inferences or read between the lines for hidden meanings. 1.3. Exam Tips Follow Instructions Exactly: Pay attention to action words and any specific paragraphs mentioned. Only use the sections specified; information from elsewhere won't earn marks. Be Concise and Relevant: Don't write long explanations if not needed. Avoid adding unnecessary information or guesses. Answer in Order: Go through the sub-questions one by one to stay organized. Explain Fully: When explaining a phrase, cover the whole phrase, not just individual words. Time: Allocate around 15-20 minutes for this task, and move on if you don't complete it in this much timesince the other questions have a greater weightage in marks. 2. Steps to write the summary. WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2025 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised for personal use only by Hridya at Home School on 26/03/25. CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH 1. Understand the Question Read the question carefully and highlight key words. Remember, you're summarizing a specific part of the text, not the whole passage. Determine what information you need to include. 2. Read the Passage Thoroughly Re-read the text to find relevant points. Focus closely; avoid skimming. Highlight or underline important details. 3. Select and Count Key Points Review your highlighted points to ensure they're relevant. Aim for about 15 key points; if you have fewer, read the passage again. 4. Organize Your Ideas Identify similar points that can be linked together. Group related ideas into categories if possible. 5. Write Your Summary Compose your summary using the organized points. After writing, proofread for grammar errors and remove any unnecessary repetition. 2.1. Formatting No Introduction or Conclusion Write your summary as one single paragraph. 2.2. Tips Plan in Your Own Words Make notes using your own language. Be Concise Keep your summary brief and to the point. Note Trends and Connections Mention any patterns you observe. Connect ideas logically where possible. Use a Formal, Impersonal Style Write objectively without personal opinions. Include Key Words from the Question This helps keep your summary focused. Vary Sentence Structures Avoid compound sentences; mix simple and complex sentences. Limit Adjectives and Adverbs Use descriptive words only when necessary. Avoid Repetition Do not repeat information or ideas. Use Your Own Words Paraphrase the content instead of copying directly. Keep Language Simple Use straightforward vocabulary; clarity is key. Structure Well Organize your summary for easy understanding. DON'T EXCEED THE WORD LIMIT The examiner will not check anything past the word limit- so make sure that you stay in the word limitotherwise points you could have got would be lost!! 2.3. Steps 1. Select Key Phrases Pick three strong phrases from each paragraph. Choose ones you can explain well. 2. Grasp the Overall Effect Consider the atmosphere or mood. What feelings or adjectives come to mind? 3. Analyze the Evidence Identify the literary techniques used. Think about the effect they have. Ask why the writer chose these—what's their intent? 2.4. Analysis Template You might structure your analysis like this: WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2025 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised for personal use only by Hridya at Home School on 26/03/25. CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH "The overall effect of the language creates an image of [abstract nouns and adjectives]. The writer uses [technique], describing "[insert your quote]". This creates an effect of [explain the effect]." 2.5. Formatting Your Response Write two main paragraphs, one for each paragraph you're analyzing. 2.6. Analytical Verbs to Use Here's a table of verbs that can help you express your analysis: Verbs shows articulates explores presents builds up enhances intensifies implies clarifies uses conveys exposes employs deepens exaggerates underlines suggests solidifies Use short quotes that fit smoothly into your sentences. Connect your ideas with words like "also" or "furthermore." Use different analytical verbs from the table. Dive deep into the meanings and associations of words. 2.11. Things to Avoid Vague Comments Repetition Explaining Words Only Ignoring Writer's Intent Overlooking Reader Impact demonstrates depicts illustrates amplifies emphasizes highlights hints at signifies verifies 2.7. Discussing Connotations and Associations Talk about how a word or phrase brings certain ideas or feelings to mind. Example: "Red roses, which connote love and romantic relationships." 2.8. Talking About Diction Focus on the author's choice of words. Example: "The writer uses negative words like 'mundane' and 'dull' to create a sense of boredom." 2.9. Elements to Look For Vocabulary and word choice Literary devices (like similes and metaphors) Sensory details Imagery Sound effects (like onomatopoeia) Contrasting details Punctuation Structure and sentence length (if relevant) 2.10. Tips WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2025 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised for personal use only by Hridya at Home School on 26/03/25.
