Overview (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)
Paper 2 is the optional second exam paper for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English qualification.
Paper 1 is compulsory.
You will then either take Paper 2 or complete a coursework portfolio.
In the following guide you will find:
- An overview of Paper 2
- A breakdown of Paper 2
- What skills are being assessed
Paper 2 overview
The Paper 2: Directed Writing and Composition is the optional second exam for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English qualification.
The exam is 2 hours long and is worth 80 marks, divided as follows:
- Total marks for writing = 65
- Total marks for reading = 15
As well as your question paper and answer booklet, you will also be given an insert containing one or two texts.
You must answer Question 1 and one question from Section B.
Both sections are worth 40 marks, so you should divide your time equally between the two questions.
Paper 2 breakdown
Section A: Directed Writing (40 marks)
This section is compulsory. It is based on the reading texts in the insert. Unlike previous years, this section is now divided into two parts.
| Question | What you are asked to do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1(a)— short answer | - You are given a short extract from the text - You must use your own words to evaluate the writer's or character's attitude, and provide details from the text to justify your answer | 5 |
| 1(b)— directed writing | - You will be asked to write a discursive, argumentative or persuasive response based on the texts - Word count = 250-350 words - Formats = speech, letter, article or report - You must evaluate and develop the information from the texts, writing in an appropriate voice and register | 35 (reading = 10, writing = 25) |
Section B: Composition (40 marks)
You choose one question from a list of four. There are no reading texts for this section; it is a test of your creative writing.
| Question | What you are asked to do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive (Questions 2 or 3) | - You will be asked to describe a scene, atmosphere or object - You should focus on creating a convincing picture using sensory details and imagery - Recommended word limit = 350-450 words | 40 (16 for content and structure, 24 for style and accuracy) |
| Narrative (Questions 4 or 5) | - You will be asked to write a story based on a title or an opening sentence - You should focus on plot, characterisation, structure and setting - Recommended word limit = 350-450 words | 40 (16 for content and structure, 24 for style and accuracy) |
What skills are being assessed
The exam assesses two main Assessment Objectives (AOs). Because Paper 2 is primarily a writing exam, the majority of marks come from AO2 Writing.
AO2: Writing (65 marks)
| AO2: write accurately and effectively, using Standard English appropriately | Sub-objective | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| W1: articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined | - Write convincingly to convey real and imagined experiences, thoughts and feelings | |
| W2: organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect | - Sequence and connect the ideas and opinions effectively within your written response to interest and influence your reader | |
| W3: use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context | - Use a range of appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures deliberately within each written response to achieve certain effects | |
| W4: use register appropriate to context | - Vary your writing to suit the purpose, audience and form of the task | |
| W5: make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar | - Write accurately, avoiding spelling, punctuation and grammar errors |
AO1: Reading (15 marks)
These skills are tested in Section A only.
| AO1: read and respond in different ways to different types of text | Sub-objective | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings | - Show that you understand the obvious meanings communicated in a text - Tested in Question 1(b) | |
| R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes | - Show that you can recognise hints and suggestions in a text to understand the more hidden meanings and attitudes of the writer - Tested in Question 1(b) | |
| R3: analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text | - Evaluate and analyse the facts, ideas and opinions you read by using, explaining and developing them - Refer to supporting evidence from the text where appropriate, such as using quotations or references to the text - Tested in Questions 1(a) and 1(b) | |
| R4: demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers | - Show that you understand how a writer has influenced their reader through their use of language - Consider the deliberate choices a writer has made and why they have made those choices - Tested in Question 1(a) | |
| R5: select and use information for specific purposes | - Select and use relevant and appropriate information from a text to answer the different questions - Tested in Question 1(b) |
You can find detailed notes on how to answer each question on this paper in the following revision guides.
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