Question 3 Short-Answer Questions: Model Answers (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)

Paper 1: Reading is the compulsory exam for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English qualification, and examiners recommend that you complete the questions in the order they are set.

For exams from 2027, Question 3 is split into two main tasks:

• Question 3 (a-c) — short answer questions
• Question 3(d) — language task

The following guide will provide you model answers to Question 3(a-c).

Question 3(a-c) model answers

The following questions are taken from the 2027 specimen paper.

The questions are based on Text C in the source insert.

Question 3(a) (i-ii)

Worked Example Question 3(a)

Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold:

(i) The two reporters did not ask what made Annie want to do the ride.

[1]

(ii) Annie knew she was lucky that people were curious about her and her journey.

[1]

Answers

(i) (what) motivated (Annie/her) (line 12) [1]

(ii) (Annie/she was) fortunate (line 24) [1]

Question 3(b) (i-iii)

Worked Example Question 3(b)

Use your own words to explain what the writer means by each of the words in bold:

Annie figured Redding to LA would take another two months. She took Green's details, promising to call when, if, she arrived in LA. Only small local newspapers had covered her exploits to date; she knew national media would take over now.

(i) figured

[1]

(ii) covered

[1]

(iii) exploits

[1]

Answers

(i) worked out/calculated/estimated/reckoned [1]

(ii) reported/recounted the details of/written in the newspaper(s) about/published the story of [1]

(iii) feats/deeds/actions/activities/escapade(s)/adventures [1]

Question 3(c)

Worked Example Question 3(c)

Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer uses language to suggest the reactions of the people in Redding to Annie's arrival.

Use your own words in your explanation.

[5]

To her astonishment, jostling crowds lined the street. Had everyone really come out just to watch her ride by? She grinned and waved back, coming to a halt as yet more well-wishers swarmed and buzzed around her, demanding autographs.

Answer

Example: "swarmed and buzzed around her"

Explanation: The writer uses the metaphor of a hive of insects to describe the crowd. The word "swarmed" suggests a chaotic, dense mass of people moving unpredictably and closing in on her from all sides, creating an overwhelming and claustrophobic atmosphere. The word "buzzed" describes the constant, low-level noise of their chatter and excitement. This suggests the people are reacting with intense, frantic energy, perhaps acting mindlessly or aggressively in their desire to get close to her, treating her more like an object of fascination than a person. [5]

Commentary

• The answer chooses a precise and powerful example
• It acknowledges the movement and noise of the crowd
• It explores the connotations of the insect imagery to explain exactly how the people are reacting, rather than just saying "they were loud"

Summary

• Remember to read each sub-question carefully and highlight:

  • What you have to do
  • What you have to look for in the text (the focus of the question)

• Pay attention to the number of marks awarded for each sub-question and write your answers accordingly

• Make sure you find and highlight the words and phrases in the text:

  • This will ensure that you are explaining them in the correct context

• If the question asks you to use your own words,most of your answer needs to be in your own words; you must not just copy from the text

• These are short-answer questions, so do not waste time writing paragraphs when short sentences will do:

  • Writing more will not get you more marks — the examiner can only award the amount of marks allocated to each sub-question