How to Answer Question 3: Language Task (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)

Paper 1: How to answer Question 3(d)

How to answer Question 3(d)

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 with the information you need to answer Question 3(d) to a high standard. It includes:

• An overview of Question 3(d)
• Breaking down the questions
• Steps to success
• Exam tips

Paper 1: Overview for Question 3(d)

Overview for Question 3(d)

• Source: Text C

• Marks: 10

• Time: approximately 15-20 minutes

• Skills tested:

  • Explicit and implicit meanings (R1 and R2)
  • Writer's effects (R4)

• Word count: 200-250 words

Paper 1: Question 3(d): Breaking down the question

Breaking down the question

Question 3(d) will give you quite detailed instructions. It is therefore important that you read the question carefully and highlight:

• Which paragraphs you need to re-read
• The command words in the question (what you have to do)
• The focus of each question (what you are looking for in the text)

For this task, you will be asked to re-read certain paragraphs from Text C, and explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effects in these paragraphs.

You are instructed to choose three examples of words or phrases from the extract to support your answer.

You are advised to write between 200 and 250 words in your answer. Up to 10 marks is available for this question.

Paper 1: Question 3(d): Steps to success

Steps to success

Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:

1. Read the question and highlight the:

• Command words (what you are instructed to do)
• Focus of the question (the words or phrases you have to look for in the text)
• Extract you need to re-read

1. Scan the extract and highlight three examples of language or imagery:

• Keep your annotations short and concise - there is no benefit to highlighting lines and lines of text

1. For each of your three choices, identify the image or root meaning:

• Then write your analysis linking the root meaning to the context
• You can think of this as quote+association+effect

1. Check the word count:

2. You need to cover 3 choices within 200-250 words

3. This means you have roughly 70-80 words per choice

You are advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on this question.

Paper 1: Question 3(d): Exam tips

Exam tips

• Successful answers often start by explaining the literal meaning of the chosen word or phrase in context, and then move on to consider the connotations and impacts caused by the writer’s language choices

• Avoid selecting long quotations or writing generalised comments:

  • Make sure that the quotations you select are precise and accurate
  • Do not copy out lines or chunks of text, or miss out key words

• Remember that you need to choose three words or phrases:

  • Select words or phrases that you are best able to explain, rather than the ones using the most obvious literary devices
  • Ensure you divide your time equally

• When explaining how language works, avoid comments such as: “the writer helps us to imagine the scene”:

  • This type of comment is not awarded any marks

• Ensure you also select and explain images created by the writer:

  • Consider the connotations and associations of your chosen words to help you suggest the effect the writer might have wanted to create
  • Successful candidates are able to visualise images and explain their precise meanings

• Importantly, do not simply list literary devices:

  • It is the quality of your analysis that attracts marks, not whether you can spot a metaphor or juxtaposition

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 3 Skills: Language Analysis revision note.

For a model answer to this question, please see Question 3 Language Task: Model answer.