IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Narrative Writing

Posted on by Lux Writing Center

The Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Paper 2 is title Directed Writing and Composition. Section A tests both reading and writing skills. You can check out our previous post on genres to learn more about that. Section B, though, tests only the student’s writing skills.

Section B of Paper 2 gives the student four options to choose from: two descriptive prompts and two narrative prompts. Our last post covered descriptive writing. This post will look at the narrative writing.

Below are sample narrative prompts:

  • Write a story that ends with the phrase ‘he couldn’t believe his eyes’.
    Write a story where one of the characters becomes ill.
  • Write a story that involves solving a problem.
  • Write a story which includes the words, ‘… this could not be the present …’.
  • Write a story with the title, ‘Visitors’.
  • Write a story which involves a mistake in the sending or receiving of a message.

Mark Scheme

24 marks are given for style and accuracy: Precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures, chosen for effect; consistent well-chosen register suitable for the context; spelling, punctuation, and grammar almost always accurate.

16 marks are given for content and structure: The plot is well-defined and strongly developed with features of fiction writing such as description characterization and effective climax and convincing details.

Tips, Practice, and Feedback

If you would like individualized, daily instruction to help prepare for the IGCSE English or AS English exams, Mr. Lux is a trained Cambridge teacher who can help you. Mr. Lux can provide tips, practice, and feedback as you prepare for your exams.

For $95 USD a month, you receive daily communication with a trained Cambridge teacher who has more than 10 years of teaching experience. Visit the About and Enrollment pages for more information. You can also learn more about what Lux Writing Center offers through other posts.

14 thoughts on “IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Narrative Writing”

      1. For future essays, projects, or exams, consider signing up with Lux Writing Center. You only need to sign up for one month at a time, and you get daily online correspondence, feedback, and instruction.

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    1. The student is given four prompts: two that are Descriptive and two that are Narrative. If the student chooses to write in response to the Narrative prompt, it’s essential to stick to narrative writing. This is because the rubric varies from Descriptive to Narrative, and the Narrative rubric looks for specific features of narrative writing: a plot with a beginning, middle, and end; well-described characters; and strong, convincing details.

      The best way for a student to prepare for this is to practice, practice, and practice! Write to past prompts, get feedback from a teacher or Lux Writing Center, write to another prompt, get more feedback, and repeat.

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    1. Great question! Try this easy technique if you run into writer’s block during the test: Build around the narrative prompt that provides you with the most specific information to work with, such as a particular phrase or circumstance. Just one main event, one or two characters, and a distinct problem with a solution should be the main focus of your story. Another option is to “recycle” in your mind a previously practiced story; simply modify it to suit the prompt. Also, before writing, creating a concise outline that includes the beginning, middle, and end can also help you maintain focus and flow. It becomes easier with continued practice before the exam. If you’d like more help with practice as you prepare, send me an email at LuxWritingCenter@gmail.com. I am a trained IGCSE teacher who provides individualized writing instruction.

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