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.

IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Descriptive 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. This post will give some suggestions for succeeding in the descriptive writing.

Below are sample descriptive prompts:

  • Write a description with the title ‘The playground.’
  • Write a description with the title, ‘The factory’.
  • Write a description of a place where animals are kept in captivity, such as a zoo, wildlife park or
    sea-life centre.
  • Describe the inside of an interesting shop.
  • Describe waking up to find the scene around you has changed.
  • Describe a group of tourists outside an attraction.

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: Many well-defined and developed ideas and images create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus.

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.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Text Types

Posted on by Lux Writing Center

The Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Papers 1 and 2 require students to write in various genres, or text types. These include Newspaper report, Magazine article, Journal, Interview, Speech, and Formal letter. Below are some suggestions to help students improve their writing for these exams.

NEWSPAPER REPORT

Language features to keep in mind:

  • Five W’s: Who, What, When, Where, Why
  • Third Person
  • Past tense (usually)
  • Direct Speech: speech reproduced exactly as it was spoken, in inverted commas
  • Reported Speech: He told us not to do that.

Format:

Unlike other accounts of events, which are usually chronological, news reports generally follow this order:

  1. Summary of recent event
  2. Background to event
  3. Return to immediate situation
  4. Response of those involved
  5. Look ahead to near future

Some suggestions:

  • Include a headline, a summary of the report in note form
  • Make your headline short
  • The first sentence should sum up the story
  • Write in 3rd person, past tense
  • Break it up into short paragraphs
  • Use both direct and reported speech
  • Be objective and formal
  • Keep opinions and personal reactions out
    • It is known, Was reportedly, It was reported, It is also believed, According to, It is thought

Tips, Practice, and Feedback

If you would like to explore the other genres or text types, Mr. Lux offers 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 by providing 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.