iGCSE English Language Exam Paper Overview

Paper 1: Non-fiction texts and transactional writing

2 hours 15 minutes (Section A: Reading 1 hour 30, Section B: Writing 45 minutes)

Click the numbers for more information on each question!

Language and structure

select 2 words/phrases

Compare how writers present their ideas and perspectives

In your own words ...

Explain what we learn about...

Section B: Transactional Writing

Paper 2: POETRY AND PROSE TEXTS AND IMAGINATIVE WRITING

1 hour 30 minutes (Section A: Reading 45 minutes, Section B: Writing 45 minutes)

Imaginative writing

Reading

Q2. In your own words, describe ...

• 5 minutes
• 4 marks
• Write 4 points in your own words
• Start each point with a connective (firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally)
• Do not quote directly from the text. Paraphrase it (write it in your own words)

Q3. Explain what we learn about...

• 7 minutes
• 5 marks
• Write 5 points in your own words and a quote to support each point
• Do not analyse
• Start each point with a connective (firstly, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, finally)

Q5. Compare how writers present their ideas and perspectives

• 22 marks
• 25 minutes
• Write 3 PEECEE paragraphs
• Use comparative connectives (similarly, in contrast)
• Plan for 5 minutes using a venn diagram

Q1 select 2 words or phrases

• 3 minutes
• 2 marks
• Make sure you select your answers from the lines specified
• Do not write in full sentences, as the question asks for words or phrases

Q4. How does the writer use language and structure to....?

• 12 marks
• 15 minutes

• Start big by identifying a technique and then 'zoom in' on key words within your quote
• Write 3 PETER paragraphs
• Aim to discuss structure in one of your paragraphs

Section B: Q6 or 7 Transactional Writing

• Choose one of the questions to answer.
• 45 minutes
• 5 minutes planning, 35 minutes writing, 5 minutes editing/proof reading
• In your plan, write the PAF (purpose/audiece/form)
• Purposes for transactional writing include: argue, persuade, inform, advise, explain)

Click the link for an additional resource on the purposes of writing.

Section A: Reading

• One reading question on either a poetry or prose text from the iGCSE Anthology
• 45 minutes
• 30 marks
• Write 4 PETER paragraphs
• Analyse language and structure.
• Use the bullet points given to you in the question to help you. Write about them all in each paragraph. Do not write about them separately.
• Spend 5 minutes planning

Section B: Imaginative Writing

• 30 marks
• 45 minutes
• Choose one question to answer.
• Spend 5 minutes planning, 35 minutes writing, 5 minutes proof reading/editing