Advice from the Examiners for IGCSE English Language Paper 2

This is advice from the examiners after the May 2015 Paper 2 exam - so hot off the press! 

Question 1:

● ensure that you adopt the correct voice by reading the question carefully
 ● think carefully about audience and purpose 
● answer all parts of the question, covering each of the three bullet points in reasonable detail 
● answer in your own words and adapt material from the passage to make it an appropriate response written in the required style 
● plan your answer to ensure that the material is sequenced logically and to avoid repetition 
● select the most appropriate ideas from the passage
 ● develop and modify some of the ideas relevantly 
● use relevant details from the passage to demonstrate close reading


Question 2 
● focus on the question carefully to ensure that all your choices are relevant
 ● re-read the whole paragraph before making selections; choose the best and not those which happen to come first
 ● choose a range of words and phrases that seem powerful.
 Do not write out whole sentences, but also do not offer only one word if it is part of a descriptive phrase
● do not write out the beginning and end of a long quotation with the key words missing from the middle
 ● remember to put quotation marks around your choices. This makes it easier for you to focus on the exact wording
 ● treat each of your choices separately and do not present them as a list or give a general comment which applies to all of them
 ● avoid general comments such as ‘this creates a strong visual image’, or ‘this draws the reader in and makes them want to read on’. Such comments will not earn any marks at all 
● if you are not sure about effects, try to at least give a meaning, in context, for each of your choices ● remember you do not get any marks for identifying techniques unless you focus on the meaning and effects of the words you have chosen
 ● to explain effects, think of how the reader’s understanding is enhanced by the use of language when reading the word or phrase, because of its connotations and associations
 ● include images from each paragraph, and try to explain them. 

Question 3

 ● read the question carefully and underline the key words 
● re-read the passage after reading the question, in order to identify precisely the content points required
 ● list relevant points clearly in as few words as possible
 ● read through your list of points in 3(a) checking each is distinct and accurate and that there are no repetitions or very similar points 
● plan the structure of your response in 3(b) – for example organising and sequencing content logically 
● write informatively and never comment on the content of the passage. 
● be careful to give only information from the passage that answers the question 
● you can choose to use your own words in 3(a) and must use your own written expression in 3(b) although you do not need to change key words 
● do not add further numbered points in 3(a) beyond the 15 required as they will not be marked 
● pay attention to the guidance for length in 3(b). 

Other top tips:

- Be focused and considered - they are looking for evidence of intelligent reading throughout! 
- You do get 20% of your marks across the paper for language in Q1 and Q3, so make sure that you are writing in clear paragraphs with fluency and advanced, precise vocabulary. Less is more, here!
- In Q2, make sure your comments are detailed and linked to the meaning of this particular description - it's not enough to make vague references to 'this makes the reader want to read on....'
- In Q3 Summary - needs to be factually accurate even if you change the words.... e.g.'reversible toes' can't be given as 'unique toes' because it is not precise enough.
- Make sure you manage your time to complete all the questions, and all of each individual question

GOOD LUCK!