CIE First Language English (0500)
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) Study Guide
Paper 1: Reading - Question 1: Comprehension and Summary
What you do:
- Identify and explain key details from a text (usually Text A).
- Write a summary of specific points (max 120 words).
Marks: 30 (15 for comprehension, 15 for summary)
Study habits & tips:
- Practice scanning: Look for keywords and highlight them.
- Use your own words: Paraphrase ideas clearly.
- Group similar ideas: Avoid repetition.
- Word count control: Aim for 110-120 words.
- Past paper drill: Time yourself doing Q1s from past papers.
Paper 1: Reading - Question 2: Language Analysis
What you do:
- Analyse the writer's use of language (usually from Text B).
- Explain effects of word choice, imagery, and tone.
Marks: 25 (10 for comprehension, 15 for language analysis)
Study habits & tips:
- Highlight key words and phrases.
- Use a structure: Quote - Meaning - Effect.
- Be specific: Explain how and why techniques work.
- Practise with real texts: Identify and explain effects.
- Build a glossary of language techniques.
Paper 1: Reading - Question 3: Extended Response
What you do:
- Transform ideas from a text into a different form (e.g., interview, diary, article).
- Show understanding of ideas, attitudes, and tone.
Marks: 25 (10 for reading, 15 for writing)
Study habits & tips:
- Know different text types and tones.
- Annotate 10-12 key points from the text.
- Plan before writing: intro, main body, conclusion.
- Stay in character and voice.
- Use creative but clear language.
Paper 2: Section A - Directed Writing
What you do:
- Use ideas from a text to write a speech, letter, or article.
- Show understanding and write persuasively.
Marks: 40 (15 for reading, 25 for writing)
Study habits & tips:
- Highlight ideas while reading the source.
- Plan your structure: Introduction, points, conclusion.
- Use persuasive devices: rhetorical questions, facts, emotive language.
- Match tone and format to the audience.
- Practise with past paper questions.
Paper 2: Section B - Composition (Descriptive or Narrative)
What you do:
- Choose one question: descriptive or narrative writing.
Marks: 40 (writing only)
Study habits & tips:
- Choose based on your strength.
- Descriptive: Use sensory detail and imagery.
- Narrative: Use clear structure and character development.
- Leave 5 mins to edit spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Read model answers to learn techniques.
Study Habits and Tips
Daily:
- Read 1 quality article or story (e.g., The Guardian, BBC Features).
- Keep a vocabulary log: word, definition, sentence.
- 3× per week: Do one past paper question (rotate Paper 1 and Paper 2 types).
Weekly:
- Self-assess using mark schemes.
- Write one descriptive or narrative piece.
- Review an examiner's report to learn from real mistakes
Written by Mara Vicu