IGCSE Top Tips (Core)

Exam Overview: Time : 1 hour 45 minutes Marks available: 50 You must answer ALL questions. Allow approximately 2 minutes per mark.

Question 1 (a)-(f) Passage A Question 1(a)-(f) requires you to answer shorter questions of 1 or 2 marks. Look carefully at the time available. Remember that 2 marks will require TWO points.

Read carefully Passage A, School Visit, in the Reading Booklet Insert and then answer Questions 1 and 2 on this Question Paper. Answer all questions using your own words as far as possible. Question 1 (a) Using your own words, explain what the writer says about the similarities and differences between the appearance of the boys and the girls (paragraph 2, ‘When we arrived…schoolroom.’). ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………[2] (b) State the two languages in which the school song was sung (paragraph 3, ‘Assembly began...well sung.’). •………………………………………………………………………………. •……………………………………………………………………………… [1]

Question 1 (g): The Grid… Do not be afraid of the grid! Question 1(g) is worth a total of 9 marks and is divided into two parts: (i) Explain the meaning of the words in italics [3 marks] (ii) Explain how the whole phrase creates an effect [6 marks] Stay inside the boxes. Make sure each box contains the answer for the correct phrase (a-d). Do NOT spend more than 18 minutes on the grid.

Question 2 Passage A 15 marks – 10 for content; 5 for writing quality. Spend approximately 30 minutes on Question 2. 10 content marks require at least 10 ideas from the text, covering all bullet points equally (A1, A2, A3.). Use your own words where possible. Organise your writing into clear sentences and paragraphs. Allow time for proofreading – capitals, full stops, interesting vocabulary.

Question 2

Question 3(a) - Notes Passage B 10 marks require 10 points! 20 minutes Highlight and number relevant phrases in Passage B. One note per line. You DO NOT have to use your own words. Check that your notes answer the question, exactly.

Question 3 (b) - Summary Passage B 5 marks – 10 minutes Include ALL 10 points from 3(a). No explanation is required. Proofread for accuracy and use your own words.

Final tips Highlighters, highlighters, highlighters. Use the exam as an opportunity to show off your skills. Have fun!