IGCSE as a First Language

For this examination, students have to sit for 2 papers:

• Paper 2: (2 ¼ hours) Reading and Directed Writing (weighting: 60%)

This paper is made of 2 parts:

• Part 1: There will be 2 passages, one of which may be of a literary nature. 2 questions will be set, one of which may be subdivided. The first will test candidates' ability to select, compare and summarise specific information from both passages; the second will invite a response to the passages in a variety of forms, for example a selective summary, a letter, a report, a speech, a script of a conversation or broadcast, a continuation of a story, an expressive development of an idea in the passage, etc.

• Part 2: This part will test candidates' ability to use and develop given information in another form (for examples see above, Paper 2 part 1)

• Paper 3: (1¼ hour) Continuous Writing (weighting: 40%)

This paper will test candidates' skills in continuous writing. A selection of 9 titles will be provided calling for an imaginative, narrative or argumentative response in an appropriate style. Candidates will be required to choose one assignment and will be advised to write 350-500 words.