igcse esl essay topics

Exercise 6: Writing an article (Ultimate Guide)

Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or semi-formal writing. It can be an article, a report, or a review.

In this article, you will discover how to write an almost perfect article that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

So, what is an article?

An article is a piece of writing written for a large audience, e.g., a magazine or newspaper, on a particular topic, which is meant to be of interest to the reader. It will express a certain viewpoint or perspective — this can be positive or negative depending on the topic.

The purpose of an article is often to inform and persuade the reader. Articles give information about a certain topic and can either persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct (one-sided article; also called opinion article) or provide a balanced argument that lets the reader make up their own mind about the topic (two-sided article). You have the option to choose between writing a one-sided article or a two-sided article.

The Tone and Register of an Article

In the exam, the article is often for your school magazine or your teacher and rarely for the local newspaper.

If it’s for your school magazine, then the audience of the article is the students at your school and possibly the teachers or parents. The tone and register required, therefore, is rather semi-formal .

If, on the other hand, the article is for your teacher or the local newspaper, then the tone and register required is formal.

So, generally, the tone and register of the article should be more formal than exercise 5 but should be engaging.

Now, let’s discover the ideal format for both types of articles.

The format of a one-sided article

Paragraph 1: Introduction (including your opinion)

Paragraph 2: First point supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 3: Second point supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 4: State a counterargument (an idea from the opposing viewpoint) and counter the counterargument (i.e., explain why this counterargument is invalid). In other words, state a point made by people who have a different opinion from yours and explain why they are wrong.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion (including your opinion again but in different words)

The format of a two-sided article

Paragraph 1: Introduction (without your opinion)

Paragraph 2: One side of the issue either in favour or against

Paragraph 3: The other side of the issue either in favour or against

Paragraph 4: Conclusion (including your opinion)

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to inform the reader about the main point (topic) of the article and engage the reader to make them interested in the topic and read the rest of your article.

The main components of an effective introduction are:

• Topic sentence

Start your article with a topic sentence that introduces the topic to the reader and explains its importance in today’s world. Give forceful statements rather than “I think that”, “maybe” or “perhaps”. For example: “Nowadays, music plays an indispensable role in our lives.”

To write an effective topic sentence, you might use adverbial time phrases and generalizations . Here are some examples of each.

Adverbial time phrases

• Nowadays/these days/currently
• Every day/week/year
• Recently/for many years/decades
• In the past
• 10 years ago
• In the last (few/five) (days/weeks/months/years/decades)

Generalization

• A large number of / The vast majority (of)
• Several/some
• Not many/hardly any/ few
• In almost all cases
• In the majority of cases
• In a large number of cases
• In most cases
• In some cases
• On the whole/ Overall
• Rhetorical question(s)

Use rhetorical questions (questions that don’t require an answer but make your reader think) to get the reader interested in the topic and encourage them to read on. For example:

• How would you feel if you had two hours of homework every night?
• How much longer do animals have to suffer?
• Could you live with yourself if you missed out on this opportunity?
• How could we possibly stand the …?
• What would happen if …?
• Could your conscience cope with …?
• Is it really worth …?
• Do you want to be part of …?
• Have you ever thought about the positive impact you could have on the world by becoming vegetarian?
• Your opinion (if it is a one-sided article)

If you are writing a two-sided article, DO NOT give your opinion in the introduction.

If you are writing a one-sided article, give your opinion (whether you support or oppose the viewpoint expressed in the statement).

Here are some opinion phrases to help you express your opinion.

• In my opinion
• I concur/agree
• I believe that
• It seems to me that
• I am in favour of
• I am against the idea of
• I am strongly opposed to
• I disagree / I cannot accept

You may also kill two birds with one stone and begin your article with a rhetorical question that introduces the topic to the reader, thus acting as a topic sentence. Here is an example.

“Have you ever thought how school life would be if the school day started later? In my perspective, this will have countless benefits.”

The structure if you are writing a one-sided article:

Body paragraph 1: First idea supporting your opinion with an explanation

Body paragraph 2: Second idea supporting your opinion with an explanation ( should be different from the first idea )

Body paragraph 3: State a counterargument (an idea from the opposing viewpoint) AND counter the counterargument (i.e., explain why this counterargument is invalid). In other words, state a point made by people who have a different opinion from yours and explain why they are wrong.

When introducing the opposing argument in the 3 rd body paragraph, use any of the following phrases.

• Opponents of this idea claim/assert/argue that …
• Those who disagree/are against these ideas may say/insist that …
• Some people allege/argue that …
• Some people may suggest/point out that …
• A common counterargument is that …
• It can be argued that …

When countering the opposing argument in the 3 rd body paragraph, use any of the following phrases depending on the context.

• While this may be true to some extent, …
• While it is true that …, it is important to consider…
• While some may believe that … recent studies have shown that …
• What this invalid argument misses is …
• What these people fail to notice/take note of is …
• The evidence, however, disproves this argument because …
• However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that …
• However, a closer analysis reveals that …
• However, this flawed argument overlooks the fact that …

The structure if you are writing a two-sided article:

Body paragraph 1: One side of the issue either in favour or against (mention 2 different ideas )

Body paragraph 2: The other side of the issue either in favour or against (mention 2 different ideas )

General guidelines for both kinds of articles:

• Read the question carefully and draft a plan for your article in the blank space below the question using a pencil. Here are some steps to follow.
• Separate the blank space into two parts, one for and one against.
• Jot down any points that come to your mind in the correct part, along with any interesting vocabulary or expressions suitable for the task. Remember to write briefly and in bullet points.
• Decide whether you will write a one-sided article or a two-sided article. Weigh up the two sides and see which one has stronger and more convincing arguments. If one side clearly has stronger and more convincing points, write a one-sided article. If you see that both arguments are equally strong or that no side has more compelling arguments, then write a two-sided article and choose four statements (2 for and 2 against). It’s also worth noting that while a two-sided article is easier to write, a one-sided article is the preferred option as it’s more persuasive.
• Consider how you will begin your article and how you will engage the reader at the start. For example, write some variations of the topic sentence and rhetorical questions that you could use.
• Choose the most effective ones and begin writing. Remember to spend no more than 5 minutes on the plan.
• You can use the few prompts given in the question, but it is better to use your own ideas if you want to get higher marks. If, however, you are out of ideas, use the ideas in the question and make sure to paraphrase them (write them in different words) and develop them well.
• Support your ideas with reasons, evidence, or examples , and use persuasive language features . Remember that you should not just describe the problem but should be convincing in getting the audience to choose a side. Also, the examiner knows that the evidence or examples will be made up and doesn’t expect these to be correct.
• Keep to the topic (don’t wander away from the main subject of the article). Remind yourself constantly by looking again at the question.
• Use a variety of linking words and cohesive devices (mainly formal) to create a smooth and logical flow in your writing. Here are some examples.

When presenting the first point (used in the 1 st body paragraph of both one-sided articles and two-sided articles)

• The main argument in favour of/against is
• The main point/reason is
• The most important point/reason
• The first point/reason
• First of all
• First and foremost
• In the first place
• On the one hand (used only when writing a two-sided article)

When adding more points (used in the 2 nd body paragraph of a one-sided article and both body paragraphs of a two-sided article)

• In addition,
• Furthermore,
• Additionally,
• Not only … but also…
• As well as.
• Another noteworthy point is …
• Apart from that
• What is more

When contrasting ideas (used in the 2 nd body paragraph of a two-sided article)

• Nevertheless
• Even though
• In spite of
• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• By contrast
• In comparison
• Alternatively
• Another option could be

When giving examples

• For example
• For instance
• One clear example is
• To illustrate
• In other words

When reasoning:

• Results and consequences: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, for this reason, as a result (of), which means that, etc.
• Reasons and causes: owing to, because (of), on account of, due to, since, as, etc.   

When highlighting and stressing

• Particularly
• In particular
• Specifically

The purpose of the conclusion is to sum up what you have said and express (or re-express) your opinion.

In the conclusion:

• Sum up your main points concisely using concluding phrases. Here are some examples.
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• To reiterate
• On the whole
• All things considered
• After weighing the benefits and drawbacks
• It can be concluded that …
• I believe that …
• Thus, I am of the opinion that …
• Given these points

Remember to use different words from those used to express the points in the body.

• Give your final opinion (regardless of whether it’s a one-sided or a two-sided article) and any solution or suggestion if applicable.

The solution or suggestion might be part of your opinion if you’re writing a two-sided article and want to take a balanced view on the issue rather than siding with one side. For example, “In conclusion, it is evident that fast food is a double-edged sword; thus, I strongly believe we should strike a balance between eating fast food and incorporating other healthier options in our diet to mitigate its negative effects.”

Use the opinion phrases stated earlier in the Introduction section to express your opinion, and if it’s a one-sided article, make sure to use different words from those used in the introduction.

• Include your audience by any of the following ways:
• Using pronouns like we, us, and you (this is the easiest). Notice how this was used in the previously mentioned conclusion example (bold and underlined)
• Using rhetorical question(s). For example, “To conclude, I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should pursue higher education. Why not embrace this invaluable opportunity to fast-track your career, build your confidence, and broaden your social circle?”.
• Leaving the reader with something to think about. For example: “After weighing the benefits and the drawbacks, it is apparent that convenience food, while palatable, may negatively impact other areas of your life. Think about this before you reach for your next snack!”.

Points to keep in mind

• Organize your article into 4-5 paragraphs (4 if it’s a two-sided article and 5 if it’s a one-sided article). Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar . This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
• Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences . A series of long sentences will make your writing difficult to read, and a series of short simple sentences will make your writing boring to read. Balance is the key.
• Use a wide range of formal vocabulary, including some advanced and less commonly used ones .
• Use a wide variety of formal linking words. Examples have been mentioned earlier.
• Use advanced punctuation sparingly (1-3 in the whole article), for example, colon (:) and semicolon (;).
• Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit (approximately 200 words for the current syllabus and 160 words for the new syllabus). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct time. If you exceed the word limit by any number of words, be it even 100, no marks will be cut directly, but you increase your chances of making more mistakes and spending more time than required for this exercise, which may affect your mark indirectly. If you write towards the lower limit or below, you are highly unlikely to achieve the highest band for Content as your content is not well developed.
• Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise : the initial 5 minutes for planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.
• Include your audience throughout by using pronouns such as we, us and you.
• You could give a suitable attention-grabbing title (first letter of each word capital), but it’s not necessary. In fact, many students waste a lot of time trying to come up with a title and end up with their own version which does not match the rubric. As a result, the content is not always focused correctly and tends to follow the direction chosen by the student, rather than the specific requirements of the topic, thus affecting the content marks.
• Passive voice could be used but not too much.
• Write legibly

Don’ts :

• Avoid contractions . However, if the article is for your school magazine, you can use contractions (not recommended).
• Avoid abbreviations and slang (texting language) such as how r u, OMG, BTW, etc.
• Avoid using informal vocabulary
• Avoid listing (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). There is no problem in writing “firstly”, but avoid writing “secondly” and “thirdly”.
• Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with the same words . Sometimes, students write 3 or more sentences in a row starting with “The”!

Practice a lot of past papers and get feedback on your writing. If you don’t have a teacher, reread these notes and check for what you have done right and what you haven’t. Read some of the samples on the samples page to see what you have just learned effectively used and incorporated in an article.

Good luck! Go get that A*!

16 responses to “Exercise 6: Writing an article (Ultimate Guide)”

You have indeed helped me teach IGSCE 0511/2.These notes have made me love what I do. I’m kindly requesting for guidelines of how to teach speaking & listening. Likewise how are the various exercises of 0511/ 2 i.e the reading part answered. Thanks

Thank you for your kind words! We are so pleased to hear that!

Unfortunately, we have only made notes for the writing part of the exam, which is the primary focus of our website. However, we will consider adding notes for the other parts of the exam in the future. In the meantime, you might find it helpful to explore other resources like the official IGCSE ESL syllabus , a Cambridge-endorsed textbook , specimen speaking tests released by Cambridge , and IGCSE Aid notes , which are not up to date but still relevant.

Thank you for this resource. It was helpful. However, I would like to ask. When writing exercise 6 which could be an article, essay, report or review, and you are presented with four comments (2 positive comments and 2 negative comments), does this mean one is to write a two-sided or one-sided argument? If one-sided, how many paragraphs? If two-sided, how many paragraphs?

You’re welcome. We’re glad it was helpful. Regarding your question, you can write only about the positive side, only about the negative side (one-sided), or both (two-sided). One-sided writing is usually 4-5 paragraphs, and two-sided writing is usually 4 paragraphs.

In a report, however, negative comments are often included to form the basis for suggesting improvements, which is typically a requirement of the question.

Does an article require a title because my teachers have told to write a title for article, for example if the topic is about using phones in school or not then the title should be something like “Should Phones be allowed in Schools or not?” is the title necessary Thank you!

The title is optional. If you can think of a good one, write it. If not, then skip it.

The title is a must! After all, it is a magazine article, and the title should be a catchy, rather balanced one to encourage students to read the article Examples: Chatbots in Health: Boon or Bane?

In a real magazine article, a title is indeed essential, but when it comes to the exam, leaving it out is not penalized. If you can come up with a catchy title, it’s certainly a plus; if not, your marks won’t be affected.

Great resources! How to start an article that is talking about my experience with a school trip, the question is like a report but it’s an article. For further context: Q) You recently went on a school exchange trip to another country. You stayed with another family and went to school there. Your teacher has aked you to write an article about your experience for the school magazine. Thank you

Thank you for your kind words! You start it like any other article question: with a topic sentence or a rhetorical question. For example, you could write, “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to embark on a school exchange trip to another country? I was recently given this opportunity, and it was unforgettable!”.

Very helpful resources thank you for providing these notes and samples, however, at school, my teachers have been telling us to write two-sided-articles,and I have been practicing them for a long time now,but you mentioned that its preferred to write a one-sided. So does writing a two-sided article– As I am more familiar with the structure affect the marks I score for this exercise. Thank you!

Thank you! We’re glad they’re helpful! No, not at all. If you’re more familiar with writing a two-sided article, stick to it. This was just mentioned for people who write both equally well and don’t know what to choose.

how many words or sentence should be written in introduction part as well in conclusion part if i choose to do two-sided article ,

There is no strict rules to follow, but it’s generally recommended to keep them short (1-3 sentences or 15-40 words).

this was extremely helpful and educational i am an IGCSE Grade 9 litreture student and this is something i have nevar Heard of. was not expecting to see this in fle

Thank you for your nice comment! We’re glad you found it helpful!

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How to Write an Outstanding IGCSE English Essay?

• Author: Litera Centre
• Updated: November 27, 2023
• Language: English

Writing an outstanding IGCSE English essay is a skill that can elevate your academic performance and equip you with invaluable communication abilities. Whether you’re a student aiming to excel in your IGCSE examinations or an aspiring writer looking to hone your craft, mastering the art of essay composition is essential. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting exceptional IGCSE English essays. From understanding the essay prompt and organizing your thoughts to perfecting your writing style and enhancing your argumentation, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this academic endeavor with confidence and finesse. 

Let’s dig deeper to unlock the secrets of impressive essay writing.

The Significance of IGCSE English Essay!

Before giving you the tips to ace the IGCSE English essay writing, let’s know the significance of this section first: 

Global Recognition & Standardization: 

The IGCSE English Essay holds immense significance due to its global recognition and standardization. It is administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which is respected worldwide for its rigorous curriculum and assessments. This means that when a student completes the IGCSE English Essay, their achievement is recognized and respected by educational institutions and employers around the world.

Enhanced Language Proficiency: 

The IGCSE English Essay plays a pivotal role in enhancing a student’s language proficiency. It encourages students to engage with diverse texts, fostering their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. As a result, students become more adept at expressing their ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively, a crucial skill in both academic and professional settings.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:

Another significant aspect of the IGCSE English Essay is its emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Through analyzing literary texts, students develop the ability to dissect complex ideas, interpret themes, and make persuasive arguments. These skills are not only essential for success in the English subject but are transferable to various fields, including law, journalism, and research.

Cultural Awareness & Empathy: 

The IGCSE English Essay often includes a variety of literary works from different cultures and periods. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and empathy in students as they explore the perspectives and experiences of characters from diverse backgrounds. Such awareness is vital in today’s interconnected world, promoting tolerance and understanding.

Preparation for Advanced Study and Careers: 

Beyond its academic benefits, the IGCSE English Essay serves as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to pursue further education or careers that require strong communication and writing skills. It provides a solid foundation for more advanced English courses, including A-levels and university-level studies. Additionally, in a professional context, effective writing and communication skills are highly valued and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

In conclusion, the IGCSE English Essay holds great significance in a student’s educational journey. It offers a standardized platform for language development, fosters critical thinking, promotes cultural awareness, and equips students with skills that are valuable both in academia and the professional world. Its benefits extend far beyond the classroom, making it a valuable and worthwhile component of a student’s education.

Step-to-Step Process to Write an Excellent IGCSE English Essay: 

Here are seven steps you must follow to write an outstanding IGCSE English essay: 

Step 1: Understand the Essay Prompt: 

This step involves dissecting the essay question meticulously. In simpler words, you need to identify essential keywords as well as directives, such as “analyze,” “discuss,” or “compare.” 

By carefully deconstructing the prompt, you gain a clear understanding of what the essay requires. This initial comprehension is vital, as it forms the basis for your essay’s direction and structure. It ensures that you don’t deviate from the essay’s core purpose and helps you focus on addressing the specific elements the prompt intends to evaluate, setting the stage for a well-structured and on-point essay.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Plan: 

Here, you take time to gather your thoughts and devise a strategic approach. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the essay prompt, considering potential arguments, themes, and examples. This brainstorming helps clarify your thoughts and allows you to identify the most compelling points to include in your essay. 

Subsequently, create an outline or a mind map that organizes these ideas into a coherent structure. This plan serves as a roadmap for your essay, ensuring that your arguments flow logically and are well-organized. 

By investing time in this step, you set yourself up for a more organized and effective essay.

Step 3: Introduction with a Strong Thesis Statement: 

Needless to say, the introduction serves as the gateway to your essay, and it should be engaging to capture the reader’s attention. It begins with a hook, which can be a quote, a question, or a compelling statement relevant to the topic. 

Following the hook, you must present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the central argument or purpose of your essay. 

The thesis statement is the essay’s backbone, providing a roadmap for what the reader can expect. It sets the tone and direction for the entire essay and is essential for a well-structured and coherent piece of writing.

Step 4: Body Paragraphs with Evidence and Analysis:

Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, summarizing the main point of that specific paragraph. Following this, you should provide supporting evidence, which may include quotes from the text, examples, or references to literary elements. 

Once the evidence is presented, you need to engage in in-depth analysis. This means interpreting and explaining the significance of the evidence in your thesis statement. 

The combination of evidence and analysis reinforces your arguments and ensures that your essay is not just a summary, but a critical exploration of the topic, fostering a deeper understanding of the text and its themes.

Step 6: Transition Smoothly Between Paragraphs: 

To maintain the coherence and flow of your essay, you should use transitional words and phrases effectively. These transitions connect your ideas, guide the reader through your argument, and establish logical relationships between paragraphs. 

Common transitional words and phrases include “furthermore,” “however,” “in contrast,” and “conversely.” 

By implementing these transitions, you create a seamless narrative that allows the reader to follow your essay’s progression effortlessly. This step is essential for making your IGCSE English Essay more comprehensible and ensuring that your arguments are presented in a clear and interconnected manner.

Step 7: Conclusion and Final Thoughts: 

In this stage, you need to summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of your essay, restate your thesis statement using different wording, and provide a sense of closure to your argument. 

Your conclusion should offer a concise reflection on the main themes and arguments, reinforcing their significance and relevance. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader, helping them understand the broader implications of your analysis. 

A strong conclusion ties up your essay neatly, leaving a lasting impact and ensuring that your message resonates with the reader.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit: 

This step involves a comprehensive review of your work to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. In addition to basic mechanics, you should also assess the clarity and coherence of your writing. 

Ensure that your arguments and ideas are logically presented and that your essay is well-structured. Reading your essay aloud can help identify awkward phrasing or convoluted sentences. 

Editing is a critical step that polishes your work, ensuring it is clear, concise, and free from distractions. It guarantees that your message is communicated effectively and leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader.

Master IGCSE English Essay Writing with Litera Centre:

Are you preparing for the IGCSE English examination, particularly focused on mastering essay writing? Look no further—Litera Centre is here to provide you with the expert guidance, valuable resources, and personalized coaching you need to excel.

Expert Coaching for IGCSE English Success : 

At Litera Centre, we know how important it is to do well in the IGCSE English Essay. Our team of experienced teachers and English experts is here to help you reach your academic goals. We offer personalized coaching to help you master:

• Essay Structure
• Argument Development
• Grammar and Syntax

Comprehensive Resources and Strategies :

With our expert guidance, you’ll learn how to:

• Write Strong Essays
• Understand Complex Questions
• Improve Analytical Skills

Our resources and strategies will give you the confidence and precision you need to excel in your exams.

Take Control of Your Success :

Don’t leave your IGCSE English success to chance. Let Litera Centre help you achieve excellence. Join us today and take a big step toward mastering your IGCSE English exam and boosting your academic performance.

Connect with Litera Centre :

Visit Litera Centre now and start your journey to IGCSE English success! Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.

How Can Litera Centre Help You? 

So, are you preparing for the IGCSE English examination, with a specific focus on essay writing? Look no further, as Litera Centre is here to provide you with the expert guidance, valuable resources, and personalized coaching you need to excel in your IGCSE journey.

At Litera Centre, we understand the importance of excelling in the IGCSE English Essay examination, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals. Our team of experienced educators and English language experts are here to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to tackle the essay writing component of the exam with confidence and precision.

With our tailored coaching, you’ll receive personalized attention and support, ensuring that you fully grasp the intricacies of essay writing, including structure, argument development, and grammar. 

Don’t leave your IGCSE English success to chance. Let Litera Centre be your partner in achieving excellence in your examinations. Join us today and take a step closer to taking your IGCSE English examination.

References:

https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/how-to-write-brilliant-essays/

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Igcse 0500 first language english – narrative composition: two sample essays.

One of the most crucial aspects of any student’s journey is learning how to write well and to understand the criteria for the mark scheme… But how do you make sure that your understanding of the criteria and the mark scheme actually reflects that of an examiner?

This makes it such that it is very important to have good examples…

…And that’s exactly what this essay aims to resolve today!

Here’s a set of two sample essays for Narrative Writing for the IGCSE. Each essay is written to match a specific level descriptor and has been validated with the experience of our team, and reflects the way that we would assign marks based on the mark scheme.

Have a look at this, think about it, and hopefully it will help you to understand what is required and desirable in the exam 🙂

We’ll start with two essays from the Winter 2022 Paper 2; more examples will come soon (and even more for our paid members!), and we will soon publish a book of narrative writing AND descriptive writing essays as well; it will be available on both Shopee and Lazada as well as from this site, so make sure that you’re following this blog!

Without further ado, here are the examples!

Example A: 

Title: “Write a story with the title ‘Lost’.” – Winter 2022, Paper 2 Variant 2. Tom, a 12-year-old boy, lived in a small town surrounded by a vast, mysterious forest. He spent most of his weekends exploring the woods with his loyal dog, Max. They had many exciting adventures, discovering hidden trails, secret clearings, and beautiful wildlife. Tom felt a sense of freedom and wonder every time he ventured into the woods. One sunny Saturday morning, Tom and Max set out on another adventure. They walked deeper into the forest than they had ever gone before, captivated by the vibrant colours and enchanting sounds of nature. Hours passed, and they were blissfully unaware of how far they had strayed from home. As the sun began to set, Tom realized they were in an unfamiliar part of the woods. He tried to retrace their steps, but the shadows cast by the towering trees made it difficult to navigate. Panic began to set in as they wandered aimlessly, desperately searching for a familiar landmark. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the forest was soon enveloped in darkness. Tom’s fear escalated, and Max, sensing his distress, stayed close by his side. As they stumbled through the darkness, they suddenly spotted a flickering light in the distance. Approaching the light, they discovered a small, old cabin with a warm glow emanating from its windows. Tom hesitated, but he knew they needed help. He mustered the courage to knock on the door. An elderly man with a kind face and a long, white beard opened the door. Tom nervously explained their predicament, and the man agreed to help them find their way home. He grabbed a flashlight and a map, and together, they set off into the night. They walked for hours, following the map and the man’s vast knowledge of the forest. The journey was long, and Tom’s exhaustion began to take over. But, just as hope seemed to be fading, they reached the familiar edge of the woods. Tom’s house came into view, and relief washed over him. Tom thanked the old man, who offered some wise advice before departing. “Remember, young one, the forest can be both magical and dangerous. Always be prepared and respect its power.”

Comment: “The essay “Lost” deserves a level 4 in both Table A: Content and Structure and Table B: Style and Accuracy. The story’s plot is relevant and cohesive, featuring narrative elements such as character development and setting the scene. The content is relevant, with some development (W1), and the structure is competently managed (W2). The story falls short of level 5 as the plot could be more strongly developed with further description, character interaction, or a more effective climax.

For Table B, the essay displays some precise vocabulary and a range of sentence structures used occasionally for effect (W3). The story maintains an appropriate register for the context (W4), and the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are generally accurate, with some errors (W5). It does not reach level 5 due to the vocabulary and sentence structures not being consistently precise or well-chosen for effect.

The essay does not deserve a level 6 because the content is not complex, engaging, or effective enough (W1), and the structure is not as well-balanced or carefully managed for deliberate effect (W2). Furthermore, the vocabulary is not consistently well-chosen for effect (W3), and the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are not almost always accurate (W5).

Lastly, the essay does not deserve a level lower than 4 because it does not exhibit the characteristics of lower levels, such as limited or unclear content (W1), partially organized or ineffective structure (W2), simple vocabulary or sentence structures (W3), or persistent grammatical errors (W5).

Now, on the other hand… What does a Level 6 essay look like?

Have a look!

Title: “Write a story with the title ‘Lost’.” – Winter 2022, Paper 2 Variant 2. In the quaint town of Willowbrook, nestled in the heart of the valley, nine-year-old Lucy found solace in the dense, enchanting woods that surrounded her home. The forest was her sanctuary, a place where she could let her imagination run wild. Alongside her trusty companion, a golden retriever named Jasper, she would spend countless hours exploring its depths, discovering its secrets. One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Lucy and Jasper ventured further into the woods than they ever had before. They traversed moss-covered trails, played hide-and-seek among the towering trees, and splashed in the crystal-clear stream. As they roamed deeper into the woods, the sun’s fading light cast long shadows across their path, but they continued on, oblivious to the encroaching darkness. It wasn’t until the last rays of sunlight vanished that Lucy realized they were lost. Panic surged through her veins as she clung to Jasper for comfort, whispering, “We’ll find our way back, won’t we?” The woods had transformed into an eerie, unfamiliar world. Shadows danced in the moonlight, and the once melodic bird songs were replaced by unfamiliar, haunting sounds. Together, they stumbled through the dark, moonlit forest, guided only by instinct and the faint glimmer of hope. As they pressed on, the forest seemed to close in around them, the darkness growing thicker with each step. Suddenly, they came upon a mysterious, ancient oak tree. It stood tall and majestic, its gnarled roots digging deep into the earth, as though it had been there for centuries. The tree seemed to beckon them, and as they approached, they noticed a glowing inscription carved into the trunk. It read, “Whisper your fears, and I shall show the way.” With trepidation, Lucy leaned in and whispered her fears to the tree, her breath quivering. As she finished, the inscription shimmered, and a trail of luminous fireflies emerged from the tree, leading them through the darkness. As they followed the swarm, the menacing shadows receded, and the forest gradually regained its familiar allure. The fireflies weaved through the trees, illuminating their path and casting a warm, comforting glow. The journey through the forest felt like an eternity, but eventually, the fireflies led them to the edge of the woods, where they caught a glimpse of their town’s warm glow. Overwhelmed with relief, Lucy hugged Jasper tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Together, they raced towards the town, grateful for the guidance that had delivered them from the clutches of the unknown. Upon their return, Lucy shared the tale of their adventure with her family, who listened in awe. The ancient oak tree and its magical fireflies became a cherished part of local folklore, a symbol of hope for those who found themselves lost, both literally and metaphorically. And for Lucy, the woods remained her sanctuary, but she never ventured too far from the guiding light of home.

The essay “Lost” deserves the highest possible grade, as it demonstrates complex, engaging, and effective content (W1) with a secure, well-balanced, and carefully managed structure for effect (W2). The story plot contains well-defined and developed ideas as well as images to create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus. As for writing for effect, it contains a good range of sentence structures and precise vocabulary, used effectively for effect (W3), while maintaining a consistent, well-chosen register suitable for the context (W4). Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are almost always accurate (W5).

To improve the story, the writer can incorporate more sensory details to further immerse the reader in the setting. By adding these elements, the essay is able to evoke even more vivid images and emotions, further enhancing the reader’s experience and appreciation.

Okay, and we’re done! 🙂

I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you will find it valuable!

If you did, do feel free to share it with your friends! We will proceed onwards with descriptive writing examples pretty soon – these will be part of the membership site component of the site materials, and we will also create more of these materials for you soon!

Thank you once again, and we look forward to sharing more with you soon!

victortanws

March 23, 2023 7:33 am

IGCSE First Language English – Descriptive Composition: Two Sample Essays

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Report writing: Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

Cambridge IGCSE ESL English as a Second Language

Report writing

Cambridge IGCSE ESL Examinations

This article focuses on the new topic of formal writing in the revised pattern of examinations starting from 2019 in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language which needs to be answered together with a few basic rules related to formal register. It then describes various features you should include when you use the formal register. It also focuses on specific phrases and expressions used for reporting accurately, giving opinions and making recommendations, and also to put forward your views and arguments too.

Apart from friendly letters or emails, you need to produce either a report, a review or a school magazine article which you need to be completed in a formal register. You should never forget that your readers or audiences will be a group of students or your teachers so you have to present the facts and recommendations in a formal or semi-formal tone depending on the topics.

Formal language structure is the most important part of your writing that you need for making formal writing. An exam type question usually contains function words, for example, write a report giving suggestions or recommendations and opinion.

Language Tips

The best way to master the formal language is that learning to use phrases associated with language functions, for example, it is high time that a government increased the tax.

Some general tips for formal writing

1. When writing formally it is appropriate to include formal tone and register

2. You should not use the words and phrases that belong to the friendly register.

3. No slang words or phrases.

4. No humor because topics are serious of nature or factual.

5. No personal style (should be impersonal)

6. You should always keep your audience in your mind.

Basic tools for informal writing

Time fixer Phrases

I soon as we reached there…

We arrived at the site…

Once we all arrived  

Phrases for introduction

The aim of this report is to highlight what we learned…

The report aims to highlight…

This report aims to investigate …

This report aims to recommend…

The purpose of this report to highlight…

This report aims to present what we learned from the trip…

Phrases for generalisation

A significant number of students…

I love the number of parents…

Almost all students…

A vast majority of students…

A large number of teachers…

Phrases for the positive side

Many students were captivated to see…

It was fascinating to see…

We all got insight into the importance…

We managed to study fascinating facts about…

The vast majority of students were stunned as they discovered …

Phrases for negative sides

It was appalling to see…

However many people felt that it was

Notwithstanding the boons, it was totally saddening to see that…

A large number of students found that the trip was a bit haphazard…

Opinion phrases

I strongly believe that…

I vehemently believe that …

Phrases for recommendations

I would recommend that…

Perhaps we could also consider asking…

For the reasons, I have mentioned I highly recommend visiting…

I am convinced that they…

In the remaining sections, we examine in detail performing languages which have been traveling to interactions positive signs recommendations and opinions

For more tips and model answers: mail us : [email protected]

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Model Answer: Descriptive Writing ( CIE IGCSE English Language )

Revision note.

Model Answer: Descriptive Writing

In Section B of Paper 2, you will be given the choice of four titles: Questions 2 and 3 will be descriptive writing titles, and Questions 4 and 5 will be narrative writing titles. Each of the options is worth 40 marks and you are only required to choose one of them (either descriptive or narrative). While descriptive writing will contain elements of narration, and vice versa, it is important to be aware that there is a distinction between the two styles of writing and you must shape your responses accordingly. You should therefore consider all four choices before selecting the one you feel will best allow you to demonstrate your skills as a writer.

The following guide will provide you with a descriptive writing model answer, based on a past paper task. It is divided into:

Planning your descriptive writing

Descriptive writing model answer, unannotated model answer.

Once you have decided on your choice of title from the options, you should spend 10 minutes planning your writing.

Let’s take this descriptive writing task as an example:

“Describe trying to sleep before an important day.”

We can use “panoramic, zoom, single line, shift, shift, panoramic” six-step structure to plan our response:

The following model answer demonstrates a top-mark response to the above task:

• The first paragraph employs contrast and literary techniques to establish an eerie atmosphere of the middle of the night
• The second paragraph zooms in on detail and incorporates movement
• A single sentence is used for contrast and effect
• The motif of the clock is woven throughout the response
• The focus shifts to something “off camera”, using sensory language
• The final paragraph indicates a shift in time and mood
• It contrasts stillness with activity
• Remember, you are not writing a story, so think of describing a scene as though from behind the lens of a camera
• Spend 10 minutes planning your writing, using the suggested six-step structure above
• Allow five minutes to re-read and check your writing for any obvious mistakes with spelling, grammar or punctuation
• Employ sensory language, shifts in perspective, figurative language and contrasts to add interest and detail to your writing
• Do not include dialogue
• Vary your sentence and paragraph lengths
• Make sure you add movement to your description

How to Write Detailed Descriptions

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Author: Deb Orrock

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She now manages a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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IGCSE English Literature: Essay Writing Guide

• May 7, 2019
• 7 minutes read
• Listen to this
• IGCSE English Literature - IGCSE essay writing guide is aimed at discussing what is required from students on how to write a well planned essay.

Essay Writing Guide: How to Write Essay Writing for IGCSE

Guidelines for igcse essay writing.

While most of you have already had experience of essay writing, it is important to realise that essay writing at University level may be different from the practices you have so far encountered.

The aim of this tutorial is to discuss what is required of an English Literature essay at University level, including:

1. information on the criteria in relation to which your essay will be judged

2. how to plan and organise an essay

•     Planning an Essay: Essay Structure
•     Independence and Critical Reading
•     Use of Secondary Material

3. advice on writing style

4. a final checklist

Must Read: Cambridge IGCSE: Benefits, Subjects, Grading Scheme, and Tips

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?

In assessing essays , you are asked to bear in mind:

•  Relevance to the essay-subject as it has been set;
• A well-defined line of argument, with each stage clearly marked;
•  Appropriate, economical, and accurate illustration;
•  Mastery of the relevant background material (contextual, critical, theoretical), and evidence of independent and wide-ranging reading;
•  Evidence of independent thinking about the subject, and, where ideas are taken from critics, ability to apply them to materials of the student’s own choice;
•  Crisp expression. Failure to stay within the maximum number of words set for written work will be penalised;
•  Spelling, punctuation, grammar;
•  Accurate and comprehensive referencing of sources and list of Works Cited.

Must Read:  Notice Writing Format, Importance, Examples and How to Prepare

HOW TO PLAN AND ORGANISE AN ESSAY

Planning for IGCSE essay writing needs careful planning which is the key to producing a good essay.

Do NOT begin to write your essay the night before it is due to be submitted.

You should allow yourselves time to consider, plan, write, rewrite and revise, and proof read your essay before its submission.

The diagram and questions reproduced below will assist you in planning your essay .

Must Read:  Directed Writing: Format, Benefits, Topics, Common Mistakes and Examples

ESSAY STRUCTURE

Your essay should present a discussion and a reasoned argument:

it should not be a set of random reflections on the texts or topic you have chosen.

This will require some planning and organisation of your material before you begin to write, to ensure that your argument is coherent and engages directly with the question asked.

A good introduction is often the key to a good essay.

The first thing you should do is define any complex or potentially ambiguous terms in the question.

This can also be one good way of effecting an introduction. Another is to consider why the question might be asked, what makes it interesting, or why it is relevant to the texts you are considering.

You might also use your introduction to outline briefly your intentions in writing the essay: but remember that for a 1,000 or 2,000 word essay the introduction will necessarily be brief.

The body of the essay of the essay should relate to the issues you outline in your introduction. It also needs a coherent structure :

if you have used your introduction to identify the key issues of your discussion, structuring the essay becomes easier, as you can address these issues in separate paragraphs.

Make the links and transitions between paragraphs clear. Remember that every paragraph and sentence should contribute directly to your argument.

Your essay needs to strike a balance between argument and supporting evidence.

Avoid unsupported generalisations. Stating that ‘society is a patriarchy’ or that ‘evil is more interesting than good’ without offering evidence to support the assertion is little different from claiming that ‘the earth is flat’ or ‘tall people are more intelligent than short ones’.

Even your more particular points about texts or issues always need supporting evidence, often in the form of quotations from the texts. Remember that you may need to explain how your evidence supports your point.

Your essay needs a conclusion to avoid it petering out and losing its force. You might use the conclusion to draw together the threads of your argument, to re-visit the original question, or even to point towards new questions that your discussion has opened up. Whatever your conclusion, you should use it to step back slightly from the detail of the preceding argument to re-consider the wider picture.

INDEPENDENCE AND CRITICAL READING

The purpose of an essay is to develop and present your own thinking about the texts and issues raised by the question.

All essays are likely to draw on ideas taken from others, whether from critical books, lectures or discussions.

But clearly an essay is not intended to be simply an anthology of others’ ideas: those ideas should only be introduced in order to form and advance your own argument, which is both the substance and the purpose of the essay.

USE OF SECONDARY (CRITICAL) MATERIAL

Critical books and articles are often useful in stimulating your ideas about the literature you are writing on.

It is also important to develop some awareness of the ongoing critical debate about works and literary issues; sometimes you may even be asked to write about the critical or theoretical works themselves.

But ideas and words from other writers should never simply replace your own, either directly, or in the form of paraphrase.

Quoted or paraphrased thoughts and words from another critic should be included in the text of your essay only if you wish to say something about them. You may want to take issue with them, or to develop them, or to illustrate a particular view which you then discuss.

It is not helpful to quote from or paraphrase critics simply because you think their words sound more authoritative than your own.

While you will often draw on other critics’ ideas, you need to distinguish their words and opinions clearly from your own.

Students should exercise caution and care in the use of paraphrase in particular.

It is imperative that the reader should always be able 7 to distinguish your voice and argument from that of the critics you cite.

So avoid simply ventriloquising critical arguments and conduct instead a critical engagement with them. For example, do not accept interpretations in critical works as matters of fact; demonstrate to the reader of your essay the ways in which you have produced a thoughtful response to the critics that you have employed.

If you do not ensure that there is no confusion in an essay about the origin of its arguments, you will find that your readers are unable to judge your arguments. You will also lay yourself open to a charge of plagiarism, which is a serious academic offence.

Access the Learning Platform

University level essays should be written in a formal style and demonstrate your understanding of the codes of academic discourse as they relate to the study of English Literature.

While there are variations between different disciplines, there are three main characteristics that are common to all academic essays. These are:

• An overriding concern to interpret and make meaning through the presentation of arguments;
•  Careful attention to the marshalling of relevant and valid facts, examples and other kinds of evidence to substantiate or refute arguments and interpretations;
•  A structure or organisational framework which has not been chosen arbitrarily, but is instead designed to present arguments and evidence in a coherent and logically appropriate form

Clarity and expressiveness of language is obviously particularly important in essays on literature, and the development of an accurate and engaging writing style is one of the aims of a degree in this discipline.

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Writing: Exercise 5 (Letter writing)

Exercise 5 is a letter writing task. This is almost always an informal letter. (We’ll detail formal letters here as well, just in case!)

INFORMAL LETTERS

These are usually to your friends or family, usually asking you to detail a recent event you took part in and they didn’t.

• You must be familiar with the format of an informal letter: salutation ( Dear / Dearest..), introduction, body (maybe two paragraphs), conclusion, signature (With Love/Yours Truly..) The salutation and signature are simple. What about the others? Let’s take a look.
• Introduction :
• Start with a warm, friendly opening. Ditch the boring ‘ How are you doing? ‘. Go for these:
• It was good to hear from you.
• Sorry for not replying sooner. I have been very busy.
• I’m so sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been revising for my exams.
• Congratulations on your award! It’s been an hectic week over here. So sorry I couldn’t write to you earlier. (This is a good opening, because it tells the examiner that you know this person well).
• Tell them why you’re writing the letter. This will be specified in the question paper itself. Keep it very short. In the example above, you could say: I’ve been dying to tell you about this circus that came to town last Friday!!
• Body : This is the actual content of your letter. Provide more details about the topic. Use lots of adjectives and verbs and really relay your thoughts and emotions . Use the prompts and pictures in the question. You can write it in t wo paragraphs to organise your ideas.In the example above, you could write: Nobody knew about the circus arriving. But the moment they opened the entrance, all the villagers started flocking in.  Steve and I begged  for mom and dad to take us there! It was magnificent, in every sense of the word! There were talking parrots, tigers jumping through fire hoops (Steve ran away scared when he saw the Tiger!), an elephant that could predict your weight,  a fortune teller and all sorts of things you see in the circuses in movies! Mom was fascinated by the ‘Guess the Price’ tent and spent a lot of money on it but didn’t guess a single one right. Dad and I went to every single tent. My favourite  was this magic show! The magician literally turned a rat into a rabbit! I have no idea how.  It was truly magical! We stayed there till dusk and then very reluctantly went back. The circus clearly had won the hearts of all villagers!
• Conclusion : The conclusion has to wrap up the letter. For example, I really wish you were there! You would have loved it! Give my regards to Margret and Aunt Marie! Reply soon!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation and grammar . It’s a writing task after all.
• Don’t use abbreviations and slang such as ‘u’ and ‘OMG’! This is an international exam, not an actual email to your friend!
• Keep the tone very light and warm . An informal letter should be informal.
• Writing a paragraph for each bullet point (given in the question) can be a good method of keeping the letter organised.
• Give personal anecdotes . Add details that tell the examiner you really know each other. In my sample answer above, I used the names Steve , Margaret and Aunt Marie without giving any explanation for who they exactly are, because my friend knows who they are!
• Try using time phrases. Eg:   shortly after that/later/that afternoon/after dinner etc.
• Keep to the word limit . It should be at least 150 words and shouldn’t exceed 200 words. However, I remember my teacher telling me it was alright if I wrote 10-15 words in excess. Any more than that, they would deduct marks.

FORMAL LETTERS

These will be written to somebody in a position of authority, usually to your school principal, the manager of a company etc. I’ll give a very brief idea of how to write one.

• Salutations and Signatures : use either of this format
• Dear Sir or Madam……. Yours faithfully
• Dear Ms Weasley………….Yours sincerely
• Introduction : Dive straight into the point. Why are you writing ? To appreciate, complain, suggest, request or disagree? What are you writing in regards with ? A new project, a newspaper advertisement, an article or an event? Mention it. That’s your introduction.
• Body : This can be divided into two paragraphs
• Details of situation : give previous history of event or your background or experience. Say what happened exactly if you are making a complaint, or focus directly on the text you are arguing with. This section should include specific data such as names, dates, facts and details.
• Further development : Give further support to your claim or request. Summarise the current situation and why you should be given consideration. Persuade the reader.
• Conclusion : Say what you wish to happen next. Suggest, firmly but politely, what may happen if you do not receive a response to a complaint. Wrap up by once again, stating your request/complaint/suggestion and politely say something along the lines of ‘ I hope you will consider this and take action as soon as possible’ .
• Use formal vocabulary only. Instead of ‘can’t wait for your reply’ say ‘I hope you will consider the above suggestion and take prompt action ‘.
• Don’t use contractions like can’t, won’t, don’t, we’re etc. Use their full forms. Contractions are informal.
• Don’t use exclamation marks.
• Your tone should be serious and respectful.
• Keep to the word limit.

Time Management

For the core paper 1, take about 20 minutes to attempt this question.

For the extended paper 2, spend about 30 minutes .

Notes submitted by Lintha

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41 thoughts on “ Writing: Exercise 5 (Letter writing) ”

Thank you for the very useful information

Do I have to write an address

No, you don’t!

No, because in IGCSE, in our school they don’t ask for an address.

How we can use punctuation in closing and opening part of the formal letters? Either It’s necessary to punctuate these parts or not?

It is always important to use appropriate punctuation in English. You would start a formal letter like this:

The first line, starting with ‘Dear’, is the salutation. You should start with a capital letter, write who the letter is addressed to, including capital letters for any names or proper nouns, and ending the salutation with a comma.

The body of your letter should also follow all the normal grammar and punctuation rules.

At the end, you may sign off with ‘yours faithfully’ or ‘yours sincerely’ (yours faithfully if you know the name of the person you are addressing this letter to, yours sincerely if you do not)

You would write it like this:

Yours faithfully,

Note the capital letter and the comma after yours faithfully.

I hope this answered your question!

Hi.. I am an IGCSE teacher guiding children to write the exams in Feb2020/21 batch. As this is the first batch for me, I want to make sure that I give proper directions to them to ace the exam. I feel they need more practice in writing part. Do you have any inputs for them . Also , how is the speaking exam graded for 0510 ? Thanks Sobha

Hi Sobha! Thank you for reaching out. If you haven’t already, I would strongly recommend investing in a Cambridge International Examinations Endorsed Textbook, like the one in this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-English-Language-Teachers-International/dp/1108566693/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_1/260-4689206-7885720?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1108566693&pd_rd_r=146baf84-c0b7-4efa-b225-828a448da32e&pd_rd_w=dSWl4&pd_rd_wg=eTeIv&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=2A3P0CAJRCBWJXEDV4CK&psc=1&refRID=2A3P0CAJRCBWJXEDV4CK

A proper textbook that is tailored to the syllabus is amazing, and it is the guidance that we received from such a textbook that made such a big difference. Our website is purely a compilation of revision notes, and should not be used as the first point of learning. One thing that really helped my friends and me when preparing for our ESL exam was being given specific formats and useful keywords for each style of writing. Our teacher also had us practise numerous past papers under timed conditions. As a student, this is what we found most helpful. We hope your first batch of students do really well, and we wish you the best of luck! Thank you, The IGCSE AID Team

can u pls tell me how to write the introductory para for an informal letter to a foreign friend about your culture?

idk if u still need this info but here’s an example: Dear Anna, Thank you for your last letter, sorry for not replying sooner, I’ve been busy with my Biology project. In your letter, you asked about my culture so I’m writing this letter to answer your questions.

now remember that this is just an example so u can change the vocab but it should make the same point

In a letter where do i write the date? or do i even write a date?

There is no need to write a date! Just start with the greeting

no need of date if it is an informal letter

Veryyyy usefull !!!

Like Liked by 1 person

Will 328 words be acceptable?

No, I am afraid not. Avoid going over 10 to 15 words above the mentioned word limit. Any words after that will simply be struck from your answer and not considered. One of the challenges of this exercise is learning to properly structure your work and write concisely enough that you do not exceed the word limit.

is it necessary to use idioms?

Nope! It’s better to steer clear of them if you’re not too confident of using them appropriately

Thank you soo much for this concise information. Tomorrow’s the exam, I hope an informal letter will come. Once again THANK YOU!!

Great to hear this!

What do you recommend on the area of studying past questions do you think that questions are repeated.Please do reply very soon

Yes! Practising past papers is the single most important thing you can do to ace the IGCSE exams. As you’re solving them with the help of the marking scheme, you will realise that many questions repeat over the years or at least follow a similar pattern of questioning. Once you have done a couple of papers, you’ll start answering much better. Practice past papers! I cannot stress this enough.

As a student who actually will take this exam next year, this is perfect article. thank u 🙂

Great to hear!

it is really very helpful and gives more than enough information on both of the topics of letter writing

Like Liked by 2 people

Thank you so much for the inspiring and helpful tips!

extremely useful, thank you!

this is really very useful and i loved it :)!!!!!!

a very good article that will help alot of students

Thank you!!

This is actually really helpful to me as an igcse student. Thank you

Thank you very much ,this really helped me 🙂

I find it very usefull. I think these tips are very good to remind you how to write a letter.

Thank you so much for your kind words!!! This makes me (and the rest of the Team) super happy 😀 Good luck with your exams!

Thank you so much, it has been very helpful!

So the format for email and letter are the same? Sorry , I’m quite confused about this…

Yup, that’s correct. An email is essentially just an electronic letter, so they follow the same rules as a printed/ handwritten letter!

Thank you it is do useful 💞

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Thames Notes

Question 7 Discursive Writing Example

By Thames Published November 23, 2017 ESL Paper 2

English as a second Language Paper 2 Question 7 Discursive writing example

Click here for ESL discursive writing guide and layout

1st Point for – Students may get tired in the morning.

1st  point against – Students have time for after-school activities such as sports.

2nd point against- Students get used to early hours for when they grow up and work.

The early bird catches the worm?

These days, many students are coming to school late for their morning lessons. When was the last time you slept before 9PM? Don’t you think it is good practice for the school to start early in the morning? In my opinion, I don’t think the school’s schedule should be moved 1 hour later.

To begin with, the most obvious reason we should stick to this morning school routine is because it allows us students to get used to waking up early. This is because when we grow up, many of us may work in competitive businesses that require us to get to work on time.

Next, Another reason why school hours shouldn’t be delayed is because it may stop students from participating in after school activities for example, sports such as golf which requires a few hours for a full round. Without this valuable time, school athletes will have less training and may not be able to compete with other schools.

On the other hand, many people say that students are tired in the morning and find it difficult to focus in class. This may be true so we will have to ensure we get enough sleep the previous night in order to get to school on time full of energy.

24 Replies to “Question 7 Discursive Writing Example”

what about formal idioms

Um you wouldn’t need idioms for Question 7 but you can put them in question 6(informal letter). Formal idioms are fine if it’s used correctly but make sure your letter stays informal.

My teacher told me to write foreign expressions such as “ad nauseum” but I’m not sure because its a Latin word and the exam is ESL so is it okay?

I wouldn’t do that especially in a discursive article.

What would be a possible linking word for conclusion paras in discursuve writing,as my teachers suggest that ‘in conclusion’ won’t work for CIE exams.

How do i think of a perfect title in a few minutes for ARTICLE WRITING?

Thinking of a perfect title is difficult, sometimes it just pops into your head depending on the topic of the article. I wouldn’t spend too much time on it as your title won’t have a direct effect on your score. Just write a simple title you come up with on the spot.

Can someone help me. I’m lost. Do I start from question 7 then go backwards or from 1 and onwards?

Do it the way you’re most comfortable with, I do it from Q1 – Q7. An advantage of this is that I could get the easy marks out of the way first.

I am confused between openion article and argumentative article. Is it the questio. Which iplies which type is the article? Or it is me who can choose to write it as argumentative or openion article?

You have written about 246 words its not exceptale it should have been between 150-200 words 🙂

What marks did you get for language and content?

this discursive writing example was really helpful. thank u cuz now I feel the confidence to face such questions. :)))

I should have seen this earlier if so I don’t have to waste my time to retake my English thrice

Greetings, I’m preparing for my IGCSE ESL 2019. Unfortunately, there has been a few alterations in the syllabus, for instance, the argumentative essay has been replaced by a report writing. I have searched the internet for proper guidance but in vain. I kindly request you to give some tips and a sample essay for this. Thank you.

Report writing is quite easy, depends on the question though! I am also taking the IGCSE ESL 2019 exams, i usually find book review and report writing to be the easiest. I might suggest that you practice frequently and watch videos and tutorials on how to write, that’s how i came to be!!

http://eslmojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2019-Specimen-Answers.pdf

Please is it okay to go over the maximum word limit by 50 words ?because sometimes that happens to me

Serious boobs are big

Isn’t this too short of a writing

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