CAIE IGCSE First Language English 0500
Consolidated guide document for Paper 1 and Paper 2; inclusive of sample responses
Dhruv CV
Assessment Objectives (Skills)
Paper 1 Reading: (80 marks) and 50% weightage
• Candidates answer three compulsory questions on three texts which are on a similar topic.
• Candidates write all their answers in the space provided on the question paper.
• Texts A & B will be 700–750 words in length and Text C will be 500–650 words in length.
• Candidates should spend approximately 10 minutes reading the texts.
• The texts will be printed on the question paper insert.
• Dictionaries may not be used.
• Suggested timings and order of work:
Reading of text C: approximately 5 minutes (read carefully)
Question 2 writers effects: 25 minutes and Question 2 S.A.Q: 10 minutes
Question 3 extended writing: 40 minutes
Reading of text B: approximately 2 ½ minutes and Question 1 summary task: 20 minutes
Reading of text A: approximately 2 ½ minutes and Question 1 comprehension: 15 minutes.
= 120 minutes (2 hours)
, 2
Question 1 Comprehension and summary tasks (30 marks)
Comprehension task: this task requires candidates to respond to Text A.
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions. These include short answers testing
understanding of both explicit and implicit meanings.
This question tests the following reading assessment objectives (15 marks):
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R5 select and use information for specific purposes.
Sub-Question Strategies:
(a) Give two examples (..) [1]
Lift information directly from the text (no need to put it into your own words).
(b)(i)–(ii) Using your own words, explain what the text means by (..) [2] + [2]
Use your own words:
• Be sure to include an explanation for each strand in the phrase for full marks
• It's suggested to break down the phrase word-by-word (explain well but concisely)
• Can include further contextual detail to be clearer.
(c) Re-read (..) give two reasons / identify two ways (..) [2]
Taken from the text with mild inference; the response should be concise and should relate to
the task at hand.
(d)(i) Re-read (..) identify two / give two (..) [2]
Taken from the text with mild inference; the response should be concise and should relate to
the task at hand.
(d)(ii) Re-read (..) explain why (..) [3]
Rewording predominantly required: • Three direct reasons • Inference is mildly required.
(e) Re-read (..) using your own words explain (..) [3]
• Three ideas (development can be counted as one idea in some cases; developing is smart)
• Complex inference is required.
, 3
Summary task: this task requires candidates to respond to Text B.
Candidates answer a selective summary task in their own words.
Candidates write their summary as continuous writing of no more than 120 words.
This question tests the following reading assessment objectives (10 marks):
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R5 select and use information for specific purposes.
This question also tests the following writing assessment objectives (5 marks):
W2 organize and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect
W3 use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context.
Process of Summarising 1(f):
, 4
Summary Discourse Markers:
Top Tips:
• If asked to summarise two ideas, lift 7+ phrases for one & 7+ phrases for the other.
• If asked to summarise one idea, lift 15 phrase and merge any if required.
• You can also read the question first and combine skimming and scanning.
• Make sure that the summary is only 1-2 paragraphs and is strictly within the word limit.
• Use discourse markers wisely and maintain a controlled and formal style.
• Maintain the perspective of the text and SPaG accuracy.
• You may only lift the terms that are field related jargon or statistics.
• The beginning of an ideas summary may have a one line that overarches the idea.
• Sequence/structure ideas logically (plan+), two ideas if merged would be 1 content mark.
Look at the samples section for a high marked response.
Consolidated guide document for Paper 1 and Paper 2; inclusive of sample responses
Dhruv CV
Assessment Objectives (Skills)
Paper 1 Reading: (80 marks) and 50% weightage
• Candidates answer three compulsory questions on three texts which are on a similar topic.
• Candidates write all their answers in the space provided on the question paper.
• Texts A & B will be 700–750 words in length and Text C will be 500–650 words in length.
• Candidates should spend approximately 10 minutes reading the texts.
• The texts will be printed on the question paper insert.
• Dictionaries may not be used.
• Suggested timings and order of work:
Reading of text C: approximately 5 minutes (read carefully)
Question 2 writers effects: 25 minutes and Question 2 S.A.Q: 10 minutes
Question 3 extended writing: 40 minutes
Reading of text B: approximately 2 ½ minutes and Question 1 summary task: 20 minutes
Reading of text A: approximately 2 ½ minutes and Question 1 comprehension: 15 minutes.
= 120 minutes (2 hours)
, 2
Question 1 Comprehension and summary tasks (30 marks)
Comprehension task: this task requires candidates to respond to Text A.
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions. These include short answers testing
understanding of both explicit and implicit meanings.
This question tests the following reading assessment objectives (15 marks):
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R5 select and use information for specific purposes.
Sub-Question Strategies:
(a) Give two examples (..) [1]
Lift information directly from the text (no need to put it into your own words).
(b)(i)–(ii) Using your own words, explain what the text means by (..) [2] + [2]
Use your own words:
• Be sure to include an explanation for each strand in the phrase for full marks
• It's suggested to break down the phrase word-by-word (explain well but concisely)
• Can include further contextual detail to be clearer.
(c) Re-read (..) give two reasons / identify two ways (..) [2]
Taken from the text with mild inference; the response should be concise and should relate to
the task at hand.
(d)(i) Re-read (..) identify two / give two (..) [2]
Taken from the text with mild inference; the response should be concise and should relate to
the task at hand.
(d)(ii) Re-read (..) explain why (..) [3]
Rewording predominantly required: • Three direct reasons • Inference is mildly required.
(e) Re-read (..) using your own words explain (..) [3]
• Three ideas (development can be counted as one idea in some cases; developing is smart)
• Complex inference is required.
, 3
Summary task: this task requires candidates to respond to Text B.
Candidates answer a selective summary task in their own words.
Candidates write their summary as continuous writing of no more than 120 words.
This question tests the following reading assessment objectives (10 marks):
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R5 select and use information for specific purposes.
This question also tests the following writing assessment objectives (5 marks):
W2 organize and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect
W3 use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context.
Process of Summarising 1(f):
, 4
Summary Discourse Markers:
Top Tips:
• If asked to summarise two ideas, lift 7+ phrases for one & 7+ phrases for the other.
• If asked to summarise one idea, lift 15 phrase and merge any if required.
• You can also read the question first and combine skimming and scanning.
• Make sure that the summary is only 1-2 paragraphs and is strictly within the word limit.
• Use discourse markers wisely and maintain a controlled and formal style.
• Maintain the perspective of the text and SPaG accuracy.
• You may only lift the terms that are field related jargon or statistics.
• The beginning of an ideas summary may have a one line that overarches the idea.
• Sequence/structure ideas logically (plan+), two ideas if merged would be 1 content mark.
Look at the samples section for a high marked response.
