Answering the Question 1: Summary | English Language for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

How to Answer Question 1: Summary

Paper 1: Reading is a mandatory exam in the CIE IGCSE, and it is advisable to answer the questions in the given sequence. Question 1 consists of two parts: a comprehension task and a summary task. The summary task is usually based on Text B from your reading material.
The subsequent guide furnishes essential details to help you respond to Question 1: Summary proficiently. It encompasses:

• An outline of Question 1: Summary
• Key strategies for success
• Useful examination tips

Overview

For this assignment, you will answer one question regarding Text B. This question will evaluate your comprehension of both explicit and implicit meanings and concepts within a text, as well as your capability to extract and utilize information for particular objectives. Additionally, it will assess your aptitude to organize and structure your ideas in writing, employ a diverse range of appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures, and write with precision, demonstrating correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
The question is valued at a total of 15 marks and is subdivided as follows:

The question, taken from the June 2022 exam paper, looks like this:

Steps to success

Following these steps will provide you with a strategy for effectively answering this question:

• Read the question and highlight:
  • Command words (instructions)
  • Focus of the question (specific words or phrases to look for in Text B)
  • Word count guidance and ensure you refer to Text B
• Scan Text B and highlight evidence:
  • Identify information that addresses the question, such as reasons why Jayden Dee wanted to participate in the Tough Mudder event
• Disregard irrelevant information:
  • Focus solely on reasons why Jayden Dee wanted to participate, ignoring any reasons why not
• Plan your answer:
  • Use bullet points to outline distinct and complete ideas
  • Ensure each bullet point contributes uniquely to your response
• Write your answers:
  • Avoid copying entire paragraphs or using direct quotes from the text
  • Summarize using your own words as much as possible
• Consider implicit information:
  • Be prepared to make inferences or read between the lines
• Review your answer:
  • Ensure it directly addresses the question, makes sense, and is accurate
  • Correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors
• Time management:
  • Aim to complete the question within 20 minutes, including reading time

By adhering to these steps, you can effectively tackle the question and provide a well-structured and accurate response.

Exam tips

Here are some exam tips to keep in mind:

• Carefully read the command words and the question:
  • Understand the task requirements thoroughly.
  • Ensure coverage of a variety of ideas from the text relevant to the question's focus.
• Write your response in paragraph form:
  • Express ideas clearly, fluently, and concisely.
  • Explain concepts in a manner understandable to someone unfamiliar with the text.
• Avoid direct copying or excessive quoting from the text:
  • This isn't a language analysis question.
• Refrain from repeating the same idea multiple times:
  • Each idea can only be credited once.
• Use Standard English, adjusting for formality if necessary:
  • Adapt the language style to match the tone of the text.
• Start your answer promptly, focusing directly on the question:
  • Skip unnecessary introductions to save time.
• Highlight diverse ideas from various parts of the text as you read:
  • Rearrange them efficiently for clarity.
  • You're not bound to follow the text's sequence.
• Consider making a brief, bulleted plan before writing:
  • Helps structure your response effectively.
• Maintain an appropriate length:
  • Aim for around 120 words, approximately half a page of A4 paper in average handwriting.