Answering the Question 2: Short Answer Questions | English Language for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

Paper 1: Reading is the mandatory exam in the CIE IGCSE. It is recommended by CIE examiners to address the questions in the sequence they are provided. Question 2 consists of two parts: a short-answer section (2a-c) and a language analysis section (2d). Both segments are centered around Text C in your reading material.
The following instructions will equip you with the necessary knowledge to respond to Question 2 (Short-answer questions) proficiently. It covers:

• Guidance for answering Short-answer questions
• Tips for achieving a high standard in responding
• Examples illustrating effective responses
• Importance of thorough understanding of Text C

Overview

For this task, you will respond to a series of sub-questions about Text C. These sub-questions will require answers of different lengths and test your understanding of the meaning of words and phrases used in Text C, as well as the effect they have on the reader. 
These sub-questions are worth 10 marks in total and are broken down as follows:

Breaking down the questions

For short-answer questions, there will be seven sub-questions. It's crucial to carefully read each question and identify:

• The command words (instructions)
• The focus of each question (what to search for in the text)
• The allocated marks for each question (indicating the required length of response).

For example (taken from the June 2022 exam paper):

Steps to Success

Following these steps will give you a strategy for effectively answering questions:

• Read the question and highlight:
  • The command words (what you are instructed to do)
  • The focus of the question (the words or phrases you have to look for in the text)
  • When highlighting, take note of the marks given for each sub-question
• Scan Text C and highlight the evidence that answers the question, or the words or phrases you need to explain:
  • Remember that there may be more than one answer - make sure your answer provides what the question instructions have asked for
• Write your answers according to the question instructions:
  • If the question asks you to explain each of the words underlined, make sure that you give an answer for each one.
  • If the question asks you to use your own words, then make sure you do not repeat words from the text.
  • Check how many marks are awarded for each question, and tailor your answers accordingly.
    • For Question 2(c), 3 marks tells you that you should make three distinct points.
• Examiners are looking for you to select an appropriate example and provide a comprehensive explanation which shows that you understand how the writer gets their message or point across.
  • One approach is to analyze the meanings behind specific phrases and the writer's intent in using them.
  • It's worth examining the rationale behind the writer's punctuation choices in certain phrases or sentences.
  • Ultimately, it's essential to delve deeper into the text to uncover the writer's underlying message or intention.

You are encouraged to spend a maximum of 15 minutes on this exercise, including reading time.

Exam Tips

• Carefully review the directive terms and paragraph citations provided in the instructions.
• Avoid excessive elaboration or paraphrasing where unnecessary.
• Ensure clarity in distinguishing between when to use original wording and when to interpret in your own words, as guided by the task instructions.
• Refrain from including extraneous information or speculative responses.
  • In Question 2(a)(i-v), provide concise answers, typically involving a single word or phrase rather than entire sentences.
  • In Question 2(b)(i-iii), analyze the specific connotations of each word within its contextual usage.
  • Avoid redundant repetition of the word being analyzed.
  • In Question 2(c), focus on selecting and elucidating a single example initially, followed by an exploration of its implications.
  • Present three distinct observations regarding the chosen example.
• Remember, the assessment targets your capacity to scrutinize the writer's emotional expression, encompassing linguistic choices and structural elements of the text.