Question 2 Short-Answer Questions: Model Answers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language)

Revision Note

Deb Orrock

Written by: Deb Orrock

Reviewed by: Kate Lee

Question 2 Short-Answer Questions: Model Answers

Question 2 is split into two tasks: a short-answer task and a language analysis task. Both tasks will be based on Text C in your reading insert, and are designed to test your ability to select and interpret what you read appropriately.

The following guide will demonstrate how to answer the Question 2: Short-answer questions from the June 2022 exam paper.

Text C (June 2022)

The following is Text C taken from the June 2022 exam paper. It is about a writer’s experience of supporting her husband’s training to compete in an endurance athletics event, and contains both the explicit and implicit information you will need in order to answer the questions.

CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 Text C endurance events
CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 Text C endurance
CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 Text C endurance

Question 2(a-c) model answers

Question 2(a) is broken down into four sub-questions, and will ask you to identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined.

When looking for words or phrases in the text that suggest the same as the words underlined in the question, it is important to look for what other clues you are given in the text.

For example:

CIE IGCSE English Language text c with label highlighting where to find an answer

Question 2(b) will ask you to explain, in your own words, what the writer means by certain words underlined in the text. You should therefore find and highlight the words in the text, and then explain their meaning in context. For example:

CIE IGCSE English Language question 2 text c with label showing where to find an answer

Question 2(c) will ask you to choose one example from the text to explain how the writer conveys something to the reader. For this question, again locate the passage in the context of the whole text. Make sure, in your answer, that it is clear which example from the text you are using, and then make three separate points about it. Do not waste time writing in long paragraphs when three short sentences will do.

CIE IGCSE English Language q2 text c with label showing where to find an answer

Summary

  • Remember to read each sub-question carefully and highlight:

    • What you have to do

    • What you have to look for in the text (the focus of the question)

  • Pay attention to the number of marks awarded for each sub-question and write your answers accordingly

  • Make sure you find and highlight the words and phrases in the text:

    • This will ensure that you are explaining them in the correct context

  • If the question asks you to use your own words, most of your answer needs to be in your own words; you must not just copy from the text

  • These are short-answer questions, so do not waste time writing paragraphs when short sentences will do:

    • Writing more will not get you more marks - the examiner can only award the amount of marks allocated to each sub-question

The full June 2022 exam paper is available here.

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

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 most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

Kate Lee

Author: Kate Lee

Expertise: English and Languages Lead

Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.