How to Answer Question 3: Extended Response (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language)
Revision Note
Written by: Deb Orrock
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
How to Answer Question 3: Extended Response
Paper 1: Reading is the compulsory exam in your IGCSE, and CIE examiners recommend that you complete the questions in the order they are set. By the time you reach Question 3, you should already be familiar with Text C, upon which this question is based.
The following guide will provide you with the information you need to answer Question 3: Extended response with confidence.
Overview
For this task, you will be asked to produce a piece of writing in a particular format, based on what you have read in Text C. You may be asked to write in one of six possible formats (genres):
A letter
A report
A journal entry
A speech
An interview
An article
You are advised to write about 250 to 350 words, which means between one and one and a half sides of A4 in standard handwriting. There are 25 marks available for this extended response: up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 10 marks are available for the quality of your writing. You are being tested on both reading and writing assessment objectives, as follows:
15 marks:
R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R3: analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text
10 marks:
W1: articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2: organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect
W3: use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context
W4: use register appropriate to context
W5: make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar
This means, in order to get the highest marks, you need to:
Select appropriate ideas from the text
Develop them relevantly, demonstrating your thorough evaluation and analysis of the text
Support what you write with details from the text
Write in an appropriate style and tone for the genre (format)
Write a clear, well-sequenced and balanced response which covers the three areas of the question
Write in your own words, sounding confident and consistent
Breaking down the question
Question 3 is quite detailed. It is therefore important that you read the whole of the question and instructions carefully. You should highlight the key information you have given, and start by annotating the text for information that answers each of the three bullet points in the question.
For example (taken from the June 2022 exam paper):
Steps to success
Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:
Read the question and highlight:
The important information in the scenario (in the above example, you are asked to imagine that you are Sam, not the writer)
The format you are being asked to write in (letter, speech, article, etc.)
The important information from each of the three bullet points that you need to include in your answer
Re-read Text C and annotate any references directly relevant to the focus of the first bullet point:
Do the same for the second and third bullet points before you start writing your answer
Start your answer with the first bullet point:
Maintain your focus on the bullet point - avoid the temptation to write about everything or make up information not directly relevant to the bullet point
Ensure you write in the format instructed:
This means that if you are being asked to write up an interview, then you need to use language and a tone appropriate for this style of writing
You can use the three bullet points as sub-headings, if appropriate
Ensure you leave time to edit and correct your response
You are advised to spend no more than 40 minutes on this question (including reading time).
Exam tips
Always remember to base your answer on the ideas and details you find in Text C:
If you write your answer without any reference to Text C, you will score very low marks
Keep the intended audience and purpose of writing in mind throughout your answer:
Maintain a consistent voice and style throughout
Do not invent extra information or details outside of what you read in Text C:
Look for clues and evidence in the text to help you make informed judgements about characters and situations
Give equal attention to each of the three bullet points
Do not copy directly from the text:
You need to use your own words as far as possible to express your ideas
Avoid just repeating details of what happens in the text:
Try to develop your ideas by explaining feelings or commenting from the point of view of the character you are writing as
The full June 2022 exam paper is available here.
For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 3 skills: Extended response to reading revision notes.
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