How to Revise for IGCSE English Language: Tactics That Work

Revising for IGCSE English Language can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can improve your skills and boost your confidence. As an experienced English teacher with almost 20 years of teaching English at all levels, I have seen first-hand what works when preparing students for their exams. 

The following guide will walk you through 10 key tactics to help you revise effectively for your IGCSE English Language exams. Whether you’re sitting Cambridge CIE, Edexcel or Oxford International AQA exams, these strategies will help you prepare effectively and perform at your best.

Understand the exam structure

Before you start revising, make sure you understand what your exam includes. Different exam boards have slightly different formats, but most IGCSE English Language exams assess:

• Reading comprehension: analysing and responding to fiction and non-fiction texts

• Writing tasks: producing descriptive, narrative, or argumentative pieces

• Summarising: identifying key points and paraphrasing effectively

• Language and structure analysis: examining how writers use techniques to create meaning

I’ve seen many students struggle with timing in the reading sections of the exams because they aren’t familiar with the structure. Looking at past papers early in your revision will help you avoid this problem, as the question types will always be the same. 

If you know what to expect from each question, you can concentrate on working with the source texts more efficiently and effectively.

Use the mark scheme to your advantage

Understanding how examiners mark your work can significantly improve your grades. Focus on:

• Assessment objectives (AOs): these outline what examiners are looking for in your responses

• Command words: words like analyse, evaluate, and compare tell you how to approach a question

• Model answers: looking at top-band responses can help you see what makes a strong answer

Many students overlook the importance of the mark scheme. I encouraged my students to practise self-marking their answers, and other people’s answers, using examiner reports — it’s a great way to understand what works and what doesn’t.

Create a revision schedule

A well-structured revision timetable helps you stay on track and cover all areas before your exams.

• Prioritise weak areas first: if you struggle with imaginative or creative writing, dedicate more time to it

• Set realistic goals: break revision into manageable chunks

• Mix up your revision: rotate between analysing language, reading for inference, and writing

• Use active recall: test yourself on language techniques and writing structure

The best students I’ve taught have used revision timetables effectively. A well planned schedule prevents last-minute cramming and reduces stress. 

For more help on creating a revision schedule, check out our article on creating a perfect revision timetable, including a template you can download.

Practise reading comprehension skills

Success in IGCSE English Language depends on your ability to understand and analyse unseen texts. To improve:

• Read a variety of texts: fiction, newspaper articles, speeches, and travel writing all appear in exams

• Annotate effectively: underline key points, identify techniques and, most importantly, ask yourself why the writer has used it

• Summarise paragraphs: this builds your ability to identify main ideas quickly

• Answer past paper questions: time yourself to simulate exam conditions

I always advise students to read high-quality journalism (e.g. The Guardian or BBC News) to improve comprehension and vocabulary.

Master writing techniques

Strong writing skills can make a huge difference to your final grade. For each type of writing you may be asked to produce, work on:

The best way to improve writing is by practising little and often. I always encouraged my students to practise writing one paragraph at a time, rather than repeatedly trying to write an entire piece. Then, go back and re-read to see what improvements you can make.

Learn key language techniques

Examiners expect you to recognise and analyse language and structural techniques in reading tasks. Some key techniques include:

• Metaphors and similes compare ideas for vivid imagery

• Alliteration and assonance create rhythm and emphasis

• Repetition reinforces key points or themes

• Sentence structure variation: short sentences for impact; long sentences for detail

• Tone and register: consider how language choices affect formality and mood

For a comprehensive list of all the language techniques you could ever need to know, check our list of 127 literary devices to save your exams. 

Remember, examiners do not want you to simply “feature spot”. This is when a student identifies a technique used, without analysing why the writer might have used that technique and what effect it has. The why is always more important than the what.

Revise with past papers

Practising past exam questions is one of the best ways to prepare. Focus on:

• Understanding question types: recognising patterns helps you plan answers quickly

• Timing yourself: simulate real exam conditions. Put a timer on your phone

• Self-marking with the mark scheme: identify areas for improvement

• Rewriting weak answers: this helps you refine your technique

I always tell students that exam practice is about quality, not quantity — one well analysed past paper is more valuable than rushing through five without reflection. Here at Save My Exams, we have past papers available for the following IGCSE English Language courses:

• Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language Past Papers

• Edexcel IGCSE English Language Past Papers

• Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language Past Papers

Use active revision techniques

Passive revision (just reading notes) isn’t very effective. Instead, try:

• Mind maps: link themes, techniques, and examples

• Flashcards: test yourself on key definitions and techniques

• Practice writing: even short paragraphs will help develop fluency

• Peer testing: get a friend or family member to quiz you

Research shows that active recall is one of the most effective study methods — so don’t just read, test yourself!

Get feedback on your writing

Improving your writing is easier when you get feedback. Ask for help from:

• Teachers: they can mark practice essays and suggest improvements

• Study groups: peer reviewing each other’s work helps you learn

One of the biggest mistakes students make is only writing practice essays without getting feedback. Even small tweaks can make a big difference in your final grade.

Stay calm and confident

Revision can feel stressful, but staying positive will help you perform better.

• Take breaks: don’t revise for hours without resting

• Stay active: exercise helps reduce stress and improves focus

• Sleep well: a tired brain won’t retain information

• Stay hydrated and eat well: your brain needs fuel to function properly

The best students I’ve taught aren’t necessarily the smartest — they’re the ones who stay consistent and manage stress well. For more tips to manage stress, check out our free Exam Anxiety Relief Kit.

The key to doing well in IGCSE English Language is regular practice, understanding what examiners are looking for, and staying confident. Follow these strategies, and you’ll be in a strong position to achieve your best grade.

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

At Save My Exams, we have made sure that our revision notes are always aligned with the specific exam board (and exam questions) that you will be studying for.

Explore our IGCSE English Language Revision Resources