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UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS
CAIE IGCSE
FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Amina for personal use only.
CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH
1. Read the Question Carefully:
1. Reading Comprehension Highlight action words like "find" or "explain" to
know what to do.
When working on reading comprehension, keep your Note what the question is about and how many
answers short and direct. Focus on the main points quickly. marks it's worth.
Don't spend too much time on these questions, and avoid 2. Scan the Text:
adding extra details that might confuse your answer. Highlight relevant parts that answer the
question.
Some questions may need more than one
1.1. Task Overview answer.
3. Write Your Answers:
You'll answer several sub-questions about a text. These
Provide the exact number of examples or
questions check how well you understand both clear
points asked for.
(explicit) and hidden (implicit) meanings, and how you pick
Use your own words when instructed; don't copy
out information from the text. The questions total 15 marks,
from the text.
divided like this:
Adjust your answer length based on the marks.
Question 1(a): Find two specific pieces of information 4. Consider the Context:
from the text. (1 mark) When explaining phrases, think about their
Question 1(b)(i): Explain what a word or phrase means meaning in the text.
in your own words. (2 marks) Be ready to make inferences or read between the
Question 1(b)(ii): Explain a word or phrase with a lines for hidden meanings.
deeper meaning. (2 marks)
Question 1(c): Find two specific pieces of information 1.3. Exam Tips
from the text. (2 marks)
Question 1(d)(i): Find two specific pieces of information Follow Instructions Exactly:
from the text. (2 marks) Pay attention to action words and any specific
Question 1(d)(ii): Make three points to explain paragraphs mentioned.
something from the text. (3 marks) Only use the sections specified; information from
Question 1(e): Explain something from the text in your elsewhere won't earn marks.
own words, making three points. (3 marks) Be Concise and Relevant:
Don't write long explanations if not needed.
1.2. Steps for Success Avoid adding unnecessary information or guesses.
Answer in Order:
Go through the sub-questions one by one to stay
organized.
Explain Fully:
When explaining a phrase, cover the whole phrase,
not just individual words.
Time:
Allocate around 15-20 minutes for this task, and
move on if you don't complete it in this much time-
since the other questions have a greater weightage in
marks.
2. Steps to write the
summary.
[Link] Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is
authorised for personal use only by Amina at Shanghai Zeolym High School on 22/10/24.
CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH
1. Understand the Question Plan in Your Own Words
Read the question carefully and highlight key Make notes using your own language.
words. Be Concise
Remember, you're summarizing a specific part of Keep your summary brief and to the point.
the text, not the whole passage. Note Trends and Connections
Determine what information you need to include. Mention any patterns you observe.
2. Read the Passage Thoroughly Connect ideas logically where possible.
Re-read the text to find relevant points. Use a Formal, Impersonal Style
Focus closely; avoid skimming. Write objectively without personal opinions.
Highlight or underline important details. Include Key Words from the Question
3. Select and Count Key Points This helps keep your summary focused.
Review your highlighted points to ensure they're Vary Sentence Structures
relevant. Avoid compound sentences; mix simple and complex
Aim for about 15 key points; if you have fewer, sentences.
read the passage again. Limit Adjectives and Adverbs
4. Organize Your Ideas Use descriptive words only when necessary.
Identify similar points that can be linked together. Avoid Repetition
Group related ideas into categories if possible. Do not repeat information or ideas.
5. Write Your Summary Use Your Own Words
Compose your summary using the organized Paraphrase the content instead of copying directly.
points. Keep Language Simple
After writing, proofread for grammar errors and Use straightforward vocabulary; clarity is key.
remove any unnecessary repetition. Structure Well
Organize your summary for easy understanding.
2.1. Formatting DON'T EXCEED THE WORD LIMIT
The examiner will not check anything past the word
No Introduction or Conclusion limit- so make sure that you stay in the word limit-
Write your summary as one single paragraph. otherwise points you could have got would be lost!!
2.2. Tips 2.3. Steps
1. Select Key Phrases
Pick three strong phrases from each paragraph.
Choose ones you can explain well.
2. Grasp the Overall Effect
Consider the atmosphere or mood.
What feelings or adjectives come to mind?
3. Analyze the Evidence
Identify the literary techniques used.
Think about the effect they have.
Ask why the writer chose these—what's their
intent?
2.4. Analysis Template
You might structure your analysis like this:
[Link] Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is
authorised for personal use only by Amina at Shanghai Zeolym High School on 22/10/24.
CAIE IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH
"The overall effect of the language creates an image of
[abstract nouns and adjectives]. The writer uses Use short quotes that fit smoothly into your sentences.
[technique], describing "[insert your quote]". This creates Connect your ideas with words like "also" or
an effect of [explain the effect]." "furthermore."
Use different analytical verbs from the table.
Dive deep into the meanings and associations of words.
2.5. Formatting Your Response
Write two main paragraphs, one for each paragraph 2.11. Things to Avoid
you're analyzing.
Vague Comments
Repetition
2.6. Analytical Verbs to Use Explaining Words Only
Ignoring Writer's Intent
Here's a table of verbs that can help you express your Overlooking Reader Impact
analysis:
Verbs
shows uses demonstrates
articulates conveys depicts
explores exposes illustrates
presents employs amplifies
builds up deepens emphasizes
enhances exaggerates highlights
intensifies underlines hints at
implies suggests signifies
clarifies solidifies verifies
2.7. Discussing Connotations and
Associations
Talk about how a word or phrase brings certain ideas or
feelings to mind.
Example: "Red roses, which connote love and
romantic relationships."
2.8. Talking About Diction
Focus on the author's choice of words.
Example: "The writer uses negative words like
'mundane' and 'dull' to create a sense of boredom."
2.9. Elements to Look For
Vocabulary and word choice
Literary devices (like similes and metaphors)
Sensory details
Imagery
Sound effects (like onomatopoeia)
Contrasting details
Punctuation
Structure and sentence length (if relevant)
2.10. Tips
[Link] Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is
authorised for personal use only by Amina at Shanghai Zeolym High School on 22/10/24.
CAIE IGCSE
First Language English
© ZNotes Education Ltd. & ZNotes Foundation 2024. All rights reserved.
This version was created by Amina on 07/10/24 for strictly personal use only.
These notes have been created by Shrey Agarwal and Reyansh Roy for the 2023-2025 syllabus.
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