IGCSE Language A

Summary writing (Q3)

Question 3 is worth 25 marks - the biggest single mark chunk in Paper 1. Fifteen marks are for reading (the points you find) and ten are for writing (how concisely and clearly you express them).

How the 25 marks split

Reading skills - 15 marks

Content points

One mark per relevant idea identified from Texts A and C. Top candidates identify around 15 distinct points.

Writing skills - 10 marks

Style, structure, own words

Level 5 (9-10 marks): concise, fluent, cohesive, consistently in your own words. No lifting.

Five-step method

1. Read the question first

Underline the focus (e.g. "dangers of mountaineering" or "reasons people volunteer"). Only content about the focus counts.

2. Point-spot

Read Texts A and C with your pen in hand. Underline every discrete piece of relevant information. Aim for 20 points so you have room to cut.

3. Group and rewrite

On rough paper, write each point in your own words as a short phrase. Group similar points together so you avoid repetition.

4. Build the paragraph

Write ONE continuous paragraph of about 250 words. Use formal, neutral language. No quotation, no opinion, no introduction.

5. Check the count

Underline every point you think you have made. If you cannot find 15, add more detail. If you are over 250 words, cut filler.

Do and don't

These habits push you to Level 5.

Use your own words wherever possible
Write in formal, neutral prose
Connect points with: also, in addition, furthermore, similarly, equally
Write a single long paragraph
Stay within 240-260 words
Cover points from BOTH texts

Don't

These habits cap you in Level 2-3.

Do not quote directly from the passages
Do not include your own opinion or evaluation
Do not repeat the same point in different words
Do not give a long introduction or conclusion
Do not add examples the writer did not give
Do not use subheadings, bullet points or lists

Worked opening - dangers of urban cycling

Imagine the question asks for the dangers faced by city cyclists. Here is an opening that covers six points in about 70 words:

City cyclists face busy roads where lorries and buses struggle to see them, especially at junctions. Poorly maintained cycle lanes leave riders vulnerable to potholes and sudden diversions. Motor traffic produces pollution that harms riders' lungs over time. Drivers who are distracted or impatient increase the risk of collisions, and inadequate lighting after dark makes cyclists harder to spot.

Notice: no quotation, no opinion, every sentence a new point, and the phrasing is the student's own.

Paper 1 hub

IGCSE Language A

Summary writing (Q3)

Question 3 is worth 25 marks - the biggest single mark chunk in Paper 1. Fifteen marks are for reading (the points you find) and ten are for writing (how concisely and clearly you express them).

How the 25 marks split

Reading skills - 15 marks

Content points

One mark per relevant idea identified from Texts A and C. Top candidates identify around 15 distinct points.

Writing skills - 10 marks

Style, structure, own words

Level 5 (9-10 marks): concise, fluent, cohesive, consistently in your own words. No lifting.

Five-step method

1. Read the question first

Underline the focus (e.g. "dangers of mountaineering" or "reasons people volunteer"). Only content about the focus counts.

2. Point-spot

Read Texts A and C with your pen in hand. Underline every discrete piece of relevant information. Aim for 20 points so you have room to cut.

3. Group and rewrite

On rough paper, write each point in your own words as a short phrase. Group similar points together so you avoid repetition.

4. Build the paragraph

Write ONE continuous paragraph of about 250 words. Use formal, neutral language. No quotation, no opinion, no introduction.

5. Check the count

Underline every point you think you have made. If you cannot find 15, add more detail. If you are over 250 words, cut filler.

Do and don't

These habits push you to Level 5.

Use your own words wherever possible
Write in formal, neutral prose
Connect points with: also, in addition, furthermore, similarly, equally
Write a single long paragraph
Stay within 240-260 words
Cover points from BOTH texts

Don't

These habits cap you in Level 2-3.

Do not quote directly from the passages
Do not include your own opinion or evaluation
Do not repeat the same point in different words
Do not give a long introduction or conclusion
Do not add examples the writer did not give
Do not use subheadings, bullet points or lists

Worked opening - dangers of urban cycling

Imagine the question asks for the dangers faced by city cyclists. Here is an opening that covers six points in about 70 words:

Notice: no quotation, no opinion, every sentence a new point, and the phrasing is the student's own.

Your Hub

Your Hub

Summary writing (Q3)

How the 25 marks split

Content points

Style, structure, own words

Five-step method

Do and don't

Worked opening - dangers of urban cycling

Summary writing (Q3)

How the 25 marks split

Content points

Style, structure, own words

Five-step method

Do and don't

Worked opening - dangers of urban cycling