Paper 2 Directed Writing and Composition: Overview
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Paper 2: Overview
- Paper 2 is the optional second exam paper for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English.
- Paper 1 is compulsory; you either take Paper 2 or complete a coursework portfolio.
- The exam is 2 hours long and worth 80 marks.
- You must answer Question 1 and one question from Section B.
- Both sections are worth 40 marks, so divide your time equally.
- You will be given an insert containing one or two texts.
- Total marks for writing = 65; total marks for reading = 15.
Section A: Directed Writing (40 marks)
- This section is compulsory and based on the reading texts in the insert.
- It is divided into two parts: Question 1(a) and Question 1(b).
- Question 1(a) is a short-answer task worth 5 marks.
- Question 1(b) is a directed writing task worth 35 marks (10 reading, 25 writing).
- For 1(b), you write a discursive, argumentative or persuasive response based on the texts.
- The word count for 1(b) is 250–350 words.
- Formats for 1(b) are: speech, letter, article or report.
- You must evaluate and develop information from the texts, using an appropriate voice and register.
Section B: Composition (40 marks)
- You choose one question from a list of four.
- There are no reading texts for this section; it tests creative writing.
- Two questions are descriptive (Questions 2 or 3).
- Two questions are narrative (Questions 4 or 5).
- Descriptive tasks ask you to describe a scene, atmosphere or object, using sensory details and imagery.
- Narrative tasks ask you to write a story based on a title or an opening sentence, focusing on plot, characterisation, structure and setting.
- Recommended word limit for both is 350–450 words.
- Each composition is worth 40 marks: 16 for content and structure, 24 for style and accuracy.
What Skills Are Assessed
- The exam assesses two main Assessment Objectives: AO2 Writing and AO1 Reading.
- Because Paper 2 is primarily a writing exam, the majority of marks come from AO2 Writing (65 marks).
- AO1 Reading (15 marks) is tested in Section A only.
- AO2 requires you to write accurately and effectively, using Standard English appropriately.
- AO1 requires you to read and respond in different ways to different types of text.
AO2: Writing (65 marks)
- W1: Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined — write convincingly to convey real and imagined experiences, thoughts and feelings.
- W2: Organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect — sequence and connect ideas effectively to interest and influence your reader.
- W3: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context — use a range deliberately to achieve certain effects.
- W4: Use register appropriate to context — vary your writing to suit the purpose, audience and form of the task.
- W5: Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar — write accurately, avoiding errors.
AO1: Reading (15 marks)
- R1: Demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings — show you understand the obvious meanings communicated in a text. Tested in Question 1(b).
- R2: Demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes — recognise hints and suggestions to understand hidden meanings and the writer's attitudes. Tested in Question 1(b).
- R3: Analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text — refer to supporting evidence such as quotations or references. Tested in Questions 1(a) and 1(b).
- R4: Demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers — consider the deliberate choices a writer has made and why. Tested in Question 1(a).
- R5: Select and use information for specific purposes — select relevant and appropriate information from a text to answer different questions. Tested in Question 1(b).
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Übungsfragen
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1.How long is the Paper 2 exam?
Easy- A1 hour
- B1 hour 30 minutes
- C2 hours
- D2 hours 30 minutes
2.How many marks is Paper 2 worth in total?
Easy- A40
- B65
- C80
- D100
3.In Paper 2, how many marks are awarded for reading?
Easy- A5
- B10
- C15
- D25
4.Which section of Paper 2 is compulsory?
Easy- ASection A: Directed Writing
- BSection B: Composition
- CBoth sections
- DNeither section
5.In Question 1(b), what is the recommended word count for your response?
Medium- A150–250 words
- B250–350 words
- C350–450 words
- D500–600 words
6.Which of the following is NOT one of the formats listed for Question 1(b)?
Medium- Aspeech
- Bletter
- Carticle
- Dpoem
7.In Section B, how many questions do you choose from?
Medium- AOne from two
- BOne from three
- COne from four
- DOne from five
8.Question 1(a) is a short-answer question that asks you to evaluate a writer's or character's attitude. How many marks is it worth?
Medium- A5
- B10
- C25
- D35
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