IGCSE+Reading

Back to IGCSE: Grade 9 and 10

1&1⁄2 hours, 65 marks

All candidates must attempt all three sections.

There are a variety of question types on the Reading and Directed Writing Paper. These include objective questions, e.g. multiple-choice, box-ticking, matching exercises, grid filling. Other question types require candidates to write short answers in the target language.

The reading exercises are designed to test comprehension skills. Where candidates are required to produce written answers in the target language, they are **not penalised for incorrect or inaccurate language** unless it makes their answers ambiguous. It is important that they **write briefly, relevantly and concisely**. Provided that answers are unambiguous, long answers in full sentences are often not required. Candidates should be encouraged to **paraphrase and manipulate the language in order to answer questions appropriately**. They are unlikely to gain marks if they simply copy large chunks from the stimulus material, with no attempt to select what is relevant.

The two writing tasks are designed to reward candidates more for their skill in **transmitting a message** Answers written in any language other than that being tested are ignored.
 * than for the accuracy of their language**. Material which is irrelevant to the set tasks does not score marks.
 * Minus marks are never used**: candidates are given every opportunity to gain marks for what they can do.

• Exercise 1 (5 marks): **multiple-choice** questions relating to **signs, notices, advertisements, etc.** • Exercises 2 and 3 (10 marks): objective questions testing specific detail relating to **brochures, guides,** • Exercise 4 (5 marks): a simple directed writing task in the form of **a message, note or postcard**. A **maximum of 40 words is required**. 3 marks are available for Communication and 2 marks for Appropriateness of Language.
 * Section 1 (20 marks)**
 * short texts, etc.**

• Exercise 1 (10 marks): one text with questions testing **general understanding**, e.g. identifying the main points. • Exercise 2 (15 marks): a **directed writing task**. **80–100 words in total are required**. 10 marks are available for Communication and 5 marks for Quality of Language.
 * Section 2 (25 marks)**

Exercises 1 and 2 (20 marks): **two longer texts** with questions testing **general and specific**
 * Section 3 (20 marks)**
 * comprehension**. Questions may also require candidates to **identify attitudes, emotions and ideas, the**
 * main points or themes, and to make inferences and draw conclusions.**