How to Answer Question 1: Summary

Paper 1: Reading is a compulsory exam in the CIE IGCSE, and CIE examiners advise completing the questions in the order they appear. 

Question 1 is divided into two parts: a comprehension task and a summary task. The summary task is based on Text B from your reading insert.

 

This guide will give you the key information needed to answer Question 1: Summary effectively and to a high standard.

 

Overview

For this task, you will answer one question based on Text B. The question will assess your ability to:

• Understand both explicit and implicit meanings and ideas in a text.
• Select and use information for a specific purpose.
• Organise and structure your ideas clearly in writing.
• Use a range of suitable vocabulary and sentence structures.
• Write accurately, ensuring correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

 

The question is worth a total of 15 marks and is divided as follows:

 

Question	Assessment Objective tested	What this means	Marks
1(f) - reading objectives	R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings   R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes   R5: select and use information for specific purposes	Use both explicit and implicit information from Text B to support your answer.	10
1(f) - writing objectives	W2: organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect   W3: use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context   W5: make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar	Write a summary of no more than 120 words in your own words and full sentences, explaining what you learn about the question's focus from the text.	5

 

Below is an example of the Question from the June 2022 paper:

 

 

 

 

Steps to Success

Following these steps will help you develop an effective strategy for answering this question:

 

1. Read the question carefully and highlight:
   • The command words (what you are asked to do).
   • The focus of the question (the words or phrases you need to find in the text).
   • When highlighting, pay attention to the word count guidance and ensure you are using the correct text (Text B).
2. Scan Text B and highlight the relevant evidence that answers the question:
   • In the example above, this would include anything that explains why Jayden Dee wanted to take part in the Tough Mudder event.
   • Ignore irrelevant information:
     • In the example above, if the question focuses on ‘reasons why,’ disregard any ‘reasons why not.
3. Plan your answer before you start writing:
   • Use bullet points for this.
   • Ensure each bullet point presents a distinct and complete idea (avoid repetition).
4. Write your answer according to the question instructions:
   • Do not copy whole paragraphs from the text or use long quotes.
   • Summarise in your own words as much as possible.
   • Remember, not all information will be explicit (obvious):
     • You will need to make inferences or read between the lines.
5. Re-read your answer when finished to check:
   • It answers the question.
   • It makes sense.
   • It is accurate (correct any obvious spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes).

 

You are advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on this question (including reading time).

 

The full June 2022 exam paper is available here