IGCSE English

In the exam you do not read every word slowly. You change your speed to fit your goal.

Skim first, then scan

• First skim 略读 the text. Read it fast to get the gist 大意 — the general idea. Look at the title, the first line of each paragraph 段落, and any pictures.
• Then scan 扫读 to find one piece of information. Move your eyes quickly down the page. Do not read every word. Stop when you see what you need.
• Use scanning for facts like names, numbers, dates, times and places.

Skim sweeps over everything for the gist; scan jumps straight to one fact

Match the question to the text

• Read the question first. Decide what kind of answer it wants: a name? a number? a reason?
• Predict 预测 the answer before you look. This helps your eyes find it faster.
• Find the part of the text that talks about the same idea. The answer is usually there.

Write short, exact answers

• Here you write a single word or a short phrase 短语, not a full sentence.
• Copy the exact word from the text when you can.
• Answer only what the question asks. Extra words can lose the mark.

A long text is not just a list of facts. The ideas link to each other, and you must follow how.

Multiple matching

• In a multiple matching 多项匹配 task you read several short texts, or several parts of one text.
• Each question describes an idea. You choose the text or part that matches it.
• The words in the question are usually different from the words in the text. Look for the same meaning, not the same words. This is called a paraphrase 改写.

Signal words

• Writers use small words to show how ideas connect. These are signal words 信号词.
• Some show addition 递进 (also, in addition, as well as). Some show contrast 对比 (but, however, although). Some show cause and effect 因果 (because, so, as a result).
• When you notice these words, you can see how the writer's ideas fit together.

The three signal-word families and what they do to ideas

Sometimes you must take the main points out of a text and write them in a short form.

Note-making

• In a note-making 做笔记 task you complete notes under headings.
• Write short notes, not full sentences. A word or a short phrase is enough.
• Choose only the points that fit the heading. Leave out examples and extra detail.

Summary skills

• A summary 概括 gives only the most important ideas, in fewer words.
• Find the key points. Ignore examples, repetition 重复 and small details.
• Use your own words where you can. Do not copy whole sentences.

A summary keeps only the key points, in your own words

Some answers are not written directly in the text. You must work them out. This is called inference 推断.

Implied meaning

• Sometimes the writer implies 暗示 something without saying it openly. The meaning is there, but it is hidden.
• Read the words around the idea. Ask: what does the writer want me to understand here?

The writer's attitude

• The writer's attitude 态度 is how they feel about the topic — for example, excited, worried, or unsure.
• You find the attitude in the writer's word choice 用词. Strong or emotional words show feelings.
• In a multiple-choice 选择题 question about attitude, read all the options. Choose the one that fits the whole text, not just one line.

Unfamiliar words

• You will meet words you do not know. Do not stop.
• Use the context 语境 — the words around it — to guess the meaning of the new word.

• Read the question before the text. Underline the key word: a name? a number? a reason?
• Answers usually come in the same order as the text, so do not hunt backwards for question 1.
• Copy the exact word from the text when you can; a changed word can lose the mark.
• Check how many answers the question wants: "Give TWO reasons" needs two, not one.
• In multiple matching, the text never repeats the question's words. Hunt for the same idea said differently.
• Never leave an empty line. A guess can win a mark; a blank never can.

Before you write, ask two questions: why am I writing, and who will read it?

Know your purpose

• Every writing task has a purpose 目的: to inform 告知, to argue 论证, or to discuss 讨论.
• The purpose decides what you write and how you write it.
• The task tells you the purpose. Read it carefully and underline it.

Know your audience

• The audience 读者 is the person who will read your writing — a friend, a teacher, or an event organiser.
• Write in a way that suits them. You write to a friend in a different way from a teacher.

Choose the right register

• Register 语域 means how formal 正式 or informal 非正式 your language is.
• Use informal language for a friend: short forms (I'm, don't) and friendly words.
• Use formal language for a teacher or a report: full forms (I am, do not) and polite words. No slang 俚语.

Purpose and audience together decide how formal your writing should be

Good writing is not just correct. It is also easy to follow.

Plan before you write

• Spend one minute on a plan 计划. Write down your main ideas and put them in order.
• A plan stops you from forgetting a point or repeating yourself.

A one-minute plan becomes your paragraphs: one idea each, joined by linking words

Use paragraphs

• Put each main idea in its own paragraph 段落.
• Start a new paragraph for a new idea. This makes your writing clear.

Link your ideas

• Use linking words 衔接词 to join your ideas smoothly.
• For adding: in addition, also, as well as. For contrast: however, but, although. For results: so, therefore, as a result.

Language marks come from range 多样性 and accuracy 准确性.

Language marks rest on two pillars: range and accuracy

Show a range

• Use different tenses 时态 and sentence types. Do not write every sentence the same way.
• Use a range of vocabulary 词汇. Choose a better word than the easy one, and use synonyms 同义词 to avoid repeating yourself.

Be accurate

• Check your grammar 语法, spelling 拼写 and punctuation 标点.
• Common errors are subject–verb agreement, verb tenses, and missing capital letters.

Check your work

• Leave one or two minutes to read your work again.
• Look for small mistakes you can fix quickly. Checking can save several marks.

• Before you write, say your job in one line: "an informal email to a friend, to invite him to a picnic".
• Cover every content point in the task. Examiners tick each point; a missing one costs marks at once.
• Learn what 150 to 200 words of your handwriting looks like, so you never count in the exam.
• Save the last five minutes to check your usual errors: verb -s, past forms, a / an / the.
• A short correct sentence beats a long broken one every time.

The first writing task asks you to write an informal email 非正式电子邮件 to a friend or a family member.

Cover every prompt

• The task gives you some prompts 提示 — short points you must write about.
• You must cover every prompt. If you miss one, you lose content marks.
• Tick each prompt as you write it, so you do not forget one.

Use a friendly tone

• An email to a friend is informal 非正式. Use a warm, friendly tone 语气.
• Write as if you are talking to the person. Ask them questions too.

A good email has a clear shape.

The shape of a good informal email

Greeting and ending

• Start with a greeting 问候语: Hi Sam, or Dear Anna,
• End with a friendly closing 结束语: Write back soon, or See you soon, then your name.

Paragraphs

• Use short paragraphs 段落. Put one main idea in each one.
• Do not write one long block of text.

Useful language

• Informal language uses short forms 缩略形式: I'm, don't, can't.
• Friendly phrases help: Guess what! / How are you? / I can't wait to…

Content marks reward developed 展开的 ideas, not a list.

Develop your ideas

• Do not just name an idea. Add a reason 原因, an example 例子, or a detail 细节.
• "I loved the trip" is weak. "I loved the trip because we saw an old castle" is much better.

Each extra reason or detail makes the idea stronger

Check before you finish

• Count your words: aim for 120 to 160 words.
• Check the tone is friendly, then fix small grammar and spelling mistakes.

A model email

See how the friendly tone and developed ideas work together.

Hi Sam,

Guess what — I finally visited the new science museum you told me about! I loved it, especially the space room, because you can sit in a real rocket seat and feel it shake. I went with my cousin, and we stayed until it closed.

How about you? Have you been yet? We really should go together in the summer.

Write back soon, Lin

Notice the warm greeting, one developed idea with a reason, a question back to Sam, and a friendly closing. It reads like a real message to a friend — and it covers every prompt.

• Open warmly: "Thanks for your email!" or "Great to hear from you!" sets the informal tone at once.
• Use short forms (I'm, don't, can't). They are correct here and make you sound like a friend.
• Give each prompt in the task its own short paragraph, and add one detail or reason to each.
• Close like a friend: "Write back soon," plus your first name only, never a full name.
• Keep the style informal from the first line to the last; one "Dear Sir" in the middle breaks the whole email.

The second writing task sometimes asks for a formal 正式 or semi-formal 半正式 letter or email.

Spot a formal task

• A formal task is written to someone you do not know well — a head teacher 校长, a manager 经理, or an event organiser 活动组织者.
• The task tells you the format 格式, the purpose 目的 and the reader. Use all three.

Keep a polite tone

• Be polite 礼貌 and respectful. Do not use slang 俚语 or jokes.
• Do not use short forms. Write "I am", not "I'm".

Turning friendly phrases into formal ones

A formal letter follows a clear order.

The shape of a formal letter - and the greeting decides the sign-off

Opening and closing

• Open with Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Mr Lee,
• If you start with a name, close with Yours sincerely,. If you start with Sir/Madam, close with Yours faithfully,.

Clear paragraphs

• First paragraph: say why you are writing.
• Middle paragraphs: give your points, one idea in each.
• Last paragraph: say what you would like to happen next.

Formal language

• Use formal phrases: I would like to…, I am writing to…, I would be grateful 感激 if…
• Keep sentences clear and complete. Check your grammar and spelling.

A model formal letter

See how a polite, complete opening sets the right tone.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to suggest an improvement to the town library. At present it closes at five o'clock, which is too early for students who finish school at four. I would be grateful if the council could consider opening it until seven in the evening on weekdays.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Yours faithfully, J. Chen

Notice the Dear Sir or Madam / Yours faithfully pair, the clear first line stating the purpose, the polite request, and the complete sentences with no short forms.

• Match the greeting to the ending: Dear Mr Lee → Yours sincerely; Dear Sir or Madam → Yours faithfully.
• Say why you are writing in the first line: "I am writing to apply for…" saves words and sounds formal.
• Do not use short forms: write "I am" and "do not", never "I'm" or "don't".
• One paragraph per point, and end by naming the action you hope for: "I would be grateful if…".
• Stay polite even in a complaint: "I was disappointed to find…" wins marks; "This is terrible!" loses the tone.

A report 报告 gives information to a person in charge — a teacher, a manager, or a club leader. They will act 行动 on what you write, so be clear and honest.

Purpose and reader

• A report describes an event 事件, an experience, or a situation 情况.
• It gives facts 事实 clearly, then adds suggestions.
• The reader wants useful information, not a story. Keep the tone factual 事实性的 and clear.

A report gives facts the reader can use, not a story

Format

• A report is usually semi-formal or formal.
• A title at the top tells the reader what the report is about.

A clear shape helps the reader find information fast.

The shape of a report: facts under clear headings, recommendations at the end

Use headings

• Break the report into sections with short headings 小标题.
• For example: Introduction, Good points, Problems, Recommendation.

Facts, then recommendations

• First give the facts. Keep your opinion 观点 out of this part.
• Then give your recommendations 建议 — what you think should happen.

End clearly

• Finish with a clear recommendation or conclusion 结论.
• Make your advice easy to follow.

Useful language

Keep a few report phrases 短语 ready. They make your writing sound organised and grown-up.

• To introduce: The aim 目的 of this report is to… / This report looks at…
• To give facts: At present… / The main problem is… / Many students felt that…
• To recommend: I recommend that… / It would help if… / The best solution 解决办法 is to…

Notice these are calm and impersonal. A report avoids strong words like "amazing" or "terrible".

A model report extract

Read how facts and a recommendation sit under clear headings.

Introduction This report looks at the school library and suggests ways to improve it.

Good points The library is quiet, and it has a wide range of science books. It opens every day after school.

Problems There are only two computers, and every table is full by four o'clock.

Recommendation The school should add five computers and open a second study room in the evening.

Each section is short. The first three give only facts; the last gives the advice. That split is what makes it a report, not a story.

• Start with To / From / Subject or a clear title. A report never opens with "Dear…".
• Use the introduction to say what the report covers and why, in one or two lines.
• Group the facts under short headings, and keep your opinion out of the findings.
• Save opinions for the end: one clear recommendation, "I recommend…" plus one action.
• Keep the style neutral and calm: no exclamation marks, no jokes, no chat.

An article 文章 is written for a magazine, a newspaper, or a website. Many people read it.

Purpose

• An article informs 告知 or entertains 娱乐 a general reader.
• You usually give your own view on a topic, with reasons.

Engage the reader

• You must engage 吸引 the reader — make them want to keep reading.
• A good title 标题 and a strong first line catch their interest 兴趣.
• Ask the reader a question, or start with a surprising fact.

Three ways to catch the reader's interest in your first lines

An article should sound interesting, not flat.

The shape of a lively article: hook the reader, keep them, leave them thinking

Structure

• Begin with an introduction 引言 that names the topic.
• Develop your points in the middle, one idea in each paragraph.
• End with a short conclusion 结论 that leaves the reader thinking.

Lively language

• Use varied 多样的 words and sentence lengths to keep the energy up.
• You can speak to the reader directly with "you".
• Keep the tone friendly, but not too casual.

Useful language

A few flexible phrases 短语 let you hook the reader and glide between ideas.

• To open with energy: Have you ever…? / Imagine you… / Last week, something odd happened to me.
• To move between ideas: What's more… / On the other hand… / The truth is…
• To speak to the reader: You might think… / We all know that… / Be honest —…
• To end memorably: So next time you… / Perhaps the real question is…

Vary how you open sentences. Ten sentences that all begin "I think" feel flat 平淡; mixing your openings keeps the reader awake.

A model opening

See how one opening hooks the reader, then points forward.

Have you ever tried to sleep with a phone glowing beside your pillow? Most of us have — and most of us wake up tired. This article asks a simple question: could a good night's sleep be the cheapest way to feel happier?

The question pulls the reader in, the honest detail keeps them, and the last line promises where the article is going. That is a lot of work for three sentences.

• Give the article a short, catchy title, then hook the reader with a question or surprise in the first lines.
• Talk to the reader: "Have you ever…?" An article is the one formal task where personality wins marks.
• One idea per paragraph, and make it real with a short example or a small story.
• Numbers and small facts make an article feel true: "three out of five students…".
• End with a line the reader remembers: a punchline, a question, or a call to act.

A review 评论 tells readers about something you have tried — a film, a book, a restaurant, or a place. A good review helps the reader decide 决定 whether to try it too.

Describe and judge

• A review does two things: it describes 描述 the thing, and it gives your opinion 观点 of it.
• Balance the two. Do not only describe, and do not only give opinions.
• Describing answers "What is it like?" Judging answers "Is it any good?" Move between the two, sentence by sentence.

An opinion stands on a reason and an example

Support your opinions

• Give reasons for what you think. Say why it was good or bad.
• Use examples 例子 from your experience to make your view believable 可信.
• A weak review says "The food was nice." A strong review says "The soup was rich and warming, though the rice arrived cold." The detail is what convinces the reader.

Useful language

Learn a few phrases 短语 for each job. Then you never stare at a blank page.

• To describe: It is set in… / The story follows… / The dish combines… / What stands out is…
• To praise: The best part is… / I was impressed by… / It really succeeds in…
• To criticise 批评 (gently): The one weakness is… / It could have been better if… / At times it feels slow.
• To recommend: I would recommend it to… / It is well worth… / Don't miss…

Mix praise and criticism so the review sounds fair 公正. A review that is all praise, or all complaint, is hard to trust.

Readers want a clear, helpful review.

A review describes and judges, then ends with clear advice

Structure

• Start by saying what you are reviewing, and give the reader the basic facts.
• In the middle, describe it and evaluate 评价 it — the good points and the weak points.
• Write for a general reader, in a friendly but clear tone 语气.

End with a recommendation

• Finish with a recommendation 建议: do you advise the reader to try it or not?
• Make your advice clear, for example: "I would recommend this film to anyone who likes adventure."
• You can add a condition: "…as long as you don't mind a slow start." This sounds honest and grown-up.

A model review

Read this short review of a film. Notice how each sentence either describes or judges.

Skyward is an adventure film about a girl who builds her own aircraft. The story is simple, but the flying scenes are breathtaking 惊人 and the young lead acts with real warmth. The middle drags a little, and a few jokes fall flat. Even so, it left the whole cinema smiling. I would recommend Skyward to any family looking for a bright, hopeful evening — just be ready for a slow first ten minutes.

Count the moves: it names the film, describes it, praises it, admits two faults, and ends with a clear, honest recommendation. That is a complete review in five sentences.

• Name what you are reviewing and your overall feeling in the first paragraph; do not keep it secret.
• Do both jobs: describe it (what it is) and judge it (what is strong, what is weak).
• Strong adjectives are the fuel of a review: gripping, delicious, disappointing, unforgettable.
• Mention one weakness even in a good review; pure praise sounds like an advert.
• Finish with a clear recommendation: who should try it, who should not, and why.

An essay 议论文 gives your ideas about a topic in an organised way.

Two essay shapes: discursive weighs both sides; argumentative argues one view

Discursive essays

• A discursive 论述的 essay looks at both sides of a topic.
• You give the points for and against, and perhaps your own view at the end.

Argumentative essays

• An argumentative 议论的 essay argues for one main view.
• You give strong reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Plan first

• Decide your main points and the reasons for each, before you write.
• A short plan keeps your essay organised.

A clear shape makes your argument easy to follow.

Introduction

• The introduction 引言 names the topic and says how you will approach it.
• Keep it short — two or three sentences.

Body paragraphs

• Put one main idea in each body 主体 paragraph.
• Start the paragraph with the idea, then add reasons and examples.

A body paragraph: the idea first, then reasons, then an example

Conclusion

• The conclusion 结论 brings your ideas together.
• Do not add a new point here. Sum up your view clearly.

Useful language

Linking words 衔接词 signal your reader where the argument turns. They are the road signs of an essay.

• To add a point: Firstly… / In addition… / Another reason is…
• To show the other side: However… / On the other hand… / Some people argue that…
• To give an example: For example… / For instance… / such as…
• To conclude: In conclusion… / Overall… / Weighing both sides…

Use them at the start of a sentence, and do not overuse one. Two or three well-placed links are enough for a paragraph.

A model body paragraph

Watch the three moves: idea, then reason, then example.

Firstly, homework teaches students to work alone. In class, a teacher is always nearby to help. At home, a student must solve the problem by themselves — and that is where real learning happens. For example, a maths question that felt easy in the lesson can teach far more when you meet it again, alone, at your desk.

The first sentence is the idea. The next two explain why. The last one makes it real with an example. Every body paragraph can follow this simple shape.

• Plan for three minutes before you write: your view, two reasons, one opposite view.
• First paragraph introduces the question; each middle paragraph carries exactly one argument.
• Signpost with linking words: First of all, However, On the other hand, In conclusion.
• Give the other side one fair paragraph, then answer it. Balance shows thinking and earns marks.
• The final paragraph states your opinion clearly. Do not sit on the fence.

In the listening exam you hear each recording 录音 twice. Use both chances well.

Predict before you listen

• Read the question before the recording starts.
• Predict 预测 what kind of answer you need: a place, a name, a number, a time?

Catch the detail

• Listen for specific 具体的 facts: places, names, dates, times and directions 方向.
• The answers usually come in the same order as the questions.

Use both playings

• On the first listening, choose your answer.
• On the second, check it. Do not change a right answer without a good reason.

Use the two playings differently: answer first, then check

Some questions ask how a speaker thinks or feels, not just what they say.

Opinions and feelings

• Listen for the speaker's opinion 观点 and feelings 感受.
• Notice the words they choose. Strong words show strong feelings.

Follow the connections

• In a longer talk, ideas connect 连接. Follow how one point leads to the next.
• Words like "but", "because" and "so" show how ideas link.

Not every answer is said directly.

Implied meaning

• Sometimes a speaker suggests 暗示 something without saying it openly.
• Think about what they really mean, not only the exact words.

Watch the distractors

• In multiple-choice 选择题 questions, the wrong options are called distractors 干扰项.
• A speaker may mention an option, then change their mind. Listen to the whole idea before you choose.

A distractor is mentioned first, then corrected - the correction is the answer

Words that signal the answer

Trained ears listen for small words that point to the answer.

• A correction is coming: actually… / sorry, I mean… / on second thought… — the words after these usually hold the real answer, not the ones before.
• The key point: the main thing is… / what matters is… / above all…
• A feeling or attitude 态度: to be honest… / the trouble is… / I'm delighted that…
• Order of steps: first… next… finally… — these help you follow a sequence.

Catching one signal word can win you a mark. Note them down as you hear them.

• Read the questions before the audio starts and underline the key words in each one.
• You hear everything twice: answer what you can in round one, check and fill gaps in round two.
• Speakers often correct themselves with numbers, days and spellings. The last version is the answer.
• Missed one? Let it go and follow the next question; return to the gap in the second play.
• Write something for every question. There is no penalty for a wrong guess.

The speaking test is a friendly conversation 对话, not a test you fail by being nervous.

Take part fully

• Answer the question, then add more. A one-word answer is too short.
• Give reasons and examples. Show what you can do with English.

Answer, then add more: a reason and an example make a full turn

Interact well

• Listen to the examiner and respond 回应 to what they say.
• If you do not understand, it is fine to ask: "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
• Take turns 轮流 naturally, as in a real conversation.

You may be asked to talk about a topic for a short time.

Develop your ideas

• Do not just list points. Develop 展开 each one with a reason or an example.
• Use phrases like "for example", "that is why" and "I suppose" to extend your answers.

Speak clearly

• Speak with good pronunciation 发音 and natural intonation 语调.
• Do not rush. It is better to speak clearly than quickly.
• If you forget a word, say it another way. This is called paraphrasing 释义.

Useful language

Memorise a few phrases 短语 for each move. They keep you talking when your mind goes blank.

• To give an opinion: In my opinion… / I'd say… / For me,…
• To add detail: for example… / that's why… / what I mean is…
• To buy thinking time: That's a good question… / Well, let me think… / I suppose…
• To agree or disagree politely 礼貌: That's true, but… / I see what you mean, though…

A short pause with "Let me think…" sounds far better than silence. It shows control, not panic.

A model turn

See how one student turns a plain question into a full, natural answer.

Examiner: Do you enjoy studying at home?

Student: In my opinion, home is better for some subjects. For example, I revise 复习 maths well at home because it is quiet and nobody interrupts 打断 me. But I suppose group work is easier at school, where I can ask my friends straight away. So really, it depends on the task.

The student gives an opinion, backs it with an example, admits the other side, and finishes with a neat conclusion. That is a top-mark turn — and anyone can build it with these phrases.

• The warm-up chat is not marked. Use it to relax and start talking, not to recite prepared lines.
• Never say memorised speeches. The examiner stops them, and real conversation earns more.
• Grow every answer: point, reason, example. "I like… because… for example…" fills a minute well.
• If you miss a question, ask: "Could you say that again, please?" That is good English, not a fault.
• Take each prompt on the card in order; every prompt can become a small topic of its own.

A wide vocabulary 词汇 helps you in every part of the exam.

Learn words well

• Learn a new word with its meaning, its spelling, and how it sounds.
• Keep a vocabulary notebook. Group words by topic, such as travel or health.

Knowing a word well means knowing all of this

Use natural phrases

• Learn words that go together. These are called collocations 词语搭配, like "make a decision" or "heavy rain".
• Learn set phrases 固定短语 and common phrasal verbs 短语动词, like "give up" or "look after".
• Using natural phrases makes your English sound fluent 流利.

Each writing task is a text type 文本类型 with its own rules.

Common text types

• An email is a message to one person; an article 文章 is for many readers; a report 报告 gives facts to a person in charge.
• A review 评论 gives an opinion about something you tried; an essay 议论文 argues a point of view.
• A notice 通知 and a leaflet 传单 give short, clear information.

Match style to type

• Each text type has its own purpose, reader and tone.
• Before you write, ask: what is this text type, and what style does it need?

Every text type sits somewhere on the line from informal to formal

A vocabulary routine

Turn new words into words you truly own with four steps:

1. Meet it — when you find a new word, write it down with one example sentence.
2. File it — put it in your notebook under a topic group (travel, health, school).
3. Test it — cover the meaning and try to recall it the next day, then again a week later. This spaced review 间隔复习 fixes words in your memory far better than reading a list once.
4. Use it — put the word into your own writing or speaking within a few days, before you forget it.

Five words learned this way each day is over a thousand a year.

• Learn words in families, one family per text type: email openers, report verbs, review adjectives.
• In the writing exam, put the text type's fixed parts down first: greeting, title or headings. They are the easiest marks on the paper.
• Keep a personal word list. Five new words a day beats fifty words once a month.
• When a new word appears in the reading paper, guess it from the context and keep moving; never freeze on one word.