Reading: Understand And Respond To Written
Overview
The Reading paper is the one component where your English is not being judged at all. Both mark schemes say it in the same sentence: the mark is awarded if you have satisfactorily communicated your understanding, even though the response may contain some errors in the quality of language used. Spelling, grammar and elegance earn nothing here and cost nothing. Sixty marks are available for understanding four passages, and nothing else.
That should make it the easiest paper on the qualification, and for most candidates it is the one where the largest number of marks are left on the table. This lesson explains why. It sets out the four strands of AO1 and which of the four texts assesses which, counts the question families across both papers on file so you know what is coming, and then works the three question types that decide the grade: the multi-select collation, the inference item, and the whole-text question that closes every passage.
Objectives
- In order to meet the requirements of AO1, students are expected to:
- read, understand and respond to a range of written texts varying in type, style, purpose and degree of complexity
- develop skills in scanning and skimming texts to identify specific and general points and identify overall message
- understand the significance of tense and recognise the relationship between past, present and future
- examine writers’ purpose through close consideration of content and use of language
- explore what is implied but not actually stated and make appropriate inference and deduction.
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Reading: Understand And Respond To Written. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which strand of AO1 is NOT assessed by Text 4 of the Reading paper? A. R1 B. R2 C. R3 D. R4 Answer: A
- How long is the Reading paper and how many marks does it carry? A. 45 minutes, 40 marks B. 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks C. 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks D. 2 hours, 80 marks Answer: B
- A multi-select statement reads 'The express always reaches the capital in five hours' when the passage says 'on a good day'. What kind of distractor is this? A. A false connection B. A near miss C. An overstatement D. A reversal Answer: C
- What is the usual fault of a wrong option on a main-purpose question? A. It is a true statement about part of the text B. It contradicts the text outright C. It quotes the text word for word D. It uses vocabulary from a different passage Answer: A
- Roughly how long should a candidate spend on Text 4, if time is allocated in proportion to marks? A. About 10 minutes B. About 18 minutes C. About 22 minutes D. About 30 minutes Answer: D
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Reading: Understand And Respond To Written? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
