Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively.

Writing Tasks Overview 📚

In the IGCSE English Language paper, you’ll encounter three main types of writing:

1. Personal Narrative – Tell a story from your own experience.
2. Descriptive/Expository – Describe a scene, explain a process or compare two ideas.
3. Persuasive/Argumentative – Convince the reader of a point of view.

Think of each task as a different musical instrument: a narrative is a piano (soft, personal), a descriptive piece is a violin (rich detail), and a persuasive essay is a drum (strong rhythm and beat). Mastering all gives you a full symphony of writing skills.

Planning & Drafting 📝

Good writing starts with a clear plan. Use the 5‑step planning model:

• Read the prompt – Highlight key words.
• Brainstorm ideas – Quick mind‑map or list.
• Outline structure – Introduction, body, conclusion.
• Draft – Write freely, don’t worry about perfection.
• Revise & Edit – Check clarity, grammar, and style.

Analogy: Drafting is like sketching a map before you hike. You can change routes, but you need a clear path to reach the destination.

Language Features & Style 🎨

Use a mix of techniques to make your writing engaging:

• Vivid verbs – Replace “walk” with “stroll” or “sprint”.
• Adjectives & adverbs – Add colour but avoid over‑use.
• Imagery & sensory details – “The scent of rain on hot asphalt” paints a picture.
• Sentence variety – Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, descriptive ones.
• Transition words – “Firstly”, “however”, “therefore” guide the reader.

Remember: Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I was scared”, describe the trembling hands and racing heart.

• Read the prompt twice to capture all requirements.
• Allocate time: 5 min planning, 25 min drafting, 10 min revising.
• Use the PEEL structure for paragraphs: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link.
• Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar – a single error can cost marks.
• End with a strong concluding sentence that ties back to the introduction.
• Practice with past papers; time yourself to build confidence.