Paper 1 (2 hrs 15 mins, 50% of marks) contains 3 comprehension questions based on passages. Candidates answer 2 questions consisting of a commentary on language used in the passage(s) and a directed writing task. Paper 2 (2 hrs, 50% of marks) contains 2 sections: Section A involves imaginative writing questions requiring a narrative or descriptive piece of 600-900 words. Section B involves writing for an audience questions requiring a discursive or argumentative piece for a specified audience and form. Candidates answer 1 question from each section. The exam assesses candidates' ability to read critically, analyze language, and write effectively for different purposes and audiences using appropriate style and structure.

1. YOU WILL WRITE 2 PAPERS:
PAPER 1—PASSAGES
TIME: 2 hrs 15 mins MARK: 50%
 The paper contains 3 questions
 Candidates answer 2 questions: Question 1, and either Question 2 or Question 3
 Questions carry equal marks
 Each question is based on one passage (or thematically related shorter passages)
printed on the question paper
 Texts will be drawn from a range of English language sources such as advertise-
ments, brochures, leaflets, editorials, news stories, articles, reviews, blogs,
investigative journalism, letters, podcasts (auto)biographies, diaries, essays,
scripted speech (e.g. a speech by a politician) and narrative/descriptive writing.
 Each question is in two parts:
a) commentary on use of language in the passage(s) *15 marks+
b) directed writing task based on the passage(s) *10 marks+
 N.B. Candidates are advised to spend approximately 15 mins reading the whole
paper before they begin writing.
PAPER 2—WRITING
TIME: 2 hrs MARK: 50%
 The paper contains 2 sections: Section A & Section B. There are 3 questions in each section
 Candidates answer 2 questions: 1 question from Section A and 1 question from Section B
 Questions carry equal marks
SECTION A: IMAGINATIVE WRITING (narrative/descriptive)
 Candidates choose one out of 3 questions
 Questions require a narrative or descriptive piece of continuous writing of 600-900 words
 Candidates are required to show that they can write imaginatively, using language to create
deliberate effects, e.g. in conveying a mood or describing a character
SECTION B: WRITING FOR AN AUDIENCE (discursive/argumentative)
 Candidates choose one out of 3 questions
 Questions require a piece of continuous writing of 600-900 words.
 In each question a specified form for the writing will be given (e.g. a magazine feature, article,
review, letter to a newspaper, scripted speech, voiceover) for a specified audience
IN ALL QUESTIONS CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO:
 Identify distinguishing features of the texts, relate them to the function and
context of the writing, and organize information in their answers
 Comment on aspects such as vocabulary, figurative language (e.g. use of met-
aphor & simile), word ordering and sentence structure, formality/informality
of tone, and the communication of attitudes, bias or prejudice, structure
 Write for a specific purpose and/or audience using appropriate vocabulary,
tone , and style
HERE, CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO:
 To show that they can present
a view clearly, construct an
argument carefully, an write
coherently and persuasively
OVERALL, CANDIDATES ARE ASSESSED ON THEIR ABILITY TO:
 Read with understanding and analyse texts in a variety of forms
 Demonstrate a knowledge & understanding of English language and its use in a variety of contexts
 Write clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes/audiences, using different forms