Cambridge IGCSE Writing
Master every writing task—from informal letters to persuasive articles—by understanding task requirements, planning like a pro, and knowing exactly what examiners reward.
Quick Overview
📝 What You'll Learn
How to write letters, articles, reports, and summaries. You'll learn task-specific planning, register (formal/informal), and how to score maximum marks.
🎯 The Big Picture
Writing tests whether you can plan ideas, write clearly, use appropriate register, link ideas logically, and write accurately in varied sentence structures.
⏱️ Time & Marks
Core: 10–20 marks per task. Extended: 18+ marks per task. Time is tight—planning is essential.
✅ Your Goal
Spend 5 mins planning, 20 mins writing, 5 mins checking. Hit word counts, match register, and make zero careless errors.
1. Understanding the Cambridge IGCSE Writing Exam
The Big Picture: What Are They Testing?
The Writing paper tests two things equally: what you say (content) and how you say it (accuracy).
Examiners want to see you can communicate ideas clearly in the style the task asks for. They're not looking for fancy vocabulary—they're looking for relevant ideas, clear organisation, and error-free writing.
💡 The Key Insight: Writing is 50% planning, 50% execution. Students who plan (jot ideas, organise them, decide on structure) write better pieces faster than students who just start typing.
Core Level vs Extended Level: What's Different?
Core Level: Shorter pieces (100–150 words typical), simpler vocabulary allowed, straightforward task instructions, more direct communication.
Extended Level: Longer pieces (150–200 words typical), more sophisticated vocabulary expected, complex ideas, persuasive or analytical writing common.
Mark Scheme Breakdown
CONTENT (50%): Relevant ideas, all task requirements covered, appropriate examples/detail.
LANGUAGE & ACCURACY (50%): Spelling, grammar, punctuation, varied sentence structures, appropriate register.
Translation: You need BOTH. A brilliant idea with terrible spelling = half marks. Perfect spelling but missing the task = half marks.
The Writing Task Types You'll See
Task Type 1: Informal Letter / Email
❝ Write a letter to a friend describing an event you attended. About 100–150 words. ❞
Register: Friendly, casual, personal tone.
Structure: Opening (greeting + how you are), body (what happened + feelings), closing (sign-off).
What examiners look for: Natural-sounding language, specific details, variety in sentences.
Task Type 2: Formal Letter (to Editor / Authority)
❝ Write a letter to the newspaper editor expressing your opinion about a community issue. About 150–200 words. ❞
Register: Formal, persuasive, professional tone.
Structure: Formal greeting → opening statement → evidence/reasons → conclusion → sign-off.
What examiners look for: Clear argument, supporting evidence, appropriate formal expressions ("In my opinion," "Furthermore").
Task Type 3: Article