How To Answer The Coursework Assignments

Summary — What This Chapter Covers

• Component 5 (Coursework) = 25 marks, made of two assignments on two different texts, each 600–1200 words.
• You'll write either a critical response (analyse the writer's methods) or an empathic response (write as a character at a specific moment).
• Four assessment objectives (AO1–AO4) are tested equally in every assignment — knowledge, understanding, analysis of language/form, and personal engagement.
• High marks come from tight, embedded quotations + reasoned analysis ("because...", "since..."), never from plot summary or feature-spotting.
• The drafting process is structured: plan → first draft (with teacher discussion only, no correcting) → independent redraft → proofread → final version.

1. What The Assignment Is Asking

The basic setup

If you're on the Coursework route for IGCSE, Component 5 sits alongside Paper 1 (Poetry and Prose) and Paper 3 (Drama, Open Book). Instead of writing under exam-timed pressure, you produce a portfolio of two assignments, each on a different, complete text. One of these can even be a set text you're already studying for Papers 1–3 — so the reading you're doing for exams can double up here.

A subtle but important point: your teacher can discuss your work with you in general terms, but they are not allowed to proofread, correct, or mark your draft assignments. That means the final polish — grammar, spelling, precision of expression — is entirely on you. Going significantly over or under the word count also costs marks, so word-count discipline matters as much as content.

The two types of task

Think of these as two completely different "modes" you might be asked to write in:

the ways writers make characters, themes and settings memorable and vivid

Top tips for structure and approach

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