Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE · First Language English · Paper 1
Question 3 Revision Guide
Big idea: Question 3 is all about proving you can read between the lines — first by explaining precise word meanings in your own words (3a–c), then by digging into how three chosen words or phrases create meaning and feeling, not just spotting what technique they are (3d).
Part 1 — Question 3(a–c): Short-Answer Questions
1Overview & What's Being Tested
Think of 3(a–c) as a warm-up before the big analytical task in 3(d). It's shorter, more precise, and rewards accuracy over lengthy explanation.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Source | Text C |
| Total marks | 10 |
| Time | Approx. 10–15 minutes |
| Skills tested | Explicit & implicit meanings (R1/R2), Writer's effects (R4) |
The three sub-questions build in difficulty and mark value:
| Question | What you do | Marks |
|---|
| 3(a) | Find a word/phrase in the text matching a given definition | 2 |
| 3(b) | Explain, in your own words, the meaning of three specific words | 3 |
| 3(c) | Analyse one example of language to explain how it suggests a feeling or atmosphere | 5 |
Why This Matters
Notice the marks jump: 2 → 3 → 5. That's a signal. If 3(c) is worth 5 marks, a one-line answer will never score full marks — you need a "quote + explain + explore" structure, not just an identification.
2Key Skill: Understanding Synonyms
A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly (or nearly) the same as another word. For example, "tiny" is a synonym of "small," and "excellent" is a synonym of "fantastic."
But here's the trap most students fall into: not every synonym works in every context. A thesaurus might give you ten options for a word, but only one or two will actually fit the meaning in that specific sentence.
Worked Example
"On the other side, there was a streetlamp with a dying bulb."
The literal, dictionary meaning of "dying" is "reaching the end of its life" (usually used for living things). But a lightbulb isn't alive — so what does "dying" mean here?
In this context, the bulb is becoming fainter and dimmer. So the correct synonyms are "fading" or "dimming" — not "expiring" or "perishing," even though those are technically synonyms of "dying" in other contexts.
The Rule
Always ask: "What does this word mean in this sentence, describing this thing?" — not "What does this word mean in general?"
3Steps to Success for 3(a–c)
- Read and highlight each question. Mark the command words (what you must do) and the focus (what you're looking for in the text). Note the marks for each part.
- Scan Text C and highlight the evidence — the words/phrases that answer the question, or that you need to explain. There may be more than one possible answer, so make sure yours fits what's actually being asked.
- Write your answers following the instructions precisely:
- If asked to explain each underlined word, answer for every one — don't skip any.
- If asked for "your own words," never repeat the text's exact wording.
- Match your answer length to the marks available (3 marks in 3(b) = three distinct points).
- For 3(c) specifically, choose an appropriate example and give a full explanation showing you understand how the writer's choice creates meaning — consider word choice, connotation, and even punctuation.
Remember
Above all, you need to read
between the lines to work out what the writer really means — not just what the words say on the surface.
4Worked Examples from the Specimen Paper
Question 3(a) — Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold:
(i) The two reporters did not ask what made Annie want to do the ride.
(ii) Annie knew she was lucky that people were curious about her and her journey.
Answers: (i) "(what) motivated (Annie/her)" | (ii) "(Annie/she was) fortunate"
Question 3(b) — Use your own words to explain what the writer means by each bolded word:
Annie figured Redding to LA would take another two months... Only small local newspapers had covered her exploits to date...
Answers: figured = worked out/calculated/estimated | covered = reported/published the story of | exploits = feats/deeds/adventures
Practice Question 1
In your own words, explain what the writer means by "swarmed" in the sentence: "yet more well-wishers swarmed and buzzed around her, demanding autographs."
Practice Question 2
Using one example from the text, explain how the writer uses language to suggest the reactions of the people in Redding to Annie's arrival: "To her astonishment, jostling crowds lined the street... swarmed and buzzed around her, demanding autographs." (5 marks)