How to Answer Question 2: Language Task (CIE IGCSE English Language)

Paper 1: Reading is the compulsory exam in the CIE IGCSE, and CIE examiners recommend that you complete the questions in the order they are set. Question 2 is split into two tasks: a short-answer task and a language analysis task. Both tasks will be based on Text C in your reading insert.

The following guide will provide you with the information you need to answer Question 2: Language analysis task to a high standard. It includes:

• An overview of Question 2: Language analysis
• Breaking down the questions
• Steps to success
• Exam tips

For this task, you will be asked to re-read certain paragraphs from Text C, and explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effects in these paragraphs. You are instructed to choose three examples of words or phrases from each paragraph to support your answer, and your choices should include the use of imagery.

You are advised to write between 200 and 300 words in your answer; this means about one side of A4 in standard handwriting. Up to 15 marks is available for this question, and you are being tested on the following assessment objectives:

• R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
• R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
• R4: demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers

This means, in order to get the highest marks, you need to demonstrate:

• Your ability to select language to analyse appropriately
• Your ability to explore the meanings of the language you have chosen, and why the writer may have chosen them
• Your ability to comment on the use of imagery with precision and imagination
• That you understand how language works

Question 2(d) will give you quite detailed instructions. It is therefore important that you read the question carefully and highlight:

• Which paragraphs you need to re-read
• The command words in the question (what you have to do)
• The focus of each question (what you are looking for in the text)

For example (taken from the June 2022 exam paper):

Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:

1. Read the question and highlight:
• The command words (what you are instructed to do)
• The focus of the question (the words or phrases you have to look for in the text)
• The paragraphs you need to re-read
2. Scan the relevant paragraphs in Text C and highlight three examples of language or imagery in each paragraph:
• Keep your annotations short and concise - there is no benefit to highlighting lines and lines of text
3. Write your answer dealing with one paragraph first, and then the other:
• Start with an overview of the paragraph:
• For example: “In paragraph 10, the writer conveys a feeling of being fiercely protective and a sense of pride in her husband’s choice.”
• Then, select three specific words or phrases to analyse:
• These selections could include interesting elements of grammar and punctuation
• Ensure you choose a range of quotations to demonstrate your understanding of how language works
• Do the same for the second paragraph

You are advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on this question (including reading time).

• Read the command words and the paragraph references in the instructions carefully
• Successful answers often start by explaining the literal meaning of the chosen word or phrase in context, and then move on to consider the connotations and impacts caused by the writer’s language choices
• Avoid selecting long quotations or writing generalised comments:
• Make sure that the quotations you select are precise and accurate
• Do not copy out lines or chunks of text, or miss out key words
• Remember that you need to choose six words or phrases in total (three from each paragraph):
• Select words or phrases that you are best able to explain, rather than the ones using the most obvious literary devices
• Ensure you divide your time equally between both paragraphs
• When explaining how language works, avoid comments such as: “the writer helps us to imagine the scene”. This type of comment is not awarded any marks
• Ensure you also select and explain images created by the writer:
• Consider the connotations and associations of your chosen words to help you suggest the effect the writer might have wanted to create
• Successful candidates are able to visualise images and explain their precise meanings
• Importantly, do not simply list literary devices:
• It is the quality of your analysis that attracts marks, not whether you can spot a metaphor or juxtaposition

The full June 2022 exam paper is available here.

For more advice on how to apply the skills required for success in this question, please see our Question 2 skills: Language analysis revision notes. For a model answer to this question, please see Question 2 language task: Model answer.