Cambridge IGCSE™

Cambridge IGCSE / IGCSE (9–1) First Language English

0500 / 0990 (for examination from 2020)

Writing a summary
Overview
Paper 1, Question 1(f) is a selective summary task in response to Text B
The purpose of a selective summary task is to inform the reader of the key information and ideas they need to
understand from the text in relation to the specific focus of the question as set. Writing an effective selective
summary involves gathering only those ideas from the text that are relevant to answer the question and then
organising, reworking and condensing those points to offer a succinct overview. The reader needs to understand
key ideas from the text quickly and efficiently, just by reading the answer.

Selective summary task – Paper 1, Question 1(f)

This task assesses skills in both Reading and Writing as follows:
Reading:

• explicit meaning – show understanding of the information as it is presented in the text and avoid adding
personal comments or extending explanations
• implicit meanings and attitudes – consider details and hints in the text to work out the meaning they
suggest
• range – aim to show understanding of a wide range of relevant ideas taken from the whole passage
• relevance – pay attention to the focus of the question and make sure that the points written are relevant to
that focus
• selection – select only the information needed to answer the question and avoid using excess examples or
repeating points
• use – use the information selected to help the reader understand the central ideas rather than simply
repeating or copying sections from the text.
Writing:
• organisation – organise the answer logically and helpfully for the reader so that it efficiently communicates
the ideas they need to understand
• appropriate use of a range of own words and structures – help the reader to understand the points
selected by reworking the language of the original text to communicate ideas clearly and concisely.
Tips for writing a selective summary

Before writing a response:

• read the question carefully to highlight the focus of the selective summary – for
example, the question may ask for only disadvantages of a topic being discussed in
the text
• revisit the text to underline and/or make notes of all the potentially relevant ideas
• review the ideas selected to check that they are relevant, complete and distinct. For
example, aim to identify any repeated points or examples of the same thing that could
be covered in one over-arching, ‘umbrella’ point
• organise content to decide on the best way to group and/or order relevant ideas.
Numbering the points will help to highlight the most efficient route through the answer
and cover all of the relevant ideas within the 120-word guidance.

After writing a response:

• read back through the answer to check that the ideas would be clear to anyone who
had not read the text
• check that sections have not been copied from the text
• look back at the plan to check all relevant ideas have been included.

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 Example task
This is an example of a Paper 1 Question 1(f) task. The question below is annotated with some guidance for candidates to help them prepare their answer and
encourage them to focus on what the question is asking for. This information is not given to candidates in the examination.

The response to this

The purpose of the
The audience for question needs to be in
Once you have read through response is to identify and
the response is an the form of a summary
Text B, read the instructions outline only the information
adult who has not so the register required
for Question 1(f). you need to answer the
read this text. should be formal and the
question.
style concise.

Read Text B, Is cycle touring right for you?, in the insert and answer Question 1(f) on this
question paper.

Question 1
Question 1(f) is the
selective summary.
(f) According to Text B, what are the various attractions of cycle touring?
You will answer this factually
and concisely.
You must use continuous writing (not note form) and use your own words as far as possible.

Paying attention to the guidance for word number will help

Your summary should not be more than 120 words. learners to plan their time in the examination and target the
requirements of the question more effectively.

Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer and up to 5 marks for the
quality of your writing

The response to Question Once you have completed

1(f) is marked for content and your answer, skim read it to The guidance will help you to
for the quality of your writing, make sure that you have remember that you should
so you will need to check that followed the guidance to use aim to complete your
your ideas would make your own words where you response in 120 words or
sense to someone who had can (without changing the fewer.
not read Text B. meaning).

June 2021 Question Paper 11: insert and mark scheme available at www.cambridgeinternational/support

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Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments

Question 1(f)
The candidate has focused their response
Want to know more about the attractions of on the attractions of cycle touring, reorganising
cycle touring? If so, read on. ideas to begin with a useful overview of key
attractions drawn from different parts of the
text (mark scheme points 8, 3, 4 and 5). Note
Firstly, cycle touring is a peaceful and calm way how some of the points related to those
opportunities to escape that cycle touring
to clear your mind. You get the chance to go to offers have been combined for concision.
an adventure and explore the world. It offers you
magical experiences such as enjoying your time Focus has now moved on to the people
in cosy campsites of forests and resting on who cyclists might meet on a tour. In this
section, the candidate is helping the reader
tranquil beaches. understand how the social aspects of cycle
touring might appeal. (Mark scheme points 6
and 11 have been skilfully combined here and
In addition, it’s a great way to meet people and linked logically to point 7).
have conversations with friendly locals or cyclist
that assist you during the journey.
The candidate is beginning to use
connecting words to move the reader helpfully
Similarly, it’s a great way to boost your through the relevant information.

self-esteem as you get to understand that you

can achieve unthinkable goals. Also, it offers The candidate groups ‘memorable
memorable experiences like eating meals in experiences’ together here, covering mark
scheme points 13 and 10 and hinting at point
strange places and passing through small villages, 12, although it is not clear to the reader the
and you can enjoy the wildlife and flowers. particular attraction of the food itself.

Whatever its highs and lows, you’ll find the The candidate does not take the
advantages of cycle touring far outweigh the opportunity to identify precisely how ‘enjoying
wildlife and flowers’ would be a particular
disadvantages. attraction of cycle touring according to the text.

Reading Level 5: Demonstrates

understanding of a fairly wide range of relevant
ideas. Points are skilfully selected to
demonstrate an overview.

Writing Level 3: Expression is clear, fluent

and mostly concise. Some efficient
organisation.

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How the candidate could have improved their answer
Question 1(f)
The candidate has interpreted the purpose of the task as more persuasive than the task itself requires or invites
and as a result includes a redundant introduction and conclusion. Whilst the word guidance has been kept in mind
and excess material avoided, the addition of an introductory comment has taken up space in the response that
might otherwise have been used to outline or clarify potentially relevant points. The addition of a conclusion
mirroring that of the original text also leads to a slight loss of focus. The response is however clear and mostly in
the candidate’s own words where appropriate, with some useful organisation of ideas.

Common mistakes
Question 1(f)
Candidates can sometimes lose sight of the focus for a question, for example, by offering both what would and
would not appeal about cycle touring, when only the attractions have been asked for.
Inefficient planning of an answer leads to some candidates attempting to simply track through the passage
chronologically, repeating most of the information offered rather than selecting, recasting and using in their
response just that which is relevant to answering the question. Answers approached in this way are often overlong
or stop abruptly at 120 words before a range of relevant ideas have been communicated.
Copying sections straight from the text can make a response unclear. For example, there are likely to be times
when an explanation taken straight from the text is neither concise nor complete. Recasting the material using their
own words and sentence structures as appropriate will help candidates to offer a clear and concise response,
showing a secure understanding of both text and task.
Candidates can sometimes lose sight of the text, forgetting that the task is testing their Reading skills, for example,
offering their own opinion outside of the text, adding additional detail from their own knowledge and/or drifting into
discussion of ideas unconnected to the material in the passage.

Examination preparation
Question 1(f) Selective summary
Candidates should practise selecting only relevant information from a text, as well as explaining it to others who
have not read that text. Opportunities to target and develop skills include working with a range of texts – spoken or
visual, as well as written – and working with peers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of example
responses – both written and oral.
Candidates should be encouraged to rehearse and extend their summary skills in real life situations, for example by
recapping points covered on an aspect of a topic in a previous lesson.
The role of efficient planning and editing in timed conditions should be explored and explained.

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Example activities taken from 0500 / 0990 scheme of work (for examination from 2024): Writing summaries.

Assessment objectives (AO) Learning objectives Suggested teaching activities

AO1 Reading Developing logically Learners identify relevant material in a text for a
sequenced summary specific question. They extract the material as a list of
R1 demonstrate understanding
responses points (paraphrased). Then they agree on a grouping
of explicit meanings
and order for the points and write a paragraph.
R2 demonstrate understanding
Learners change a narrative version of a journey to a
of implicit meanings and
summary of its dangers, re-ordering the material to
attitudes
group similar items.
R5 select and use information
Learners are given a paragraph with a jumbled
for specific purposes
sentence sequence and have to reorder it logically or
chronologically.
AO2 Writing Learners practise reordering jumbled reports so that
W2 organise and structure the logical, chronological order is restored.
ideas and opinions for Useful resources include:
deliberate effect
• jumbled sentences in paragraphs
• jumbled reports, e.g. for science experiments,
AO3 Speaking and Listening made by cut and pasting in Word docs
• narrative account of a dangerous journey from
SL2 present facts, ideas and a course book, media or online source
opinions in a cohesive order • Paper 1 texts and Paper 2 texts.
which sustains the audience’s
interest

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Useful resources
The School Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational/support provides teachers with a wide range of practical
resources, detailed guidance and innovative training and professional development so that you can give your
learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE.
Teaching resources (for examination from 2020)
• Scheme of Work
• Coursework Handbook
• Speaking and Listening Handbook
• Learner Guide
• Writing a Summary
• Specimen Paper Answers
• Example Candidate Responses
The up-to-date resource list for this syllabus, including endorsed resources to support Cambridge IGCSE First
Language English is on the Published resources tab of the syllabus page on our public website here.
Please note: The website links listed below are useful resources to help with the study of the Cambridge IGCSE First
Language English selective summary task questions.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information
contained in these sites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an
endorsement of that website or the site's owners (or their products/services).
The website pages referenced in this guide were selected when this document was produced. Other aspects of the
sites were not checked and only the particular resources are recommended.
http://websummarizer.blogspot.com/2013/01/summaries-in-everyday-life.html
A website giving examples of summaries in everyday life.
www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-summary
A website with guidance on how to write a summary, including examples and a step-by-step guide.
www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/gist-summarizing-strategy
A website with lesson plans and summarising strategies.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEwmts9MqGs
A video on summary writing skills, including a step-by-step guide.

Changes to this syllabus for 2024

The syllabus has been updated. The latest version of this syllabus is version 1, published September 2021.
You must read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Changes to assessment including changes to specimen papers)
Paper 1 Reading
The assessment of W5: Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar has been removed from Paper 1
Reading.
The W5 assessment objective has been removed from the following questions and marking criteria:
Question 1f
Question 3
W5 will continue to be assessed in extended response in the Writing Paper.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2021 v1