Hi everyone! Have you guys been enjoying the site? You might notice that the site’s design is a little chopped up right now – do bear with it as we update certain elements of the site and grow it to scale!

Thank you for visiting, and do remember to share this project with your students and friends alike if you find the materials useful! We are also always looking out for collaborators, so if you know someone who is an English teacher or is a master of the knowledge of how to teach IGCSE English, please direct them to this page and ask them to contact me 🙂

Meanwhile, here’s what’s on my mind at the moment:

1. Memberships: We will be introducing memberships to this site soon, which will bring you guys access to an expanded crop of materials such as sample essays, exam paper walkthroughs, and additional resources!
   
   We will be creating both teacher and tutor access alongside student access as well, and teachers will be able to request access for their students as well. If there is demand, we will also create institutional access for schools so schools can grant access to students as a whole; please contact us about your specific use case, and we will get back to you!
   
   P.S. I notice that some of you actually clicked on the memberships page right when I created it as a trial for the site – while we’re not quite ready just yet, thank you so much for your enthusiasm!!
   
2. Live classes: We will begin organizing live classes for IGCSE 0500 Live English Tuition if there is demand – please fill in this form if you are interested in a trial class or if you are interested to register for a specific type of class, and I will contact you later 🙂
   
3. Online store: We will be introducing a store where you’ll be able to pick up resources and materials that we recommend, which includes specific resources that we recommend, past papers, as well as resources produced by FirstLanguageEnglish and our team of experienced teachers and collaborators!
   
4. Resources page: We will be talking about different resources that we recommend that you utilize in your journey forward such as study resources, specific books (where to buy IGCSE English books in Malaysia, etc), etc. This may also eventually just take the form of a blog post, but do bear in mind that it is something I think is important to discuss in the days ahead.

Thank you so much for visiting this site and for your support both on Facebook and otherwise, and I look forward to serving you guys further!

V.

One of the most crucial aspects of any student’s journey is learning how to write well and to understand the criteria for the mark scheme… But how do you make sure that your understanding of the criteria and the mark scheme actually reflects that of an examiner?

This makes it such that it is very important to have good examples…

…And that’s exactly what this essay aims to resolve today!

Here’s a set of two sample essays for Narrative Writing for the IGCSE. Each essay is written to match a specific level descriptor and has been validated with the experience of our team, and reflects the way that we would assign marks based on the mark scheme.

Have a look at this, think about it, and hopefully it will help you to understand what is required and desirable in the exam 🙂

We’ll start with two essays from the Winter 2022 Paper 2; more examples will come soon (and even more for our paid members!), and we will soon publish a book of narrative writing AND descriptive writing essays as well; it will be available on both Shopee and Lazada as well as from this site, so make sure that you’re following this blog!

Without further ado, here are the examples!

Example A: 

Title: “Write a story with the title ‘Lost’.” – Winter 2022, Paper 2 Variant 2.

Tom, a 12-year-old boy, lived in a small town surrounded by a vast, mysterious forest. He spent most of his weekends exploring the woods with his loyal dog, Max. They had many exciting adventures, discovering hidden trails, secret clearings, and beautiful wildlife. Tom felt a sense of freedom and wonder every time he ventured into the woods.

One sunny Saturday morning, Tom and Max set out on another adventure. They walked deeper into the forest than they had ever gone before, captivated by the vibrant colours and enchanting sounds of nature. Hours passed, and they were blissfully unaware of how far they had strayed from home.

As the sun began to set, Tom realized they were in an unfamiliar part of the woods. He tried to retrace their steps, but the shadows cast by the towering trees made it difficult to navigate. Panic began to set in as they wandered aimlessly, desperately searching for a familiar landmark.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and the forest was soon enveloped in darkness. Tom’s fear escalated, and Max, sensing his distress, stayed close by his side. As they stumbled through the darkness, they suddenly spotted a flickering light in the distance.

Approaching the light, they discovered a small, old cabin with a warm glow emanating from its windows. Tom hesitated, but he knew they needed help. He mustered the courage to knock on the door.

An elderly man with a kind face and a long, white beard opened the door. Tom nervously explained their predicament, and the man agreed to help them find their way home. He grabbed a flashlight and a map, and together, they set off into the night.

They walked for hours, following the map and the man’s vast knowledge of the forest. The journey was long, and Tom’s exhaustion began to take over. But, just as hope seemed to be fading, they reached the familiar edge of the woods. Tom’s house came into view, and relief washed over him.

Tom thanked the old man, who offered some wise advice before departing. “Remember, young one, the forest can be both magical and dangerous. Always be prepared and respect its power.”

Comment: “The essay “Lost” deserves a level 4 in both Table A: Content and Structure and Table B: Style and Accuracy. The story’s plot is relevant and cohesive, featuring narrative elements such as character development and setting the scene. The content is relevant, with some development (W1), and the structure is competently managed (W2). The story falls short of level 5 as the plot could be more strongly developed with further description, character interaction, or a more effective climax.

For Table B, the essay displays some precise vocabulary and a range of sentence structures used occasionally for effect (W3). The story maintains an appropriate register for the context (W4), and the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are generally accurate, with some errors (W5). It does not reach level 5 due to the vocabulary and sentence structures not being consistently precise or well-chosen for effect.

The essay does not deserve a level 6 because the content is not complex, engaging, or effective enough (W1), and the structure is not as well-balanced or carefully managed for deliberate effect (W2). Furthermore, the vocabulary is not consistently well-chosen for effect (W3), and the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are not almost always accurate (W5).

Lastly, the essay does not deserve a level lower than 4 because it does not exhibit the characteristics of lower levels, such as limited or unclear content (W1), partially organized or ineffective structure (W2), simple vocabulary or sentence structures (W3), or persistent grammatical errors (W5).

Now, on the other hand… What does a Level 6 essay look like?

Have a look!

Title: “Write a story with the title ‘Lost’.” – Winter 2022, Paper 2 Variant 2.

In the quaint town of Willowbrook, nestled in the heart of the valley, nine-year-old Lucy found solace in the dense, enchanting woods that surrounded her home. The forest was her sanctuary, a place where she could let her imagination run wild. Alongside her trusty companion, a golden retriever named Jasper, she would spend countless hours exploring its depths, discovering its secrets.

One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Lucy and Jasper ventured further into the woods than they ever had before. They traversed moss-covered trails, played hide-and-seek among the towering trees, and splashed in the crystal-clear stream. As they roamed deeper into the woods, the sun’s fading light cast long shadows across their path, but they continued on, oblivious to the encroaching darkness.

It wasn’t until the last rays of sunlight vanished that Lucy realized they were lost. Panic surged through her veins as she clung to Jasper for comfort, whispering, “We’ll find our way back, won’t we?” The woods had transformed into an eerie, unfamiliar world. Shadows danced in the moonlight, and the once melodic bird songs were replaced by unfamiliar, haunting sounds. Together, they stumbled through the dark, moonlit forest, guided only by instinct and the faint glimmer of hope.

As they pressed on, the forest seemed to close in around them, the darkness growing thicker with each step. Suddenly, they came upon a mysterious, ancient oak tree. It stood tall and majestic, its gnarled roots digging deep into the earth, as though it had been there for centuries. The tree seemed to beckon them, and as they approached, they noticed a glowing inscription carved into the trunk. It read, “Whisper your fears, and I shall show the way.”

With trepidation, Lucy leaned in and whispered her fears to the tree, her breath quivering. As she finished, the inscription shimmered, and a trail of luminous fireflies emerged from the tree, leading them through the darkness. As they followed the swarm, the menacing shadows receded, and the forest gradually regained its familiar allure. The fireflies weaved through the trees, illuminating their path and casting a warm, comforting glow.

The journey through the forest felt like an eternity, but eventually, the fireflies led them to the edge of the woods, where they caught a glimpse of their town’s warm glow. Overwhelmed with relief, Lucy hugged Jasper tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Together, they raced towards the town, grateful for the guidance that had delivered them from the clutches of the unknown.

Upon their return, Lucy shared the tale of their adventure with her family, who listened in awe. The ancient oak tree and its magical fireflies became a cherished part of local folklore, a symbol of hope for those who found themselves lost, both literally and metaphorically. And for Lucy, the woods remained her sanctuary, but she never ventured too far from the guiding light of home.

Comment:

The essay “Lost” deserves the highest possible grade, as it demonstrates complex, engaging, and effective content (W1) with a secure, well-balanced, and carefully managed structure for effect (W2). The story plot contains well-defined and developed ideas as well as images to create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus. As for writing for effect, it contains a good range of sentence structures and precise vocabulary, used effectively for effect (W3), while maintaining a consistent, well-chosen register suitable for the context (W4). Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are almost always accurate (W5).

To improve the story, the writer can incorporate more sensory details to further immerse the reader in the setting. By adding these elements, the essay is able to evoke even more vivid images and emotions, further enhancing the reader’s experience and appreciation.

Okay, and we’re done! 🙂

I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you will find it valuable!

If you did, do feel free to share it with your friends! We will proceed onwards with descriptive writing examples pretty soon – these will be part of the membership site component of the site materials, and we will also create more of these materials for you soon!

Thank you once again, and we look forward to sharing more with you soon!

V.

Are you worried about preparing for your IGCSE English 0500 exams because you feel like you don’t have the background or haven’t spent much time reading in the past?

Since you are here, I guess that that’s the case – but since you are here, I also guess that you are tremendously motivated and you want to change.

I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late to start, and with some dedication and hard work, you can definitely improve and achieve success – but I’m also going to give it to you straight: it is not going to be easy.

That is not because you necessarily lack the talent or the ability – it is because this subject is difficult for everyone.

It requires students to be able to think on a higher level and learn how to express themselves effectively in many different types of situations and also to be able to understand text pipes; there is no doubt that students who spend more time reading are going to have an advantage, but it also requires specific practice to make some of these things happen in a world without good resources… Until now.

In this blog post, I’ll address some common concerns and provide tips on how to prepare for the IGCSE English 0500 exams…Even if you’re starting from scratch.

1. “I haven’t spent much time reading. Can I still do well?”

The answer is yes! While reading is an essential part of building your language skills, it’s never too late to start. The key is to develop a reading habit now.

Begin by reading books, articles, and newspapers that interest you. This is crucial, and it will set you up for success in many other areas beyond performance on this exam. Set aside a specific time each day to read, and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. As you read, take note of new vocabulary, sentence structures, and writing styles. This will help improve your comprehension and language skills, which are crucial for the IGCSE English 0500 exam.

2. “How can I improve my writing?”

Writing is an essential component of the IGCSE English 0500 exam, so it’s important to practice regularly.

Start by writing short paragraphs or essays on various topics, and ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review your work and provide feedback. As you receive feedback, focus on improving your grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if you don’t feel like you are improving, I assure you that the small movements that you make as you move forward are going to train you in the general direction of becoming a better writer minute by minute and moment by moment.

Even if you just practice 10 minutes a day, make sure that the practice that you are doing is consistent, and that it is helping you to direct your mind in the general direction of making small changes that you can implement on a day to day basis; even if you only have several months, you will be shocked what you can do if you have specific practice and an intense will to improve.

3. “I’m not a native English speaker. Can I still succeed in the exam?”

Absolutely! The IGCSE English 0500 exam is designed for both native and non-native speakers. If you’re not a native speaker, you may need to put in some extra effort to build your vocabulary and improve your language skills.

In addition to reading and writing practice, try engaging in conversations with native speakers or watching English-language movies and TV shows to improve your listening and speaking skills.

4. “How should I prepare for the exam?”

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Review the syllabus and understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the content and structure of the IGCSE English 0500 exam. Understand all the mark schemes inside out. Internalize them. Become completely clear about what is being assessed, what excellence looks like, and be willing to learn every day. This will help you know what to expect and make your preparation more focused. Honestly, from my experience, a lot of people don’t know about the exam format even if they attend some pretty good schools. Just by understanding the format, you are going to have a leg up in knowing what to look for and how to do well.
• Create a study plan: Allocate specific times for studying and stick to the schedule. Make sure you balance reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice.
• Seek help from teachers or tutors: If you’re struggling with certain concepts or need guidance, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Teachers and tutors can provide valuable feedback and support.
• Practice past exam papers: Working through past exam papers can help familiarize you with the question types and give you a sense of how to manage your time during the exam. In fact, knowing how to deal with the exam is one of the most important things that you can do – understanding the format of the exam is crucial, but so is getting actual experience with the paper. You cannot, and you must not avoid this – you must face the challenge head on.

5. “How do I stay motivated?”

Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when preparing for an exam like the IGCSE English 0500 and if you feel for whatever reason like you are behind, maybe because you don’t speak English at home or maybe because you feel that your proficiency isn’t great – remember in those moments that everyone who started out in the world without any mastery of English at all, and just think of yourself, starting a little bit later, compared to some other people; think about it – your mind can change and grow over the course of time – why should you feel like just because you are behind right now that you will stay like that forever?

Some people, frankly, give up – they tell themselves that science, subjects or mathematics are likely to be more important, and therefore they end up losing interest in English class – or so they say – and they just call the grapes sour because they aren’t willing to put in the effort to get them; the problem with this is that effective communication is going to be important throughout the course of their lives, and by losing confidence in the things that they cannot do, they push themselves into self fulfilling prophecies.

I acknowledge that it is difficult, believe me that I know – but I want to challenge you to do better than that.

This is a crucial opportunity to improve oneself by stepping up to the challenge and dealing with it as it comes, because that trains you to have that desire and desperation to know how to communicate effectively, no matter what the circumstances.

I want to challenge you to stand up for yourself, and for your ability to improve right now, even if you think to yourself that you have never improved before – miracles do not happen overnight, but you are likely underestimate what you are able to do.

And since you’re here, since you’re reading this, I know you can.

I know that you are here because you want to stand up to the challenge, and I am responding to the desire inside you to become better, to set it on fire and help you to get to where you want to go.

I’m here to affirm your CHOICE to get better, and to conquer this exam.

Remember your end goal and envision yourself succeeding in the exam.

Break down your study plan into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate your progress along the way, and ask for help if you need it, either from me or the teachers on this site, or the people around you who are supporting you in your growth and journey.

Stay positive, and don’t forget to take breaks and maintain a healthy balance between studying and leisure activities.

In conclusion, it’s never too late to start preparing for the IGCSE English 0500 exam.

With dedication, hard work, and the right approach, you can overcome any obstacles and achieve success. Believe in yourself, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Happy studying!

As IGCSE students, you’re on a quest to master the art of narrative writing, and I’m here to be your trusted guide.

Today, we’ll explore the fascinating world of story structures that will help you craft captivating, engaging, and top-scoring narrative pieces. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your creativity and embark on a journey to the land of A+ narratives!

We’ll start first with our recommendations for narrative structures that you can try out in your writing (more specific and targeted blog posts, examples, and templates will follow in the coming weeks), and also provide examples that take place in some books that you can consider reading; they are mostly classics.

While they won’t demonstrate the entirety of each one of these narrative structures in full, they will provide some valuable insight into what to look for and also provide examples that you can reference if you have the interest (and the time!) to pursue some reading. 🙂

In the final section, we will justify these recommendations with specific reference to the mark scheme.

Do know also that it is possible to combine this narrative structures with one another and that you most likely will do so as you utilise the techniques that you learn in this post in order to deal with the unseen prompts that you will encounter on the exam and write stories at large 🙂

Sounds good? Let’s go! 🚀

Narrative Structures

1. The Classic Three-Act Structure: Tried and True

The three-act structure is like a reliable old friend, always there to guide you through the world of storytelling. This classic approach divides your narrative into three parts: the setup, confrontation, and resolution. By establishing a strong beginning, middle, and end, you’ll create a well-balanced and engaging story that is sure to impress your IGCSE examiners.

Example:

“Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a young girl named Cinderella who was forced to work as a servant for her wicked stepmother and stepsisters.” – Cinderella, Charles Perrault.

This opening line from the classic fairytale of Cinderella sets the stage for a story that follows the three-act structure. The first act introduces the characters and the central conflict, the second act chronicles Cinderella’s struggles and her magical night at the ball, and the third act brings about resolution and a happy ending as she marries the prince.

Edit:

Note however that the Three-Act Structure does not necessarily entail a happy ending – it is just a framework for setting up your story, and definitely can and should be used in conjunction with some of the other narrative structures as well as intelligent discernment in order for you to construct a piece that will impress and wow your examiners! Thank you to Ms. Rani CK for discussing this with me 🙂

2. The Hero’s Journey: Embrace the Adventure

The Hero’s Journey, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, is a story structure that revolves around a protagonist’s transformative adventure. Your hero (or heroine) will face trials, overcome obstacles, and ultimately return as a changed person. By incorporating this powerful structure into your narrative writing, you’ll create a compelling and dynamic story that captures the essence of human experience and captivates your readers (and examiners).

Example:

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” – The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s opening line in The Hobbit introduces the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, and marks the beginning of his Hero’s Journey. Throughout the story, Bilbo leaves his comfortable home, faces various trials and adventures alongside a group of dwarves, and ultimately returns transformed, having discovered his inner courage and resourcefulness.

3. In Medias Res: Start with a Bang

Dive headfirst into the action by employing the “in medias res” (Latin for “in the midst of things”) story structure. This technique drops your reader right into the heart of the action, creating an immediate sense of intrigue and excitement. By starting with a gripping event, you’ll pique your reader’s curiosity and encourage them to keep reading as you gradually reveal the backstory and context. This bold approach will show your IGCSE examiners that you’re a fearless and innovative storyteller.

Example:

“Someone must have slandered Josef K., for one morning, without having done anything truly wrong, he was arrested.” – The Trial, Franz Kafka.

Franz Kafka’s The Trial starts in medias res, as the protagonist Josef K. is arrested without any prior explanation. This opening plunges the reader right into the action and establishes a sense of immediacy and confusion, setting the stage for a narrative that will gradually reveal the circumstances and consequences of this arrest.

4. Nonlinear Narrative: Play with Time

Who says stories need to follow a chronological order? By experimenting with a nonlinear narrative, you’ll weave a tale that jumps between different time periods, creating an intricate and thought-provoking story. This structure requires skillful planning to ensure your reader can follow the story’s progression, but when executed well, it can lead to a captivating and memorable piece that will undoubtedly impress your IGCSE examiners.

Example:

“All this happened, more or less.” – Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five is a prime example of a nonlinear narrative. The novel tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, who becomes “unstuck in time” and experiences events from his life in a disjointed order. This opening line acknowledges the narrative’s unconventional structure, as the story will jump back and forth in time to explore Billy’s life, war experiences, and encounters with extraterrestrial beings.

5. Frame Narrative: Stories within Stories

Unleash the full power of your storytelling abilities with a frame narrative. This structure involves a story within a story, where an outer narrative “frames” an inner one. By employing this sophisticated technique, you’ll create depth and layers to your writing, offering your reader multiple perspectives and a rich, immersive experience.

Example:

“You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.” – Frankenstein, Mary Shelley.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a frame narrative, as it begins with a series of letters from Captain Walton to his sister, chronicling his Arctic expedition. The story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation is relayed to Walton, who then recounts the tale to his sister through the letters. This structure adds layers of depth and multiple perspectives to the narrative, enriching the overall storytelling experience.

Why do these work?

In this section, we’ll delve into how each of the story structures we’ve discussed can help students achieve top marks in their IGCSE narrative writing, specifically addressing the marking criteria for content, structure, and style.

1. The Classic Three-Act Structure

Content and Structure (W1 & W2): The three-act structure’s clear beginning, middle, and end ensures that your narrative is well-balanced and organized. By establishing a strong setup, confrontation, and resolution, you can create complex, engaging, and effective content, satisfying the requirements for the highest marks.

Style and Accuracy (W3 & W4): A well-executed three-act structure also allows for precise vocabulary and varied sentence structures, as well as a consistent, well-chosen register that aligns with the context of the story. These elements contribute to a high-scoring narrative in terms of style and accuracy.

2. The Hero’s Journey

Content and Structure (W1 & W2): The Hero’s Journey offers a strongly developed plot that features character development, trials, and a satisfying climax. This story structure enables you to create engaging, complex, and effective content that demonstrates a deliberate and well-managed narrative flow.

Style and Accuracy (W3 & W4): The adventurous nature of the Hero’s Journey allows for the use of precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures. The story’s context also lends itself to an appropriate and consistent register, further contributing to a high-scoring narrative.

3. In Medias Res

Content and Structure (W1 & W2): By starting your narrative in the midst of action, you immediately create engaging, complex, and effective content. The suspenseful nature of this structure requires careful management, which, when done successfully, demonstrates a secure and well-balanced narrative flow.

Style and Accuracy (W3 & W4): In medias res encourages you to use precise vocabulary and varied sentence structures to convey the excitement and tension of the story. The structure also allows for a consistent, well-chosen register that aligns with the high-stakes context, ultimately contributing to a top-scoring narrative.

4. Nonlinear Narrative

Content and Structure (W1 & W2): A nonlinear narrative enables you to create complex, engaging, and effective content by challenging traditional storytelling conventions. Skillful planning is required to maintain a well-balanced and carefully managed narrative flow, which, when executed well, will satisfy the highest marks’ requirements.

Style and Accuracy (W3 & W4): The intricate nature of a nonlinear narrative demands precise vocabulary and a range of sentence structures to convey the story’s progression effectively. By demonstrating a consistent, well-chosen register suitable for the context, you’ll create a high-scoring narrative in terms of style and accuracy.

5. Frame Narrative

Content and Structure (W1 & W2): A frame narrative provides depth and layers to your writing, allowing you to create complex, engaging, and effective content. This sophisticated structure requires careful management to ensure a secure, well-balanced, and deliberate narrative flow, satisfying the top marks’ requirements.

Style and Accuracy (W3 & W4): The multiple perspectives offered by a frame narrative enable the use of precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures. A consistent and appropriate register that aligns with the story’s context further contributes to a top-scoring narrative in terms of style and accuracy.

By carefully applying these story structures to your narrative writing, you can address the mark scheme’s criteria for content, structure, and style, putting you on the path to achieving the highest possible grades in your IGCSE narrative writing exam.

Conclusion: Your Path to Narrative Greatness

Remember, aspiring storytellers, the key to crafting an outstanding narrative piece lies in your choice of story structure and your ability to execute it masterfully. By exploring these various structures and aligning them with the highest IGCSE grade requirements, you’ll be well on your way to creating captivating, engaging, and top-scoring narratives.

So, go forth and weave your tales, for the world of narrative writing awaits! May your pen be mighty, your imagination boundless, and your stories unforgettable. With dedication, creativity, and a little guidance from these story structures, you’ll soon be the author of narratives that will not only impress your IGCSE examiners but also leave a lasting impact on all who read them.