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IGCSE

IGCSE English Narrative Composition Sample Essays

IGCSE 0500 First Language English – Narrative Composition: Two Sample Essays

victortanws
 

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.

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IGCSE English Motivation

It’s Never Too Late to Start Preparing for IGCSE English 0500

victortanws
 

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.

  1. “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.

  1. “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.

  1. “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.
  1. “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!

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Uncategorized

Empower Your English 0500 Journey: Maximize Learning through Active Classroom Engagement

victortanws
 

One of the most significant obstacles in learning how to excel in First Language English is the variability in the quality of teaching. Not every teacher is created equal – many have different levels of training, and even when the training is done, each person has a different styles and different life experiences which they bring into this work.

Even if a teacher is experienced and extremely capable at delivering the material, though, how much good can it do for you if you do not have the ability to absorb it at the point of delivery?

This creates a critical challenge for you as a student: How do you excel in an environment where your teacher may not be able to deliver everything that you need?

The answer to that is active learning – The act of taking control of your learning, putting the process of your knowledge acquisition into your own hands as you do your own research and study and practice so that you can gain the knowledge that you need to excel in the way that you want.

At the same time though, not every student is equally prepared to take their education into their own hands.

After all, some students may struggle with shyness, anxiety, or other barriers that prevent them from actively participating in class.

Yet, regardless of the situation, I firmly believe that every student has the potential to excel in English 0500 – but it will require some adjustment in behaviour, thoughts, and mindset.

In this blog post, I will share some practical strategies that will empower you to overcome these challenges and maximize your active engagement in the classroom. Ready? Let’s go!

To make the most of your learning and to begin the process of learning actively, you might consider the following:

  1. Acknowledge and Address Personal Barriers:

Before diving into active learning strategies, it’s crucial to recognize the challenges that may be holding you back. Be honest with yourself about any shyness, anxiety, or other personal barriers that have prevented you from fully engaging in the classroom. Seek help from a counselor or trusted adult to discuss these issues and develop a plan to overcome them. Remember, it’s never too late to make a change and become a more active participant in your learning journey.

  1. Ask Questions:

Asking questions can be intimidating, especially if you’re shy or feel unsure about the material. However, taking this step is essential for your growth as a learner. Start by asking questions in a smaller setting, such as during group work or one-on-one with your teacher. Gradually build up the confidence to speak up during class discussions. Remember that no question is too small or too insignificant—every inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the material.

  1. Take Detailed Notes:

Taking comprehensive notes during class will help you retain information better and improve your understanding of the material. Develop a note-taking system that works for you, incorporating symbols, abbreviations, and highlighting techniques to make your notes visually engaging. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning and to identify any gaps in your understanding that you can address during class or with your teacher.

  1. Collaborate with Peers:

Working with classmates not only fosters camaraderie but also encourages active learning. Engage in group discussions, compare notes, and tackle challenging concepts together. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and listen to others’ perspectives. This collaborative approach to learning can help you overcome shyness, build confidence, and deepen your understanding of the material.

  1. Practice Active Listening:

Active listening is a skill that requires concentration and effort. Focus on the teacher’s words, and resist the urge to let your mind wander. As you listen, try to make connections between new information and previously learned concepts. This process will help you to better comprehend and retain the material.

  1. Reflect on Your Learning:

After each class, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned. Consider the aspects you found challenging or exciting and any questions that arose during the lesson. Use this reflection to guide your study sessions and to identify areas where you might need additional support.

  1. Set Goals and Monitor Progress:

Establish specific, achievable goals for your English 0500 journey. These goals might include improving your vocabulary, enhancing your writing skills, or participating more actively in class discussions. Regularly assess your progress and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remember that you have the power to overcome any obstacles and take control of your English 0500 learning experience. By employing these active learning strategies, you can maximize your classroom engagement and make significant strides toward academic success, regardless of the quality of teaching you have encountered in the past. Keep believing in yourself and stay committed to your growth. The sky’s the limit!

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