What is Comprehension?

Comprehension involves understanding, analyzing, and interpreting a given text. It is a key component of IGCSE English exams, where students demonstrate their ability to read closely and respond accurately to questions.

Skills Needed for Comprehension Tasks

• Close Reading: Paying attention to details, language, and structure in the text.
• Inference: Drawing conclusions and reading between the lines.
• Understanding Vocabulary: Identifying the meaning of words in context.
• Summarizing: Condensing information into concise points.
• Organized Responses: Writing clear, well-structured answers to questions.

Example of a Comprehension Task

Comprehension Task Example from Past Exam Paper

Task- A-0500-May-2020-Paper-11-Insert.pdf

“The Problem with Plastics”

1(a) Give three examples of man-made materials humans use more than plastic.

Steel, cement, and bricks are three commonly used man-made materials that surpass plastic in terms of overall usage.

1(b)(i) Using your own words, explain what the text means by ‘adaptable and durable’ (line 1).

Plastics can be modified or shaped to serve a range of different purposes (adaptable), and they remain strong or functional for a long time without easily wearing out (durable).

1(b)(ii) Using your own words, explain what the text means by ‘an astonishing mass’ (line 4).

This phrase refers to an extremely large amount of plastic, so extensive that it seems incredible or remarkable when you consider how much has been produced.

1(c) Re-read paragraph 3 (“We’re rapidly … emissions.”). Give two reasons why disposing of plastics is difficult.

Firstly, most widely used plastics cannot break down naturally (they are not biodegradable). Secondly, permanently destroying plastic by incinerating it causes concerns over harmful emissions and health risks.

1(d)(i) Re-read paragraphs 4 and 5 (“Plastic items … recycled once.”). Identify two facts about how plastic items are dealt with, which lead to plastic waste littering the environment.

Plastic products are used only briefly before being thrown away. Many of these discarded plastics end up in landfill or littering the environment.

1(d)(ii) Re-read paragraphs 4 and 5. What changes are needed to improve the recycling of plastic?

Better design of plastic items to make them easier to recycle. Encouraging people to recycle each product more than once instead of throwing it away. Efforts to educate the public so they understand the importance and process of recycling. Recycling the rest of the plastic that currently goes unrecycled (beyond the 90% that is already recycled once).

1(e) Re-read paragraphs 6 and 7. Using your own words, explain the reasons why the problem of plastic waste is not being dealt with quickly enough.

It’s not cost-effective to replace or cut back on plastic because manufacturing it is so cheap. There is also an enormous amount of plastic waste accumulating worldwide. Additionally, a lack of a unified global effort and insufficiently bold strategies prevent significant progress in tackling the issue within a shorter timeframe.

Here is the link that is a guide to answering Comprehension Based Questions for IGCSE

What is Summary Writing?

Summary writing is the process of condensing a longer piece of text into its key points, retaining only the essential ideas and omitting unnecessary details. It is a vital skill for IGCSE students, helping them demonstrate understanding and conciseness.

Skills Needed for Summary Writing

• Comprehension: The ability to fully understand the source text.
• Paraphrasing: Expressing the original ideas in your own words without changing the meaning.
• Conciseness: Removing redundant information while preserving the core message.
• Sequencing: Arranging the points logically and cohesively.
• Accuracy: Ensuring that the key points reflect the source material accurately.

Example of a Summary  May 2020 Paper 11 May Session

Expert Written Summary :

In the final episode of Blue Planet II, the narrator highlights plastic pollution, showing grim footage of marine life tangled in debris. One striking case involves a mother whale mourning her calf, though no direct evidence links its death to plastic. The documentary’s dramatic tone ignites public anger and calls to ban plastics, yet critics crave clearer scientific proof. As global plastic output rises, concerns mount for sea creatures and humans alike. While shock tactics can spur viewers to action, some worry that compelling imagery overshadows factual detail. The writer urges programme makers to balance emotional impact with hard evidence, warning that without solid data, the real message about plastic pollution risks being lost in the spectacle.

Analysing the above summary from exam point of view:

The summary meets the upper-level criteria by demonstrating a thorough and concise capture of the text’s central arguments, emotional resonance, and public reaction. Here is how the writing aligns with the highest possible marks:

• Reading Criteria Complete Coverage: The response addresses the documentary’s focus on ocean pollution and its emotional impact (grieving whale mother), as well as the broader social and environmental debate, all within the 120-word limit.
• Effective Overview: It clearly conveys the tension between powerful storytelling (designed to stir empathy and action) and the need for strong, scientific evidence. This captures the essence of the text. Logical Progression: The reader moves from the documentary’s emotional images to public outrage, then to expert concerns over proof. This organisation demonstrates a wide grasp of relevant ideas, staying focused on the main issues surrounding plastic pollution.
• Writing Criteria Clarity and Fluency: Sentences are varied yet direct, ensuring readability while conveying depth. Words like “ignites,” “overshadows,” and “compelling imagery” add vibrancy and precision without being overly complex.
• Conciseness: The summary avoids unnecessary repetition, fitting key details into the strict word limit. This concision is essential for a high-scoring response.
• Accurate Mechanics: Grammar, punctuation, and spelling appear correct. Proper noun usage (e.g., Blue Planet II) is consistent, and punctuation (commas, apostrophes) clarifies meaning.
• Own Words: The wording is distinct from the original text, indicating genuine understanding rather than direct copying. Paraphrased concepts show mastery of the source material.
• Overall Impression By balancing faithful representation of the text’s content with carefully chosen language, the summary demonstrates analytical depth, focus, and style. These qualities position it strongly for full marks in both Reading and Writing, as it engages wit