IGCSE English as a Second Language
The IGCSE ESL Reading and Writing paper
Six exercises in 2 hours: four reading exercises worth 30 marks and two short pieces of writing worth 30 marks. The format is the same for exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
| Time | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Marks | 60: reading 30, writing 30 |
| Exercises | Four reading, then two writing |
| Dictionaries | Not allowed |
The six exercises
- Exercise 1 (8 marks): a text of about 400 to 450 words with short answers, the last question asking for three things
- Exercise 2 (9 marks): nine questions matched to sections or short texts of about 600 to 650 words
- Exercise 3 (7 marks): complete a set of notes on a text of about 400 to 500 words
- Exercise 4 (6 marks): six multiple-choice questions with options A to C on a text of about 550 to 600 words
- Exercise 5 (15 marks): an informal email of 120 to 160 words
- Exercise 6 (15 marks): a more formal article, report, essay or review of 120 to 160 words
How the writing is marked
Each piece of writing gets up to 6 marks for content (doing the task and developing your ideas) and up to 9 for language (range, accuracy and organisation). Covering every prompt in a register that suits the reader matters as much as accurate grammar.
A sensible way to spend the 2 hours
- About 60 minutes on the four reading exercises, longest on Exercise 2
- About 25 minutes on the email and 30 on Exercise 6
- A few minutes at the end to check spelling and verb forms
Next step
Is the paper changing for 2027?
No. The 2027 to 2029 syllabus has the same Reading and Writing paper as 2024 to 2026, with no significant changes that affect teaching.
Can I use a dictionary?
No. Dictionaries are not allowed in the Reading and Writing paper.