Uni
International Examinations
English
as a Second Language
Focus on
Writing
Alison DiggerINTRODUCTION
Exam overview
How to use this book
IMPROVING YOUR INFORMAL WRITING
1 Different kinds of English
2 Friendly register
3 Friendly letters: the basics
PRODUCING INFORMAL WRITING
1 Friendly letters: descriptive
2 Friendly letters: advice
3 Friendly letters: narrative
4 Friendly letters: descriptive narrative
IMPROVING YOUR FORMAL WRITING
1 Basic tools
2 Suggestions
3 Opinions
4 Views and arguments
PRODUCING FORMAL WRITING
1 Compositions
2. Formal letters
3. School magazine articles
4 Book reviews
READING
1 Overview
2 Summaries
LISTENING AND SPEAKING
1 Listening overview
2 Speaking, overview
REFERENCE
1 Register
2 Key grammar points
3 Essential prepositions
4 Word partners and sayings
5. Confused phrases
6 Spelling tips
7 Problem spellings
8 Exam hints for the writing exam
DATABASE OF TOPIC-RELATED VOCABULARY AND IDEAS
ANSWERS TO EXERCISES
INDEX
18
124
138
141
141
149
7
171
180
182
182
186
200
216
219
220
222
224
231
245
253INTRODUCTION
IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed primarily for students
preparing for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) examination in English as a Second Language, but will also be
extremely useful to students taking a course in English as a first language.
All parts of the exam are covered, with strong emphasis on the written
component, which is the area where students usually need most help. Detailed
units, geared to exam techniques, cover each aspect of the written paper,
including letter writing, formal writing, school magazine articles and
summaries.
The skills needed for the written component are taught through the
extensive use of examples in a step-by-step, hands-on guide, designed to
boost students’ confidence in their ability to answer exam questions
successfully. Equal attention is paid to the importance of style and content as.
‘well as accuracy, with reference to regular mistakes made by students in these
areas. Many units include students’ answers to previous exam questions,
annotated with teachers’ comments.
Much emphasis is placed on the correct use of different registers, and a unit
in the reference section outlines many of the common register mistakes made
by students and how to overcome them. Also included in the reference
section is a selection of grammar points relevant to the requirements of the
IGCSE exam
In an attempt to ensure that there is no barrier to understanding for the
student working alone, every effort has been made to use clear, carefully
selected language throughout, and grammatical terms are included only
where absolutely necessary.
The IGCSE English as a Second Language exam is very demanding,
requiring intimate knowledge of both language and culture. To bridge the
gap of cultural difference, the final section of this book, Database of topic~
related vocabulary and ideas, provides students with relevant cultural
information and encourages both development of ideas and ways of
expressing them
IGCSE English as a Second Language is an invaluable guide for students
preparing for the First Certificate in English (CE) and Certificate in Advanced
English (CAE) exams, for any students keen to improve their level of language
proficiency and writing skills, and for teachers of students at these levels
@ Exam overview
‘The IGCSE exam is offered at both Core and Extended tier. Candidates who
take the Core tier may obtain Grades C to G. Candidates who take the
Extended tier may obtain Grades A* to E.
At both Core and Extended levels there are two compulsory papers and an
oral component. Marks for the oral component do not contribute to the
overall grades candidates receive for the reading, writing and listening
components. Results are given on a separate certificate with grades from,
1 (high) to 5 (low).