review essay igcse

Writing: Exercise 6 (Writing a Review)

Exercise 6 of the ESL paper could also be a review writing.

The review could be for a book, movie, restaurant etc. that you enjoyed (or didn’t!)

The exercise is worth 16 marks and you should write about 150-200 words.

Let’s dive right in. I will be using a book review for examples. I have included a sample review at the end.

  • Introduction : state the book’s title, author’s full name, the setting of the story, giving a one-line description of what the story is about. Use adjectives to describe the book such as insightful, beautiful, controversial etc.
  • Brief description : give a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of the book, shortly expanding your one-sentence description in the introduction. Don’t write the whole story, only the beginning! Use the present tense of verbs and linking words to outline the story chronologically. Bonus points if you can use words that fit the theme of the story. If, for example, the book is of the fantasy genre, use words like magic, summon, fate, spells etc.
  • Opinion : this is where you have to write down how the book impacted you. Was it inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-changing? You could praise the book or criticise it, stating why.
  • Recommendation : you must state whether you would recommend this book, to whom and why.

Let’s look at a sample. See if I’ve stuck with the points above.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has to be the most devastatingly beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Set in 20th century Afghanistan, it tells the story of how a young boy’s friendship is tested by war and betrayal.

Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan, shares a close friendship with their household servant’s son, Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition tethers their bond, and as war forces them to part ways, the boys’ lives take them on a journey of love and redemption.

The book made me realise how precious yet fragile the relationships we build are; and that we must always take a chance on our loved ones. It taught me the importance of the people in our lives and how they shape us to be who we are.

The Kite Runner is a beautifully narrated tale, the writing just as simple as it is heart- breaking, the characters realistically portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy character-driven stories set in troubled times.

Time Management

For the core paper 1 , spend about 20 minutes in this exercise.

For the extended paper 2 , spend 30 minutes on this exercise. Allot 5 minutes to plan the points you will include in each paragraph. Take 20 minutes to write your review, keeping in mind all the above tips. Use the final 5 minutes to proofread and make any changes.

That’s the end of the ESL paper. Good luck!

Notes submitted by Lintha.

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How to Write an Outstanding IGCSE English Essay?

  • Author: Litera Centre
  • Updated: November 27, 2023
  • Language: English

Writing an outstanding IGCSE English essay is a skill that can elevate your academic performance and equip you with invaluable communication abilities. Whether you’re a student aiming to excel in your IGCSE examinations or an aspiring writer looking to hone your craft, mastering the art of essay composition is essential. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting exceptional IGCSE English essays. From understanding the essay prompt and organizing your thoughts to perfecting your writing style and enhancing your argumentation, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this academic endeavor with confidence and finesse. 

Let’s dig deeper to unlock the secrets of impressive essay writing.

The Significance of IGCSE English Essay!

Before giving you the tips to ace the IGCSE English essay writing, let’s know the significance of this section first: 

Global Recognition & Standardization: 

The IGCSE English Essay holds immense significance due to its global recognition and standardization. It is administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which is respected worldwide for its rigorous curriculum and assessments. This means that when a student completes the IGCSE English Essay, their achievement is recognized and respected by educational institutions and employers around the world.

Enhanced Language Proficiency: 

The IGCSE English Essay plays a pivotal role in enhancing a student’s language proficiency. It encourages students to engage with diverse texts, fostering their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. As a result, students become more adept at expressing their ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively, a crucial skill in both academic and professional settings.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:

Another significant aspect of the IGCSE English Essay is its emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Through analyzing literary texts, students develop the ability to dissect complex ideas, interpret themes, and make persuasive arguments. These skills are not only essential for success in the English subject but are transferable to various fields, including law, journalism, and research.

Cultural Awareness & Empathy: 

The IGCSE English Essay often includes a variety of literary works from different cultures and periods. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and empathy in students as they explore the perspectives and experiences of characters from diverse backgrounds. Such awareness is vital in today’s interconnected world, promoting tolerance and understanding.

Preparation for Advanced Study and Careers: 

Beyond its academic benefits, the IGCSE English Essay serves as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to pursue further education or careers that require strong communication and writing skills. It provides a solid foundation for more advanced English courses, including A-levels and university-level studies. Additionally, in a professional context, effective writing and communication skills are highly valued and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

In conclusion, the IGCSE English Essay holds great significance in a student’s educational journey. It offers a standardized platform for language development, fosters critical thinking, promotes cultural awareness, and equips students with skills that are valuable both in academia and the professional world. Its benefits extend far beyond the classroom, making it a valuable and worthwhile component of a student’s education.

Step-to-Step Process to Write an Excellent IGCSE English Essay: 

Here are seven steps you must follow to write an outstanding IGCSE English essay: 

Step 1: Understand the Essay Prompt: 

This step involves dissecting the essay question meticulously. In simpler words, you need to identify essential keywords as well as directives, such as “analyze,” “discuss,” or “compare.” 

By carefully deconstructing the prompt, you gain a clear understanding of what the essay requires. This initial comprehension is vital, as it forms the basis for your essay’s direction and structure. It ensures that you don’t deviate from the essay’s core purpose and helps you focus on addressing the specific elements the prompt intends to evaluate, setting the stage for a well-structured and on-point essay.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Plan: 

Here, you take time to gather your thoughts and devise a strategic approach. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the essay prompt, considering potential arguments, themes, and examples. This brainstorming helps clarify your thoughts and allows you to identify the most compelling points to include in your essay. 

Subsequently, create an outline or a mind map that organizes these ideas into a coherent structure. This plan serves as a roadmap for your essay, ensuring that your arguments flow logically and are well-organized. 

By investing time in this step, you set yourself up for a more organized and effective essay.

Step 3: Introduction with a Strong Thesis Statement: 

Needless to say, the introduction serves as the gateway to your essay, and it should be engaging to capture the reader’s attention. It begins with a hook, which can be a quote, a question, or a compelling statement relevant to the topic. 

Following the hook, you must present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the central argument or purpose of your essay. 

The thesis statement is the essay’s backbone, providing a roadmap for what the reader can expect. It sets the tone and direction for the entire essay and is essential for a well-structured and coherent piece of writing.

Step 4: Body Paragraphs with Evidence and Analysis:

Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, summarizing the main point of that specific paragraph. Following this, you should provide supporting evidence, which may include quotes from the text, examples, or references to literary elements. 

Once the evidence is presented, you need to engage in in-depth analysis. This means interpreting and explaining the significance of the evidence in your thesis statement. 

The combination of evidence and analysis reinforces your arguments and ensures that your essay is not just a summary, but a critical exploration of the topic, fostering a deeper understanding of the text and its themes.

Step 6: Transition Smoothly Between Paragraphs: 

To maintain the coherence and flow of your essay, you should use transitional words and phrases effectively. These transitions connect your ideas, guide the reader through your argument, and establish logical relationships between paragraphs. 

Common transitional words and phrases include “furthermore,” “however,” “in contrast,” and “conversely.” 

By implementing these transitions, you create a seamless narrative that allows the reader to follow your essay’s progression effortlessly. This step is essential for making your IGCSE English Essay more comprehensible and ensuring that your arguments are presented in a clear and interconnected manner.

Step 7: Conclusion and Final Thoughts: 

In this stage, you need to summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of your essay, restate your thesis statement using different wording, and provide a sense of closure to your argument. 

Your conclusion should offer a concise reflection on the main themes and arguments, reinforcing their significance and relevance. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader, helping them understand the broader implications of your analysis. 

A strong conclusion ties up your essay neatly, leaving a lasting impact and ensuring that your message resonates with the reader.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit: 

This step involves a comprehensive review of your work to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. In addition to basic mechanics, you should also assess the clarity and coherence of your writing. 

Ensure that your arguments and ideas are logically presented and that your essay is well-structured. Reading your essay aloud can help identify awkward phrasing or convoluted sentences. 

Editing is a critical step that polishes your work, ensuring it is clear, concise, and free from distractions. It guarantees that your message is communicated effectively and leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader.

How Can Litera Centre Help You? 

So, are you preparing for the IGCSE English examination, with a specific focus on essay writing? Look no further, as Litera Centre is here to provide you with the expert guidance, valuable resources, and personalized coaching you need to excel in your IGCSE journey.

At Litera Centre, we understand the importance of excelling in the IGCSE English Essay examination, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals. Our team of experienced educators and English language experts are here to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to tackle the essay writing component of the exam with confidence and precision.

With our tailored coaching, you’ll receive personalized attention and support, ensuring that you fully grasp the intricacies of essay writing, including structure, argument development, and grammar. 

Don’t leave your IGCSE English success to chance. Let Litera Centre be your partner in achieving excellence in your examinations. Join us today and take a step closer to taking your IGCSE English examination.

References:

https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/how-to-write-brilliant-essays/

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IGCSE English Revision Notes, Syllabus and Preparation Tips for 2024

Pankaj dhiman.

  • Created on November 7, 2023
  • Blog , Cambridge IGCSE , English , IGCSE

Mastering IGCSE English: Syllabus, Revision Notes, and Expert Tips

IGCSE English – Preparation for the IGCSE English exam can be a demanding but rewarding process. We’ve put up a comprehensive handbook full of relevant IGCSE English revision suggestions to help you navigate this procedure. This article will provide you with the information you need to excel, whether you wish to grasp the curriculum, conquer exam papers, or avoid common faults.

Must Read – IGCSE Examinations in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide

Understanding the Cambridge IGCSE English Curriculum

Before you begin your IGCSE English revision, you must first understand the Cambridge IGCSE English curriculum. This area will provide you with the information and resources you need to become familiar with the programme and its requirements.

Begin by properly reviewing the IGCSE English syllabus . This fundamental document outlines the exam-related topics, concepts, and learning objectives. The initial step to effective preparation is to understand the syllabus.

Access the Learning Platform

Making Use of IGCSE English Study Material

To succeed in the IGCSE English revision , you must have access to the appropriate study materials. Examine textbooks, online resources, and study guides exclusively for IGCSE English . These materials make studying more manageable by simplifying complicated concepts.

Examining IGCSE English Exam Sample Questions

Reviewing example questions is one of the most efficient strategies for learning for the IGCSE English exam. These questions provide an insight into the structure and organization of the exam, allowing you to gain more familiarity with what you’re supposed to expect.

Top Tips for Cambridge IGCSE English Exam Preparation

Read widely : reading a wide range of things, such as fiction, nonfiction, newspapers, and journals, will help you develop your reading skills. Examine diverse writing tactics and styles.

Identify the exam format : Understand the Cambridge IGCSE English test methodology. It typically includes numerous components, such as writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Make sure you know what is coming in each section.

Examine the curriculum :  to ensure you understand the subjects and abilities that you must learn. This allows you to tailor your study schedule properly.

Must Read – IGCSE English – Tips for Reading and Writing + Exam Resources

The Importance of Critical Reading in IGCSE English

The IGCSE English exam is built around critical reading. Learn how to analyze literary processes, dissect texts, and discern meaning. This ability is critical for exam performance throughout the reading and essay-writing sections.

Effective Strategies for IGCSE English Paper 1 (Reading Passages)

  • Read Actively : Before going into the questions, attentively read the passage. Take note of the author’s details, tone, and literary approaches. Annotate the text if allowed.
  • Understand the purpose : Identify the text’s purpose. Is it educational, compelling, or entertaining?. This understanding will allow you to respond to queries more effectively.
  • Look over the questions first to get an idea of which details you need to seek in the passage. This might help you save time and focus on important aspects.
  • Pay Attention to Keywords: When responding to questions, look for phrases in the question and try to discover these identical words or synonyms in the body of the answer.

Must Read – How do I get an A* for IGCSE First Language English?

Mastering IGCSE English Paper 2 (Writing)

  • Recognise the task: Carefully read the writing assignment. Determine the desired audience and the genre to create (descriptive, narrative, or argumentative). This will help you plan your strategy.
  • Plan your response : Spend a couple of minutes thinking about how you will respond. Outline your main points or ideas, the format of your essay, and what evidence or sources you will use.
  • Begin your essay with a fascinating introduction that defines a pace for the topic and draws the reader in. Clearly state your main point or argument.
  • Organize Your Thoughts : Ensure that your essay follows a logical path. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas and arguments. A topic sentence should open each paragraph.

Must Read – IGCSE Maths: Syllabus, Revision Notes & Preparation Tips

Language Paper 3 (Speaking and Listening)

The IGCSE English Language Paper 3 (Speaking and Listening) is intended to evaluate your oral communication abilities. It is often divided into two parts:Prepared presentation and a discussion or interaction.

Must Read – IGCSE vs GCSE: 5 differences you should know

Analyzing Poetry and Prose for IGCSE English

The IGCSE English test includes a section on literary analysis. Improve your understanding of poetry and prose by identifying themes, motifs, and literary methods. Analyze a variety of texts for practice.

Literature Techniques for Acing IGCSE English

  • Recognise how authors use vivid and descriptive language to conjure up mental images in their readers’ imaginations. Pay attention to sensory details and analogies that enrich the text.
  • Symbolism : Recognise and explain the significance of symbols in the text. Symbols can be used to symbolize deeper concepts or ideas. Examine how they contribute to the story’s meaning.
  • Investigate how authors construct characters using actions, ideas, and dialogue. Consider how the characters evolve throughout the narrative and how their actions affect the plot.

Developing Strong Vocabulary for IGCSE English

A large vocabulary is an asset for the IGCSE English exam. Exercise your vocabulary and investigate language resources. A large vocabulary improves your writing as well as your comprehension abilities.

Reviewing Sample IGCSE English Exam Questions

Must Read – What is the GCSE curriculum compared to IGCSE & Cambridge O-levels

Comparing IGCSE English First Language and Second Language Options 

 When it comes to IGCSE English, students frequently have the option of choosing between a first language and a second language. Understanding the distinctions and making an informed decision is critical for IGCSE success.

First Language English IGCSE

 Priority given to native-like proficiencyThe IGCSE English First Language option is intended for students with a strong command of the English language who are usually native or near-native speakers. It emphasizes the development of superior written and spoken language skills.

Abundant reading and writing:this choice requires much reading and writing, including literary analysis and creative writing. Learners are expected to read complex texts and articulate themselves clearly.

Learn more – English Language Study Material

IGCSE English Second Language  

Built with Non-Native Speakers in MindThe IGCSE English Second Language choice is designed for students who are fluent in English but do not speak it as a first language. It focuses on honing their English abilities for practical application.

 Communication in Real LifeThis option emphasizes basic English communication abilities. It promotes practical reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Real-Life CommunicationThis option focuses on ordinary English communication skills. It emphasizes real-world skills such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Learn more – IGCSE English Literature Study Material

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IGCSE English Exams

Learn from prior candidates’ mistakes. Be mindful of common IGCSE English test risks, such as misunderstanding questions, failing to manage time efficiently, or failing to proofread your paper.

Resources and Study Aids for Success in IGCSE English

Past papers : Use past IGCSE English exam papers to brush up your skills and become acquainted with the structure and varieties of questions that are frequently asked.

Revision Guides : A wide range of revision guides and textbooks are available that include thorough clarifications, example essays, and practice questions to help with test preparation.

 Must Read –  IGCSE Past Papers: Where to Find & How to Use Past Papers for Revision

IGCSE English FAQs

Q: How to study for IGCSE English? 

A: To prepare for IGCSE English, practice reading, writing, and speaking abilities, as well as seek advice from teachers or tutors.

Q: What are the benefits of taking Cambridge IGCSE English? 

A:The advantages of taking Cambridge IGCSE English include global acclaim, language proficiency, and preparation for higher studies

Q: What are the passing grades for Cambridge IGCSE English? 

A: Cambridge IGCSE English passing ratings vary by school but commonly range from A* to C.

Q: How long is the Cambridge IGCSE English examination? 

A: The IGCSE English course culminates in two papers. Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

Q: How to prepare for IGCSE English Examination 

A:Make an IGCSE English study programme, review textbooks, and practice essay writing and comprehension abilities.

Q: How do I get my Cambridge IGCSE English results?

A: Your Cambridge IGCSE English results can be obtained via your school or on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website.

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review essay igcse

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Home | Learning Resources | Samples | Review | Event Review | Sample -1 IGCSE S22/2019

In your school holidays, you attended a course to learn singing, dancing and acting. Your teacher has asked you to write a review of the course for the school magazine.

Here are two comments from other young people who attended the course:

  • • It was brilliant! We all learned new things.
  • • I started to get bored after a few classes.
  • Write a review for the school magazine, giving your opinions.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

  • • State the background
  • • Basic facts of the matter

Paragraph 2: Summary information

  • • Give quantified information about the programme

Paragraph 3 and 4: analysis

  • • Basic facts of the matter.Develop review statement in paragraph 3 and treat the alternative point in paragraph 4 from your own point of view without weakening the idea of the review statement.

Paragraph 5: conclusion

  • • Restate your review sentence and then write a closing sentence to end the review

Sample review

During the last vacation, I attended a two months’ course - in singing, dancing and acting. It was designed and managed by a group of graduates from the ‘School of Fine Arts’. Though a little amateurish, the course was remarkable as it trained us in useful technical aspects of the arts.

The programme – ‘Foundation Course in Performing Arts’- aimed to offer training in basic technical skills to young students who want to make a career in art industry. The number of seats was limited to 30 and that helped personalised attention in instructions. In addition to the management team, faculty from various institutes were invited to facilitate various sessions. The course combined activities and lectures so that experience was supported by theoretical knowledge.

The greatest plus point about the course is that it was a programme, in true sense of the word. A brochure was given to the candidates in advance and it contained the syllabus and detailed schedule with specific information about what is done in each session. This clarity worked wonderfully. We had the idea of what and how we are going to achieve. This also helped to avoid lapse of time and get the best out of each sessions.

Some participants complain that theoretical sessions were boring. I think this opinion is because of tightly packed schedules wrongly interpreted. For me, the lecture sessions helped a lot in detailing our performances.

To put my idea in brief, except for the unprofessional concepts of arts here and there, the course did marvellous little to mould us into artists. All of the participants could really get fluent with the basic technical side of their arts. With only two months, it was just one or two inches, but real ivory.

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How to write a past paper review question in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510/0511) examination?

Here comes the review question and model answer to the cinema for your school magazine.

review essay igcse

Model answer: Grand Cinemas (Core Model Answer)

Are you one of them who is eagerly anticipating Grand Cinemas in our town? If yes, the project has been completed. Ever since its opening, queues of movie enthusiasts have not reduced. Recently I made a visit to the cinema and based on my experience, I think you should give it a try.

First of all, the majestic cinema gallery which can accommodate thousands of viewers make an incredible impression on viewers. Moreover, it is well equipped with a state of the art Dolby Sound system with the 4K Ultra-HD screen which guarantees an amazing cinema experience.

However, tickets and facilities are overpriced and students may not be able to afford it with their pocket money. The millions of dollars invested in the project may justify this. It is my strident contention that they should make an effort in this respect.

To sum up, I would highly recommend Grand Cinema for all people who are keen on technology and high-tech entertainment. I promise you that you will indulge in a fantastic cinema experience!

Are you looking for Extended model answers for IGCSE ESL writing questions? If yes,pre-book our A Star Model answers for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language.

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Exercise 6: Writing a report (Ultimate Guide)

Exercise 6: writing a report (ultimate guide).

Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or a semi-formal writing. It can be an article, a report, or a review.

In this article, you will discover how to write an almost perfect report that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

So, what is a report?

A report is a nonfiction account that presents and/or summarizes the facts about a particular event, topic, or issue to a person of authority. Reports are a mixture of facts and opinions.

The purpose of a report is often to give relevant information in an ordered way and to make suggestions to the reader based on that information . Therefore, the vocabulary should be Standard English and straightforward , presenting the topic precisely .

The Tone and register of a report

The audience of the report is often a teacher or someone in charge (e.g., the head teacher, organizers of an event, etc.) so the language and tone tend to be more formal and impersonal .

A report should be well-organized and clear . It often has headings to show the reader what information can be found in each section of the report. This helps the reader to locate the information they need more easily.

Now, let’s discover the ideal format of a report.

The format of a report

A report often follows a 3-part structure (in addition to the title), which may span 3-5 paragraphs:

  • Title/heading: The title of the report you are writing about. It should be brief and relevant. For example, “Report: School Trip to a Recycling Centre”, “A Visit to a Recycling Centre”, etc.
  • First Paragraph: Introduction
  • Body paragraph(s): Findings (organized according to the requirements of the report asked for in the question), for example, what you enjoyed about the trip, what you learned, etc.
  • Final paragraph: Conclusion and Recommendations

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to provide a background and an overview of the report. It should include:

  • The 7 WHs (of which 3 are absolutely necessary): Who (e.g. your class), What (e.g. a day spent at a science exhibition), When (e.g. last week), Where (e.g. in the town), Why (e.g. to learn about recycling), (written by) Whom (yourself), to Whom (e.g. your teacher, organizers of the event, etc.).
  • The purpose of the report (what it will cover): This is mentioned in the question, e.g. things that students enjoyed about the trip, suggestions for improvements if it’s repeated next year, etc.

Here are some example phrases to mention the purpose of the report:

  • The report aims to highlight/present/investigate …
  • The report contains relevant information regarding …
  • The (aim/intention/purpose) of this report is to (present/discuss/outline/detail/highlight) … based on (my observations/feedback from students, etc.).
  • How you collected the information you have based your report on (e.g. observation, feedback from students, from a survey, interviewed classmates, etc.). This is optional , so you may or may not include it.

Here are some examples of effective report introductions (the 3 necessary Whs have been underlined):

  • Last week , our class spent the day at a science exhibition in the town. This report aims to detail what we learned from the visit and provide recommendations for improvement if it is repeated next year.
  • As requested, I have prepared a report about a sports festival my class attended last week . I have interviewed my classmates, and my findings are presented below.
  • As requested by my teacher, I have compiled a detailed assessment of the work experience week that my class participated in on the 1 st of March . This report aims to outline what was learnt by students and provide suggestions to enhance the experience next time.
  • Last week , our school had the opportunity to visit The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) . The purpose of this report is to provide an account of our visit and offer suggestions for improvements based on my observations and feedback from students.

Remember to keep the introduction brief.

The body of the report generally includes your findings , which are the positive and/or negative things you and other people have noticed. It should be organized according to what is asked for in the question , for example, what you enjoyed about the trip, what you learned, etc. The choice of subheadings will depend on what you mention in the body of the report.

Here are some guidelines:

  • Read the question carefully, underline the keywords and draft a plan for your report in the blank space below the question using a pencil.
  • You can use the few prompts given in the question, but it is better to use your own ideas if you want to get higher marks. If, however, you are out of ideas, use the ideas in the question and make sure to paraphrase them (write them in different words) and develop them well.
  • Decide how many body paragraphs you need and what ideas you want to include in each paragraph; write a suitable subheading for each one .
  • Present each topic in detail under suitable subheading and support your ideas and develop them well with reasons, evidence, or examples .
  • Keep to the topic (don’t wander away from the main subject and requirements of the report). Remind yourself constantly by looking again at the question.
  • Use a wide variety of formal linking words and cohesive devices to create a smooth and logical flow in your writing. Here are some examples.

Showing order

  • First of all
  • First and foremost
  • In the first place
  • To begin with
  • Subsequently
  • In addition,
  • Furthermore,
  • Additionally,
  • Not only … but also…
  • As well as.

Contrasting

  • Nevertheless
  • Even though
  • Despite/ Despite the fact that
  • In spite of
  • On the other hand
  • On the contrary
  • By contrast
  • In comparison
  • Alternatively

Giving Examples

  • For example
  • For instance
  • One clear example is
  • To illustrate
  • In other words
  • Results and consequences: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, for this reason, as a result (of), which means that, etc.
  • Reasons and causes: owing to, because (of), on account of, due to, since, as, etc. 

Highlighting and Stressing

  • Particularly
  • In particular
  • Specifically

Conclusion and Recommendations

The conclusion should include:

  • A brief summary of the main points raised in your report (expressed in different words)

Your opinion about the whole experience or on the facts that you have discovered.

For example, “In conclusion, I believe that the trip was an overall success, as it provided an invaluable opportunity for students to discover more about the fascinating world of science.”

In the new syllabus, the word limit is reduced to only 160 words, so it’s preferred to mention your opinion about the whole experience briefly rather than summarizing the main points raised in the report. For example, “To conclude, the visit was an exceptional learning experience and a success overall”.

Here are some concluding phrases you could use:

  • In conclusion
  • To conclude
  • On the whole
  • All things considered
  • It can be concluded that …
  • I feel/ I believe/ I am convinced/ I am confident that …
  • Your recommendations, solutions, or suggestions + Reason/ your prediction on what will happen if the recommendation is followed

For example: “I recommend extending the duration of the visit and prohibiting the use of mobile phones to maximize the learning experience.”

Here are some example phrases you could use for giving recommendations, solutions or suggestions:

  • I suggest/recommend/propose …
  • I would like to suggest …
  • A solution to this issue might be …

Note: It’s also possible to write 2 separate paragraphs for the conclusion and the recommendations.

Points to keep in mind

  • Organize your report into 3-5 paragraphs depending on the requirements of the question. Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both!
  • Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
  • Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences, with more focus on complex structures .
  • Use a wide range of formal vocabulary, including some advanced and less commonly used ones.
  • Include a range of topic-related vocabulary to show that you have a good understanding of the topic, for example, if a question asks for a report about a sports festival that your class attended, sports-related vocabulary could be included, such as “fitness”, “warm up before exercising”, “gym”, “membership fees”, “tournament”, etc.
  • Use a wide range of formal linking words. Examples have been mentioned earlier.
  • Use advanced punctuation sparingly (1-3 in the whole report), for example, colon (:) and semicolon (;).
  • Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit (approximately 200 words for the current syllabus and 160 words for the new syllabus). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct time. If you exceed the word limit by any number of words, be it even 100, no marks will be cut directly, but you increase your chances of making more mistakes and spending more time than required for this exercise, which may affect your mark indirectly. If you write towards the lower limit or below, you are highly unlikely to achieve the highest band for Content as your content is not well developed.
  • Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise : the initial 5 minutes for planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.
  • Use passive voice to increase the formality of your report, for example, “No food had been provided.”, “We were given plenty of information.”, “The seats were damaged.”, etc. But don’t write entirely in passive voice; just try to include some passive sentences.
  • Use reported speech rather than direct speech to increase the formality of your report, for example, “Most students said that they would have liked to take part in more activities”.
  • Write legibly

Don’ts:

  • Avoid contractions (isn’t, aren’t, etc.) .
  • Avoid abbreviations and slang (texting language) such as, OMG, BTW, gonna, etc.
  • Avoid using informal vocabulary, informal linking words (e.g. “besides”, “anyway”, etc.) and idioms.
  • Avoid directly addressing the reader (using “you”).
  • Avoid listing (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). There is no problem in writing “firstly” but avoid writing “secondly” and “thirdly”.
  • Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with the same words. Sometimes, students write 3 or more sentences in a row starting with “The”!

Practice a lot of past papers and get feedback on your writing. If you don’t have a teacher, reread these notes and check for what you have done right and what you haven’t. Read some of the samples on the samples page to see what you have just learned effectively used and incorporated into a report.

Good luck! Go get that A*!

12 responses to “Exercise 6: Writing a report (Ultimate Guide)”

joanna avatar

Thank you u have the best among all. I was dying for one like this. Keep it up and publish more! 🙂

ESL Kings team avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback! Truly appreciated!

. avatar

Thank you for the notes! it really helps! Will u be making notes for review? and if yes, when will it be out? Thx

That’s great to hear! Yes, we’re currently working on it, and we believe it’ll be available within one to two weeks.

abc avatar

Thanks a lot, it really helps. Btw according to the word count, does it mean even if i exceed the wor count by a lot, it does not affect my marks at all as long as it’s well written? I’m quite concerned about this since 200 is already not really enough for me sometimes, and now they’ve reduced it to 160.

 avatar

i meant word count, there’s a typo, sorry

You’re welcome 🙂 Regarding your question, it’s important to note that the word limit provided is only for guidance, and no marks will be cut for just exceeding it. However, we recommend writing towards the upper limit of 160 words or just above it by 15-20 words since exceeding the word limit too much could lead to making more mistakes, and most importantly, spending more time than required for this exercise, which could affect the time available for other exercises. So, if you have a good quality of writing and you manage to plan your time effectively, you can safely write towards 200 words.

Samah Elkhayyat avatar

Thank you so much. My first time to see such a helpful website!

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad our website proved helpful!

David avatar

Thank you so much you’ve helped so much thank you I love this website

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad it was helpful!

God bless you. I am grateful for this help.

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April 18, 2024

Current Issue

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Stifled Rage

April 18, 2024 issue

review essay igcse

Louisa May Alcott; illustration by Maya Chessman

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A Strange Life: Selected Essays of Louisa May Alcott

“I write for myself and strangers,” Gertrude Stein once announced. So, too, Louisa May Alcott, who wrote for herself as well as the strangers who have been reading Little Women since 1868, when it first appeared. For more than a century and a half, Little Women has inspired playwrights, composers, filmmakers, scholars, novelists, and of course countless young girls. Jane Smiley salutes those young girls—she was one of them—in her warmly appreciative preface to A Strange Life , Liz Rosenberg’s slim new collection of Alcott’s essays.

When she first encountered Little Women , Smiley realized that a book about girls was actually famous and that every library had it. Later it even seemed that the book had to be about Alcott’s own life. And since many others have felt the same way—with good reason—it’s not surprising that new biographies come down the pike every few years, intent on changing the negative view of Alcott best expressed by Henry James, who belittled her as “the Thackeray, the Trollope, of the nursery and the school-room.”

Martha Saxton’s feminist Louisa May: A Modern Biography (1977) and, more recently, biographies by Harriet Reisen, Susan Cheever, and Eve LaPlante, and by scholars such as John Matteson, have demonstrated that Alcott was much more than the author of what she self-deprecatingly called “moral pap for the young.” Rather, as a woman of imagination with considerable stylistic range, Alcott composed gothic tales, short stories, satires, fantasies, adult novels, poetry, memoirs, and essays in which she wrote of female independence and its costs in a restrictive domestic circle. She was also a prolific letter writer who converted into a tart prose style much of her anguish—and anger—at the circumstances in which she found herself, as a woman, as a dutiful daughter, as a second-class citizen, and, ironically, as a best-selling author who worked hard to maintain her popularity.

Rosenberg, the author of Scribbles, Sorrows, and Russet Leather Boots: The Life of Louisa May Alcott (2021), aimed at young readers, is thus not the first person to suggest that Alcott, and in particular her nonfiction, are worthy of serious attention. There’s also Elaine Showalter’s excellent selection of Alcott’s prose in Alternative Alcott (1988); there’s the Portable Louisa May Alcott (2000), edited by Elizabeth Lennox Keyser, and The Sketches of Louisa May Alcott (2001), collected by the Alcott specialist Gregory Eiselein, not to mention the superb selection of her nonfiction in one of the Alcott volumes published by the Library of America.

In A Strange Life , Rosenberg wisely includes Alcott’s best-known prose works—the excellent, slightly fictionalized memoir “Transcendental Wild Oats” and the exceptional (abridged) Hospital Sketches —and sets them alongside excerpts from her semiautobiographical nonfiction to show that her prose, as she explains in her introduction, “canters along; she covers great distances in the fewest words; there is no dilly-dallying.” Maybe so; what’s also true is that Alcott can write with unmistakable acerbity.

Rosenberg provides some biographical information on Alcott as well but unfortunately doesn’t explain why she chose certain pieces and not others, or why she arranged them in the order she did. Presumably the essay “Happy Women” (1868), her penultimate selection, is meant to present Alcott at her feminist best. True, it was written as a buck-me-up advice column for the unmarried woman, counseling her not to fear becoming an “old maid” since “the loss of liberty, happiness, and self respect is poorly repaid by the barren honor of being called ‘Mrs.’” In stock terms, Alcott advises, “Be true to yourselves; cherish whatever talent you possess, and in using it faithfully for the good of others, you will most assuredly find happiness for yourself.” But pieces that Rosenberg didn’t include, such as “Unofficial Incidents Overlooked by the Reporters” (1875), Alcott’s account of the centennial celebration in Concord, Massachusetts, have far more bite:

We had no place in the procession, but such women as wished to hear the oration were directed to meet in the Town Hall at half-past nine, and wait there until certain persons, detailed for the service, should come to lead them to the tent, where a limited number of seats had been reserved for the weaker vessels.

Rosenberg also reprints short excerpts from Alcott’s travel book, Shawl-Straps : An Account of a Trip to Europe (1872), but these selections—from the essays “Women of Brittany,” “The Flood in Rome,” and “Visit from a King”—are flat and predictable. And while she includes Alcott’s autobiographical sketch “My Boys,” a forgettable group of portraits intended mainly for young people and originally published in Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag (1872), Rosenberg fails to note that this was the first in a series of six Scrap-Bag books ( Shawl-Straps being the first), and that in them Alcott cleverly assumed the voice of Jo March Bhaer, from the best-selling Little Women —presumably to make money.

Despite the thinness of these sketches, they could be enriched if the reader knew the books from which they’re taken or more of the circumstances under which they were written. For Alcott worked obsessively to become a successful writer and, not coincidentally, her impoverished family’s breadwinner. Her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, was eccentric and impecunious—and lovable, as long as you weren’t related to him. A self-taught Connecticut peddler turned educator, Bronson for a time ran the progressive Temple School in Boston. But after he published Conversations with Children on the Gospels (1836–1837), in which he included allusions to sex and birth, scandalized Bostonians withdrew their children from the school, forcing it to close. His next venture was short-lived; he admitted a Black child to a new school and even his die-hard supporters bolted.

Then in 1843, when Louisa was ten, Bronson marched his family off to the town of Harvard, Massachusetts, about fourteen miles from Concord, where the Alcotts had been living. At a farm inappropriately dubbed Fruitlands, Bronson believed that they and a small band of cohorts could create a new Garden of Eden by living off the fruit of the land. “Insane, well-meaning egotists,” the antislavery writer Lydia Maria Child called them.

At Fruitlands, Abigail May Alcott, Louisa’s mother, was tasked with the cleaning, the washing of clothes, and the cooking, though there was little of that since utopia mandated a diet of mostly raw vegetables. (Rosenberg calls Bronson “a prescient and intelligent vegetarian pre-hippie.”) She was miserable, and the children almost starved. The model for the beloved Marmee, the mother of the brood in Little Women , Abigail was the youngest child in a family of prominent Boston Brahmin liberals; her brother was the passionate Unitarian abolitionist and women’s rights advocate Samuel Joseph May. She studied French, Latin, and chemistry privately in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and later helped form the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. In 1830 she married the self-involved Bronson, who confessed in his journal, “I love her because she loves me.” In Little Women , Marmee understandably declares, “I am angry nearly every day of my life.”

In “Transcendental Wild Oats” (1873), Alcott changes the names of the Fruitlanders and, Rosenberg argues, “alternates broad comedy with tragedy.” As she puts it, “Alcott never lingers on the psychological devastation” that she likely experienced but rather

focuses on the characters around her and records the homely details of daily life (“unleavened bread, porridge, and water for breakfast; bread, vegetables, and water for dinner; bread, fruit, and water for supper”), leaving little room for disbelief.

Yet Alcott’s details are telling. Her irony is unmistakable, and her voice devastating in its affectlessness. As she observes, these “modern pilgrims,” most notably her father, possessed “the firm belief that plenteous orchards were soon to be evoked from their inner consciousness.” Once in their prospective Eden, she acidly continues, “no teapot profaned that sacred stove, no gory steak cried aloud for vengeance from her chaste gridiron; and only a brave woman’s taste, time, and temper were sacrificed on that domestic altar.” Fortunately the sojourn in paradise lasted only seven months.

The Alcotts eventually resettled in Concord, where Louisa grew up near Emerson, Thoreau, and later Hawthorne. But since “money is never plentiful in a philosopher’s house,” as she later recollected, the family temporarily moved to a basement apartment in Boston. After her mother formed what was basically a female employment agency, Louisa volunteered to take a position as a lady’s live-in companion in Dedham, Massachusetts. It turned out to be a degrading experience that she partly fictionalized in the essay “How I Went Out to Service” (1874), with which Rosenberg opens her volume, claiming it’s yet another example of Alcott’s ability to “strike the intersecting point between tragedy and comedy.” It’s a fine essay but not particularly comic: it’s a chilly story of exploitation and sexual harassment despite the moralizing conclusion about how the experience taught her many lessons.

Doubtless it did, but it also seems that Alcott wrote more for strangers than herself, often muzzling the intensity of her response to those who underestimated, harassed, or took advantage of her. She had begun to sell stories to help support her family, and though she’d already published two in the prestigious Atlantic Monthly , she also tried her hand at teaching again, despite her hatred of it. The publisher of The Atlantic , James Fields, loaned her forty dollars to help outfit her classroom, but when she came to him with another story—according to Rosenberg, “How I Went Out to Service”—he told her bluntly, “Stick to your teaching.” Rosenberg omits what happened later: after the success of Little Women , Alcott paid back the loan, telling Fields she’d found that writing paid far better than teaching, so she’d stick to her pen. “He laughed,” she said, “& owned that he made a mistake.”

She never forgot the insult. Like Marmee, who said she was angry nearly every day of her life, Alcott added, “I have learned not to show it.” Instead she found ways to stifle her rage, distancing herself from her feelings and retreating into the safety of platitudes, which often deaden her prose. For instance, at the conclusion of “How I Went Out to Service,” she tacks on a lesson about “making a companion, not a servant, of those whose aid I need, and helping to gild their honest wages with the sympathy and justice which can sweeten the humblest and lighten the hardest task.” It’s not clear if she’s counseling the reader or herself.

That’s far less true, though, in Hospital Sketches (1863), Alcott’s first successful book, in which she combined her recollections with material from the letters she wrote home while serving as an army nurse at the Union Hotel Hospital in Washington, D.C. Having “corked up” her tears, she nonetheless writes with feeling about “the barren honors” that these soldiers, cut to pieces at Fredericksburg, had won. She washed their bodies with brown soap, dressed their wounds, sang them lullabies, mopped their brows, and scribbled letters to the mothers and sweethearts of the nameless men, some without arms or legs, who lay in excruciating pain in the hotel’s ballroom. Such “seeming carelessness of the value of life, the sanctity of death” astonished Alcott, who wanted to believe that none of them had been sacrificed in vain.

She lasted only six weeks before she fell ill with typhoid pneumonia and had to be taken home to Concord by her father. The physicians who treated her shaved her hair and dosed her with calomel, a mercury compound that ultimately ruined her health. Alcott, encouraged by a friend to publish her experience, wrote of the desperate conditions that had made her, like many others, so sick: the fetid water and poor ventilation and scant or inedible food. And she wrote not just of the clammy foreheads and agonized deaths, and the insouciance of doctors who made a young woman tell a desperate man that he was dying, but also of the inescapable racism even of her fellow nurses:

I expected to have to defend myself from accusations of prejudice against color; but was surprised to find things just the other way, and daily shocked some neighbor by treating the blacks as I did the whites. The men would swear at the “darkies,” would put two g s into negro, and scoff at the idea of any good coming from such trash. The nurses were willing to be served by the colored people, but seldom thanked them, never praised, and scarcely recognized them in the street.

When she voluntarily touched a small Black child, she was labeled a fanatic. Alcott then offers a typical homily:

Though a hospital is a rough school, its lessons are both stern and salutary; and the humblest of pupils there, in proportion to his faithfulness, learns a deeper faith in God and in himself.

These homilies, like her detachment, may have been a marketing strategy, since she worried always about hanging on to her audience. Yet she did still write for herself after all. “Darkness made visible,” as she called it, was what she also sought, anticipating, in her way, what the witty Emily Dickinson surmised: “Success in Circuit lies.”

The Corruption Playbook

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  2. IGCSE Guide English as a Second Language (Core)

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  4. Descriptive Writing IGCSE

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  5. HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW: IGCSE English as a Second Language No-prep

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COMMENTS

  1. Writing: Exercise 6 (Writing a Review)

    For the core paper 1, spend about 20 minutes in this exercise. For the extended paper 2, spend 30 minutes on this exercise. Allot 5 minutes to plan the points you will include in each paragraph. Take 20 minutes to write your review, keeping in mind all the above tips. Use the final 5 minutes to proofread and make any changes.

  2. Exercise 6: Writing an essay (Ultimate Guide)

    Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or semi-formal writing. It can be an article, an essay, a report, or a review. In this article, you will discover how to write an almost-perfect essay that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

  3. IGCSE Revision and Past Papers

    Leverage the knowledge and expertise of40+ examiners and educators. With Save My Exams, your revision resources are created by experienced educators and examiners who actually mark IGCSE exams, so you'll know exactly what to revise and how to answer questions for maximum marks. Meet all our experts.

  4. Exercise 6: Writing a Review (Ultimate Guide)

    Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or a semi-formal writing. It can be an article, an essay, a report, or a review. In this article, you will discover how to write the perfect review that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

  5. PDF Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510

    Cambridge IGCSE ® English as a Second Language 0510 . Writing a review . The main purpose of a review is when you want to give your opinion about something, for example, a film, book, game, product, restaurant, concert, etc. The review needs to engage the audience from the beginning to the end and there should be a conclusion.

  6. How To Write An Outstanding IGCSE English Essay?

    Step 1: Understand the Essay Prompt: This step involves dissecting the essay question meticulously. In simpler words, you need to identify essential keywords as well as directives, such as "analyze," "discuss," or "compare.". By carefully deconstructing the prompt, you gain a clear understanding of what the essay requires.

  7. How to write a film review in Cambridge IGCSE ESL Exercise 6?

    Add the title of the film and underline it, you may provide the reviewer's name or byline. Begin your film review with an introduction. One of the easiest ways of involving or reader hooked to the review is by asking questions. For example, "Do you love action-packed films which keep you gripped to your seats?".

  8. PDF 0993/0991 (for examination from 2024)

    Cambridge IGCSE / IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second. Language 0510 /0511 \ 0993/0991 (for examination from 2024) Writing a review . Overview . The main purpose of a review is to give your opinion about something (e.g. a film, website, video game, product, restaurant, concert, etc.) and to say whether you would recommend it to the readers and why.

  9. IGCSE English: Syllabus, Revision Notes & Preparation Tips

    Past papers: Use past IGCSE English exam papers to brush up your skills and become acquainted with the structure and varieties of questions that are frequently asked. Revision Guides : A wide range of revision guides and textbooks are available that include thorough clarifications, example essays, and practice questions to help with test ...

  10. PDF Cambridge IGCSE

    Cambridge IGCSE ® ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 0511/01 ... Write a review of the film giving your views. The comments above may give you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own. Your review should be between 100 and 150 words long. You will receive up to 6 marks for the content of your review, and up to 6 marks for the language ...

  11. Past papers

    Past papers. Administered effectively, past papers are the best way to prepare students for the experience of an examination. You can administer them throughout the school year to measure your learners' progression and development. They are also a great tool for measuring your students' level of understanding and can identify any weaker subject ...

  12. Cambridge IGCSE ESL Reviews Topics

    Cambridge IGCSE ESL Reviews Topics. How to write a review in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language exam? This article focuses on the alternative question of Exam exercise 6. Types of questions questions. 1.Book Review 2. Film Review 3. Restaurant Review 4. Trip Review 5. Review a Course 6.

  13. IGCSE 0510 Review Sample |languagecentre

    Sample review. During the last vacation, I attended a two months' course - in singing, dancing and acting. It was designed and managed by a group of graduates from the 'School of Fine Arts'. Though a little amateurish, the course was remarkable as it trained us in useful technical aspects of the arts. The programme - 'Foundation ...

  14. Model Answer: Descriptive Writing

    Model Answer: Descriptive Writing. In Section B of Paper 2, you will be given the choice of four titles: Questions 2 and 3 will be descriptive writing titles, and Questions 4 and 5 will be narrative writing titles. Each of the options is worth 40 marks and you are only required to choose one of them (either descriptive or narrative).

  15. Descriptive Writing: How to Get Full Marks

    Section B requires you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific form. It is important that you write in the correct format and use the conventions of this form, as the mark scheme states that you should adapt your tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.

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    Here comes the review question and model answer to the cinema for your school magazine. Model answer: Grand Cinemas (Core Model Answer) ... Differences between Essay and Article; Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510) Report Writing Resources for Beginners 2024;

  17. Exercise 6: Writing an article (Ultimate Guide)

    Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or semi-formal writing. It can be an article, a report, or a review. In this article, you will discover how to write an almost perfect article that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

  18. Review

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    The examiner-written revision resources that improve your. grades 2x. Save My Exams is the stress-free path to helping students study effectively and get higher grades than they ever thought possible. 20,000 + revision notes • Past papers and mark schemes • 100,000 + practice questions and model answers • And lots more.

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