The Ultimate Guide to Acing Cambridge IGCSE English Paper 2

Cambridge IGCSE English Paper 2 |Directed Writing and Composition

Your complete roadmap to mastering the skills that matter most to Cambridge examiners

Cambridge IGCSE English Paper 2is where youdemonstrate your writing prowessunder exam conditions. With 40 marks for Directed Writing and 40 marks for Composition, this paper can make or break your final grade. Paper 2 is where you demonstrate your writing skills.

📝Part 1: Directed Writing Mastery (40 marks)

WhatCambridge IGCSE English Paper 2Examiners Really Want

The Hidden Truth:Most students think directed writing is about summarizing.It’s not.You’re being tested on your ability totransform information for a specific purpose and audience.

Real Examiner Comment:“Top candidates don’t just use the source material- they reshape it with their own voice while maintaining accuracy and relevance.”

Traditional teaching methods tell students to “plan, write, check.” That’s not enough. After analysing why our strongest students consistently outperformed others, we realised they were unconsciously following a specific pattern. We formalized this into the TRANSFORM method, and it’s now the foundation of all my IGCSE English tutoring.

The 4-Step TRANSFORM Method

• T – Target your audience and purpose
• R – Read and extract strategically
• A – Adapt the register and tone
• N – Navigate the structure logically
• S – Shape with your own voice
• F – Fine-tune for accuracy
• O – Optimize your conclusion
• R – Review for impact
• M – Mark check (spelling/grammar)

Text Types: Master Class Breakdown

Articles (Most Common)

Weak Opening:“This article is about pollution.

Strong Opening

“As our city chokes on another smoggy morning, the question isn’t whether we have a pollution crisis—it’s whether we have the courage to solve it.”

Structure Formula:

• Hook + Context (1-2 sentences)
• Clear thesis statement
• 3-4 body paragraphs with smooth transitions
• Call to action/reflection ending

Formal Reports

Professional Language Bank:

• “Current data indicates...”
• “The findings suggest...”
• “It is recommended that...”
• “Further investigation reveals...”

Speeches

Engagement Techniques:

• Direct address: “You know that feeling when...”
• Rhetorical questions: “How many of us have...?”
• Rule of three: “We must act. We must change. We must succeed.”

Letters (Formal vs Informal)

Formal Letter Example:

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent article about local traffic congestion...

[Professional tone throughout]

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]

Informal Letter Example:

Dear Sarah,

You won't believe what happened at school today! Remember that traffic problem I mentioned?

[Conversational tone, contractions allowed]

Love,

[Your name]

Cambridge IGCSE English Paper 2Sample Question Breakdown: Step-by-Step

Question:“Write an article for your school magazine about the benefits of reading, using ideas from the passage.”

Step 1: Extract Key Points

• Reading improves vocabulary✓
• Develops empathy✓
• Reduces stress✓
• Enhances creativity✓

Step 2: Transform for School Magazine

• Use engaging, peer-appropriate language
• Include personal anecdotes
• Add relevance to student life
• Create compelling headlines

Step 3: StructureHeadline:“Why Your Phone Can’t Replace a Good Book (And Your Brain Will Thank You)”Opening:Hook with relatable scenarioBody:Transform each source point with examplesEnding:Challenge readers to try reading

✍️Part 2: Composition Excellence (40 marks)

Cambridge IGCSE English Paper 2Assessment Criteria Decoded

W1 – Content & Structure (12 marks)

• What examiners look for: Clear purpose, logical development, engaging content
• Student Success Tip: Plan your structure in 3 minutes maximum

W2 – Language & Style (12 marks)

• What examiners look for: Varied vocabulary, appropriate tone, effective expression
• Student Success Tip: Keep a “power words” list for exam day

W3 – Grammar & Accuracy (8 marks)

• What examiners look for: Complex sentences, correct punctuation, spelling accuracy
• Student Success Tip: Leave 5 minutes for proofreading

W4 – Handwriting & Presentation (8 marks)

• What examiners look for: Legible handwriting, clear paragraphs, neat corrections
• Student Success Tip: Practice writing quickly but clearly

Composition Type Deep Dive

Descriptive Writing: The Sensory Approach

The SCOPE Technique:

• Sight: What colours, shapes, movements?
• Comparison: Use metaphors and similes
• Other senses: Sound, smell, touch, taste
• Personification: Bring objects to life
• Emotion: How does the scene make you feel?

Before (Grade C):“The old house was scary. It was dark and looked abandoned.”

After (Grade A):“The house crouched like a wounded animal against the storm-bruised sky, its broken shutters hanging like tired eyelids, each gust of wind drawing groans from its weathered bones.”

Narrative Writing: The Story Arc Formula

Opening Hooks That Work:

1. In Media Res:“The explosion shattered more than just the laboratory windows.”
2. Dialogue:“You’re not going to believe what I found in grandma’s attic.”
3. Setting the Scene:“Three things happened on the day I turned sixteen, and none of them were good.”

Character Development Quick Tips:

• Show personality through actions: “She organized her pencils by color before every test.”
• Use dialogue to reveal character: “Fine,” he said, but his clenched jaw said otherwise.
• Internal thoughts for depth:Why did I always say the wrong thing at the worst moment?