Answering questions in the examination IGCSE 0470
● Make sure you use your time carefully. In Paper 1 there are three questions to answer in
120 minutes, that is 40 minutes per question, but remember that includes time for
reading, thinking, choosing and planning as well as writing. It is no good writing a page
if the question is only worth 5 marks: an answer that is worth 5 marks should take about
10 minutes to write. If you spend too long on questions that are not worth many marks, it
could mean you do not have enough time to answer properly questions which are worth 8
marks.
● Answer the questions in order of how confident you are-leave the one you not confident
about until last.
● Look at the number of marks available for each part of the question. Ensure you spend an
appropriate amount of time on each question in relation to the number of marks indicated.
Do not spend too long on a question that has only a few marks available, or alternatively
write only a few short answers when a question is worth more marks. Timing is very
important, do not spend too much time on your first chosen question, otherwise you will
have to rush the last question.
Paper 1 tips
● Read the questions with care. When answering questions on this Paper, think very
carefully. Try to learn how to respond to command words such as: Describe, Why, What,
Explain and How far. It is important that you answer the question as set and do not fall
into the trap of just writing everything you know.
● If you are asked ‘How far do you agree’ you should attempt to explain the ways in which
you agree AND also the ways you disagree with the point of the question in order to
score high marks.
● Be as precise as possible as vague statements are unlikely to get you high marks.
Paper 2 tips
This paper is testing different skills, using source evaluation. It is NOT a comprehension Paper-it
is a skills paper – and you MUST use your own knowledge and source information when
evaluating the evidence to achieve the highest marks. When you read the sources, you must be
checking them against that which you know- does it tell you something new, something you
know to be right, something you know to be wrong? Do any other sources on the paper give the
same information- i.e. cross- reference?
● When you answer questions on this paper you need to think carefully. You must respond
appropriately to key words in the question such as RELIABLE, USEFUL and HOW
Far. When you are asked to use a written resource you will gain very little credit for
copying whole sections from it without using it appropriately. Study the question
carefully and answer it showing your understanding by giving an answer in your own
words. You can use keywords from the source to support your argument. Always put
quotations in quotation marks.
● You are required to be accurate and precise in your answers, especially Question 6
which carries the most marks in this paper. It asks you to explain ‘How far do these
sources….’ And you should attempt to explain the ways the sources agree AND which
ones disagree with the point of the question in order to score high marks. Here again you
will benefit from using your own knowledge to score high marks.
Paper 4 tips
● This paper requires you to use the essay writing skills
● Use the PEEL method
⮚ Point
⮚ Explanation
⮚ Evidence
⮚ Link back to the question
❖ More importantly, remember BALANCE – Yes & know.
❖ Make sure you put in a strong CONCLUSION where you summarize
your main points.
*You are likely to find yourself short of time in this paper as it is only one hour long, so you
need to work quickly but accurately.
