Cambridge IGCSE English First Language 0500: Command words

Cambridge IGCSE English – First Language (0500) uses command words for reading (comprehension and analysis) and writing (creative and transactional) tasks. Understanding these helps you match your response to what examiners want.

Command words for reading tasks

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Identify	Find and quote/refer to specific information	Paraphrasing when quote needed
State	Give a short answer from the text	Overwriting
List	Give several points; may need to be in order	One point when several asked
Give	Produce answer from the passage	Own knowledge instead of text
Quote	Use the exact words from the passage	Paraphrasing
Summarise	Select and present main points; no detail	Including too much detail
Summarise in your own words	Main points; paraphrase	Copying from passage
Explain	Say why or how; use evidence from text	Only describing what happens
Suggest	Infer from the text; propose meaning	Stating without inference
Compare	Similarities and/or differences	Listing separately
Contrast	Differences only	Including similarities
Analyse	Examine how language/structure creates effect	Only identifying
Comment on	Give view on language/effect; support with evidence	Unsupported statement
Evaluate	Judge effectiveness; conclude with evidence	No judgement
What do you understand	Infer meaning; explain	Literal only
How does the writer	Analyse technique and effect	Just identifying

Reading: key principles

• Use the passage—answers must be supported by the text.
• Quote when asked—exact words from the passage.
• Paraphrase when asked—“in your own words” means no copying.
• Match length to marks—more marks usually mean more points or more development.

Command words for writing tasks

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Write	Produce the specified form	Wrong form (e.g. letter when article asked)
Describe	Create a picture with sensory detail	Telling instead of showing
Explain	Give reasons; informative	Persuade when explain asked
Persuade	Convince the reader	Inform when persuade asked
Argue	Present a case with evidence	One-sided without balance
Inform	Convey information clearly	Persuade when inform asked
Advise	Give recommendations	Describe only
Imagine	Creative; use your own ideas	Copying from passage
Continue	Extend the passage in same style	Different tone/style
Adapt	Change for new audience/purpose	Copy unchanged

Writing: form and purpose

• Form—letter, article, report, speech, etc. Match the form requested.
• Audience—who are you writing for? Adjust tone and register.
• Purpose—inform, persuade, argue, describe, explain. Match the task.
• Content marks—what you say; relevance and development.
• Language marks—how you say it; vocabulary, grammar, style.

What examiner reports say

• Reading: Candidates use own knowledge instead of the passage; or copy when paraphrase is required.
• Summarise: Too much detail; not selecting main points.
• Analyse: Identifying techniques without explaining effect.
• Quote: Paraphrasing when exact quote is needed.
• Writing: Wrong form; wrong audience; wrong purpose.
• Describe: Telling instead of showing; lack of sensory detail.
• Persuade/Argue: No convincing evidence; one-sided.

Tips for English 0500

1. Read the question—identify command word, form, audience, purpose.
2. For reading—use the passage; quote when asked; paraphrase when asked.
3. For summarise—main points only; no minor detail.
4. For analyse—technique + effect (how it works).
5. For writing—match form, audience and purpose.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show content and language criteria.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports English 0500 with tutors who use past papers and mark schemes. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE English – First Language 0500 syllabus and mark schemes. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.