Skimming
Quickly read for general meaning and topic.
Read the title → first sentence of each paragraph → conclusion → identify main idea in 30 seconds Use for matching headings, identifying topic, gist questions.
Cambridge IGCSE ESL 0974 (Count-in Speaking) / 0993 / 0510 / 0511
🌐 IGCSE English as a Second Language Reference Sheet 2026
Reading skills, writing structures (email, report, article, review, letter), listening strategies, speaking technique and grammar essentials — your complete Cambridge IGCSE ESL 0974 reference for 2026.
Reading Skills Writing Tasks Listening Speaking & Grammar
Our reference sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
All the Core Cambridge IGCSE ESL Techniques in One Place
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0974) is assessed across reading, writing, listening and speaking. This reference sheet brings every text type, exam strategy and grammar essential together so you can plan, structure and check your responses with confidence.
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Reading skills: skim, scan, infer, multiple matching, summary writing
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Writing structures for email, report, article, review and letter
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Listening exam strategies and common question types
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Speaking technique + grammar essentials for top bands
Reading Skills (Paper 1 — Reading)
Different question types need different reading strategies. Identify the type, then apply the right technique.
Scanning
Look for specific information (names, dates, numbers, key words).
Identify keywords in the question → eyes move quickly across the text → stop at synonyms or paraphrases Use for short-answer questions, true/false, locate-and-extract.
Reading for Detail / Inference
Careful, slow reading where the answer is implied, not stated.
Read full sentence → understand context → identify words that signal opinion, attitude or reason Pay attention to: 'although', 'however', 'despite', 'unfortunately' — these often signal inference.
Multiple Matching (Exercises 1–3)
Match statements, headings or people to texts/sections.
Read all options first → eliminate clearly wrong ones → look for paraphrasing, NOT word matching Beware distractors — wrong options often contain a word from the text.
Summary Writing (Exercise 5/6)
Write a summary based on identified points from the text.
1. Identify required focus (e.g. benefits AND drawbacks) → 2. Bullet relevant points → 3. Connect with linking words → 4. Stay within word limit Paraphrase — DO NOT copy whole phrases from the text. Use connectives: also, in addition, however, furthermore.
Writing — Email Structure
Cambridge gives the recipient and 3 bullet-point cues. Cover ALL three thoroughly with extension/development.
Informal Email
To a friend or family member — friendly register.
Opening
'Hi [Name]' / 'Hey [Name]' — a chatty opener: 'How are things?', 'Hope you're well!' Body (3 bullet cues)
One paragraph per bullet point. Develop each with detail, opinion, examples, and connectives. Closing
'Anyway, write back soon!' / 'Looking forward to hearing from you.' Sign off: 'Take care', 'Lots of love', 'Bye for now' Use contractions (I'm, don't), informal phrases, exclamation marks. Avoid slang.
Formal Email
To a teacher, employer or unknown professional — neutral/formal register.
Opening
'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname]' or 'Dear Sir/Madam' if name unknown Body
Clear paragraph per topic. Polite phrasing: 'I would like to inquire about...', 'Could you please...' Closing
'I look forward to your reply.' / 'Thank you for your time.' Sign off: 'Yours sincerely' (named) or 'Yours faithfully' (Sir/Madam) Writing — Report, Article, Review & Letter
Report (Paper 2 Section B)
Factual, formal text presenting findings or recommendations.
Title
Clear, descriptive title at top Sub-headings
Use 3–4 sub-headings (e.g. 'Introduction', 'Findings', 'Recommendations') Style
Formal, factual, objective. Use passive voice and impersonal forms ('It was found that...', 'It is recommended that...') Article
For a magazine or newspaper — engaging, opinion-led.
Title
Catchy, eye-catching headline Opening
Hook: rhetorical question, surprising fact, or anecdote Body
Paragraphs developing opinion with examples — use first/second person to engage reader Closing
Memorable final line — call to action or thought-provoking statement Review (book, film, restaurant, product)
Personal evaluation with a recommendation.
Structure
What is it? → Brief description → Strengths → Weaknesses → Recommendation (with star rating if asked) Use evaluative language: outstanding, disappointing, gripping, overpriced, exceptional value.
Letter
Formal letter — to a newspaper editor, organisation, etc.
Address
Sender's address top right; date below; recipient's address top left Salutation
Dear Editor / Dear Sir or Madam Body
Para 1: state purpose · Para 2–3: reasons/examples · Final para: call to action / what you want done Sign-off
Yours faithfully (if Sir/Madam) / Yours sincerely (if named) + your full name Listening Skills (Paper 3 — Listening)
You hear each section twice. Use both listens strategically.
Multiple-Choice Listening
Choose the correct answer from given options.
Read all options BEFORE the audio plays · Underline keywords · Listen for paraphrases of options Distractor traps: speakers often mention all options — listen for the FINAL or AGREED answer.
Gap-Fill / Note-Taking
Complete a form, table or notes with information from the audio.
Predict word type before listening (number? day? noun? adjective?) · Spell carefully · Stay within word limit Don't change words you hear — write what's said, not your paraphrase.
Long Recording Strategy
Extended interviews, conversations or talks (5+ questions).
Read all questions before audio starts · Track which question matches which part of the recording · Use second listen to confirm Common Listening Traps
Speaker corrects themselves: 'I meant Tuesday, not Monday' → write Tuesday Speaker disagrees: 'I don't think so' / 'Actually...' → flips meaning Numbers: distinguish 13/30, 14/40, etc. by listening to the stress Speaking Skills (Paper 4 — Speaking)
Speaking is conducted in three parts: warm-up, topic card, and discussion. Aim for fluency, range and accuracy.
Part 1 — Warm-up Conversation
Friendly questions about you, your interests, family, school, hobbies.
Give 2-3 sentence answers — never just one word. Add 'because', 'for example', 'such as' Avoid memorised speeches — examiners detect them and will steer you off-script.
Part 2 — Topic Card / Presentation
Speak about a given topic for ~1 minute after preparation time.
Structure
Introduction (state your view) → 2-3 main points (each with example) → Conclusion (summary or final view) Range
Use past, present AND future tenses; modals (could, should, might); opinion phrases Part 3 — Discussion
Examiner asks deeper, more abstract questions on the topic.
Take a position → support with reasons → consider opposing views → conclude Use phrases: 'I agree to some extent, but...', 'On the other hand...', 'It depends on...'
Speaking Vocabulary Banks
Opinion
I believe / In my view / It seems to me / Personally / I'm convinced that Examples
For instance / Such as / Like / To illustrate / A good example is Agreeing/Disagreeing
I couldn't agree more / I see your point but / That's true to some extent / I have to disagree Hedging
Perhaps / Maybe / It depends / In some cases / It's possible that Grammar Essentials for ESL Top Bands
Examiners reward range AND accuracy. Use a variety of structures and check your work.
Tense Use
Present simple
Habits, facts: 'I play football every Saturday.' Present continuous
Now / temporary: 'I am studying for IGCSE.' Past simple
Completed past: 'I went to Paris last year.' Past continuous
Background past action: 'I was reading when she called.' Present perfect
Past with present relevance: 'I have lived here for 5 years.' Future (will/going to)
Predictions vs plans Conditionals
Zero
If + present, present — 'If you heat ice, it melts.' (general truths) First
If + present, will — 'If it rains, I'll stay home.' (likely future) Second
If + past, would — 'If I had money, I would travel.' (hypothetical) Third
If + past perfect, would have — 'If I had studied, I would have passed.' (regret) Reported Speech
Direct: 'I am tired.' → Reported: She said (that) she was tired. (tense shift back) Direct: 'I will go.' → Reported: He said he would go. Time changes: now → then · today → that day · tomorrow → the next day · here → there Passive Voice
Active: They built the house. → Passive: The house was built (by them). Useful for formal writing / reports — focuses on the action, not the agent.
Common Linking Words
Adding
and, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides Contrasting
but, however, although, despite, on the other hand, whereas Cause/Effect
because, since, as, so, therefore, consequently, as a result Examples
for example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular Sequencing
first(ly), then, next, after that, finally, in conclusion Common Errors to Check
Subject-verb agreement (he goes, not he go) Articles (a, an, the) — most common ESL error Prepositions (depend ON, interested IN, good AT) Spelling — homophones (their/there/they're) Capitalisation — proper nouns and start of sentences How to Use This Reference Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Always Plan Before Writing
Spend 3-5 minutes planning your structure (intro, paragraphs, conclusion) before writing. Cover ALL bullet-point cues for the email/report task.
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Read Widely in English
Read English news (BBC, The Guardian), magazine articles, and short stories daily. This builds vocabulary, syntax patterns and reading speed.
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Train Your Ear
Listen to podcasts, news in English (BBC World Service, NPR), watch English films with subtitles. The listening paper rewards trained ears.
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Always Check Your Work
After writing, spend 2-3 minutes checking: tenses, articles (a/an/the), prepositions, spelling. Most lost marks are avoidable errors.
Reference Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the IGCSE English as a Second Language Reference Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What English as a Second Language topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key English as a Second Language formulas in one place for revision. Master Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0974) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers reading skills, writing structures (email, report, article, review, letter), listening strategies, speaking technique a… Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in English as a Second Language, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with English as a Second Language revision?
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
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This reference sheet aligns with Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE English as a Second Language (0974 — count-in speaking; 0993; 0510; 0511) syllabus content for 2026 examinations.
Always cover ALL bullet-point cues in writing tasks (Paper 2). Missing a cue puts a ceiling on your communication mark.