Track your confidence level (1–5) for each reading and writing skill, when you last reviewed it, and when to review next. Aligned to the CIE IGCSE First Language English 0500 syllabus for 2026 exams.
| Topic | Sub-Topic | Confidence (1–5) | Last Reviewed | Next Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reading – Understanding | Explicit meaning (literal comprehension) | |||
| 1. Reading – Understanding | Implicit meaning and inference | |||
| 1. Reading – Understanding | Selecting and synthesising information | |||
| 2. Reading – Analysis | How writers achieve effects | |||
| 2. Reading – Analysis | Language and style analysis | |||
| 2. Reading – Analysis | Use of evidence from text | |||
| 3. Reading – Evaluation | Evaluating facts, ideas and opinions | |||
| 3. Reading – Evaluation | Developing a response with textual support | |||
| 3. Reading – Evaluation | Writer's purpose and audience | |||
| 4. Summary writing | Identifying key points | |||
| 4. Summary writing | Using own words | |||
| 4. Summary writing | Concise summary (word limit) | |||
| 5. Directed writing | Adapting form, tone and register | |||
| 5. Directed writing | Article, letter, report, speech | |||
| 5. Directed writing | Using information from text | |||
| 6. Composition – Argumentative/Discursive | Structuring an argument | |||
| 6. Composition – Argumentative/Discursive | Developing ideas with examples | |||
| 6. Composition – Argumentative/Discursive | Persuasive techniques | |||
| 7. Composition – Descriptive | Sensory detail and imagery | |||
| 7. Composition – Descriptive | Creating atmosphere | |||
| 7. Composition – Descriptive | Precise vocabulary | |||
| 8. Composition – Narrative | Plot and structure | |||
| 8. Composition – Narrative | Characterisation | |||
| 8. Composition – Narrative | Dialogue and pacing | |||
| 9. Vocabulary and expression | Varied vocabulary for context | |||
| 9. Vocabulary and expression | Sentence variety | |||
| 9. Vocabulary and expression | Paragraphing | |||
| 10. Accuracy | Spelling | |||
| 10. Accuracy | Punctuation | |||
| 10. Accuracy | Grammar |
Use this checklist with our Past Paper Finder to practise weak skills. Confidence: 1 = very low, 5 = confident.