The Complete Guide to IGCSE English Summary Writing (with Steps)

Many students struggle with CAIE’s summary writing question in Paper 1 of IGCSE English Language. While it’s only one task among many on the paper, each mark earned ultimately feeds into the student’s result on a paper worth 50% of the final English Language grade. It’s worth noting that there’s changes from 2027. While the summary writing task will remain the same for the November 2026 sitting, there are alterations from 2027 onwards. 

I’ll unpack everything you need to know about IGCSE English summary writing: how the question is marked, how candidates should approach it, and what is about to change for candidates in 2027.

Where Summary Writing Fits in IGCSE English Paper 1

Summary writing is part of IGCSE English Language Paper 1 for the CAIE exam board. It’s important to understand that it’s only one task on a lengthy paper. The whole of Paper 1 (the ‘Reading’ paper) is sat over 2 hours, is worth 80 marks, and represents 50% of the qualification. 

The summary is based off Text B (of A-C) and must be written in continuous prose (full sentences, no bullet points); the summary should be in the student’s own words and not exceed 120 words. Whether you are taking the current version, or the version for the 2027 syllabus, the 120 words and emphasis on the student’s own words apply, so it’s worth acquiring these skills. 

While these aspects have remained, the structure around the task is what has changed for the 2027 curriculum.

What Changes for IGCSE English Summary Writing in 2027

In the current syllabus (from 2024-2026), summary writing is Question 1f, and worth 15 marks (10 for reading, 5 for quality of writing). However, from 2027 onwards, it becomes its own Question 2 and worth a total of 20 marks. Part (a), the summary itself, is still worth 15 marks. However, there’s an additional question, part (b). This is a short answer on the attitudes and opinions expressed in the text, and it’s worth 5 marks. 

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Ultimately, candidates from 2027 onwards need to be aware that preparations cannot stop at the summary itself, as they’re now required to demonstrate their inference abilities in part (b). Regardless, whether the candidate is taking the exam in November 2026 or for the new 2027 syllabus, the marks for the actual summary writing task are split the same way, so it’s essential to understand what that means.

A Step-By-Step Method for IGCSE English Summary Writing

  1. Read the question focus: each question for the IGCSE summary writing task has a specific focus that candidates are expected to identify in the text. 

  2. Scan the text for relevant points: this is where a highlighter can come in useful as you begin to plan your response.

  3. List points in note form: paying close attention to how many points you’ve identified (ideally 10-12) can help you ensure you’ve got enough detail in your summary. 

  4. Write in continuous prose: this is essential for success on the task, so make sure that you’re using a variety of connectives!

  5. Check that your word count is under 120: a useful trick is to count the number of lines. Typically, most people write between 10-12 words on a line of an exam booklet, so if your summary sits under 13 lines, you’re likely within the word limit. 

While this may appear simple, candidates need to practice this method thoroughly ahead of the exam to avoid common mistakes.

How to Select the Right Points for IGCSE English Summary Writing

Consider the mark allocation: there’s 10 marks for content, with 5 for quality of writing. When it comes to those 5 marks, examiners are looking for accuracy and precision, not necessarily flowery language. That means that candidates really need to balance content with writing, otherwise they risk leaving easy marks on the table. Clear, accurate writing that stays tightly focused on the question will always be rewarded on the summary writing task. 

On that note, remember that the task is selective. The question should focus your attention on specific aspects of the Text B, like advantages and disadvantages, or reasons why the author arrives at their conclusion. Read the focus carefully before beginning your summary. This will help make sure that you are focused on the right elements when it comes to summary content.

There’s no need to include examples, repetition or descriptive detail unless explicitly required by the focus question. The CAIE IGCSE English Language syllabus cites ‘selecting information’ as a skill that candidates should demonstrate in their responses, so that needs to remain the central focus of the response. 

Once selected through careful reading, the wording of the summary is what converts your 10 reading marks, and ensures a strong writing score.

Common Mistakes in IGCSE English Summary Writing

The most important tenet of the IGCSE English summary writing task is to not copy from the text. It has to be entirely in your own words, not copied from the stimulus. In addition, students should avoid including irrelevant information in their summary, as well as avoid adding unnecessary opinion or commentary on the text. The writing of the summary should prioritise clarity and efficiency over excessive detail. After all, you’ll find yourself with less time than you’d think to complete the activity—especially in the 2027 version.

How to Manage Your Time on IGCSE English Paper 1

While there are 15 marks available for the IGCSE English summary writing question, it is only one task on a lengthy paper. Given that candidates have a total of 2 hours for the whole exam, they should manage their time carefully. This means that candidates should use their reading time productively. Get a solid understanding of each text (A-C) before attempting the questions so that you know what you’re looking for come time for each task. You should also spend sufficient time planning the summary response: between 8 and 10 minutes of planning is most often appropriate. It’s essential that you don’t rush the planning process, as that will cost you points for content. 

Of course, all of this is easier said than done. Making solid progress on the summary writing task is simpler when you’re getting regular feedback from someone who knows the syllabus, inside and out.

Get Expert Support with IGCSE English Summary Writing

The IGCSE English summary writing can be tricky, and given the upcoming syllabus changes, the approach to the question is going to change. A tutor who understands both the current and the 2027 syllabus removes the guesswork from your revision. 

At BartyED, our IGCSE English Language tutors tailor their practice to a student’s exam year. Given how often the CAIE syllabus can be expected to change significantly (every 4 years or so), this is essential for student success. Our expert team of IGCSE English tutors mark each summary against the real criteria, and coach students to balance the reading and writing marks. 

If you would like to learn more about the support we offer for the summary writing task, or any other IGCSE component, get in touch with us by phone +852 2882 1017, WhatsApp +852 57215837, via email at enquiries@bartyed.com, or fill in the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In the current CAIE IGCSE English Language syllabus (from 2024-2026), summary writing is Question 1f and worth 15 marks (10 for reading, 5 for quality of writing). However, from 2027 onwards, the summary writing task is becoming its own Question 2 and worth a total of 20 marks.

  • In the current CAIE IGCSE English Language syllabus (from 2024-2026), the summary writing question is made up of one task. From 2027, the summary writing exercise will consist of two parts. Part (a), the summary itself, is still worth 15 marks. However, there’s an additional question, part (b). This is a short answer on the attitudes and opinions expressed in the text, and it’s worth 5 marks.

  • In the summary writing activity, students’ word count may not exceed 120 words.

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English, IGCSEKathryn Ealand