Top Tips to Get an A* in IGCSE English

Securing an A* or its equivalent 9 in your IGCSE English exam can feel like a big task, but with the right plan, you can make it reality! This article walks you through proven strategies, practical tips, and clear explanations that will help you succeed in both IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature. Whether you’re working through the Edexcel IGCSE English Language course, or tackling Cambridge’s First Language English, these methods will help you build confidence, sharpen your skills, and aim for that top grade.

Introduction

The IGCSE English qualification is one of the most important subjects for students, as it underpins almost every other area of study. Success here is about learning how to think critically, read deeply, and express ideas with clarity and sophistication.

This guide brings together expert advice from top educators and examiners. You’ll learn how to interpret questions, structure your writing, manage your time, and apply effective IGCSE English tips that have helped thousands of students reach the top grades.

Understanding the IGCSE English Syllabus

The IGCSE English course, offered by exam boards such as Cambridge and Edexcel, focuses on key communication skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While Cambridge uses an A* to G scale for grading the course, Edexcel uses the UK’s newer 9 to 1 grading scale. Understanding the structure of your syllabus is the first step towards effective preparation for achieving the highest score.

Overview of IGCSE English Language and Literature

The IGCSE English syllabus is divided into two distinct subjects:

1. English Language, which assesses comprehension, writing, and analysis.
2. English Literature, which evaluates your understanding of prose, poetry, and drama.

Each component tests a different skill set. The Language paper checks how well you can interpret and produce various types of writing, while the Literature paper focuses on analysis, interpretation, and appreciation of literary works.

Differences Between Language and Literature Exams

Here’s a quick comparison between the two exams to help you understand their structure and focus areas:

Both subjects require planning, creativity, and technical accuracy, but the type of writing you produce differs greatly between them.

Key Assessment Objectives for A* Students

Understanding what examiners are looking for is crucial. These assessment objectives (AOs) define the skills and knowledge you’ll be tested on.

Language Exam Assessment Objectives

The IGCSE English Language exam assesses reading and writing skills through various tasks, ranging from analysing passages to composing letters, reports, and essays. You’ll be assessed on your ability to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of explicit and implicit meanings.
2. Analyse and evaluate facts, ideas, and opinions using evidence.
3. Write clearly, accurately, and effectively for different audiences and purposes.
4. Use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriately.
5. Apply correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

For a full breakdown of the paper format, question types, and examples, visit our
IGCSE English Language: Complete Guide for First & Second Language Students guide.

Literature Exam Assessment Objectives

The IGCSE English Literature exam assesses how well you can interpret, analyse, and respond to literary texts. You’ll need to:

1. Show a deep understanding of texts, themes, and characters.
2. Analyse writers’ techniques and how they create meaning.
3. Support arguments with well-chosen quotations.
4. Communicate ideas clearly and with personal engagement.

For detailed structure, grading breakdown, and study methods, check out How to Ace the IGCSE English Literature Exam: Complete Study Guide.

By mastering these assessment objectives, A* students demonstrate to examiners a profound understanding of language and technique, along with the ability to communicate ideas with clarity, accuracy, and purpose.

Mastering the IGCSE English Language Exam

Achieving an A* or a 9 in IGCSE English Language hinges on mastering reading comprehension, effective writing, and precise summarisation.

How to Approach Reading Comprehension Tasks

Reading comprehension isn’t about rushing through the passage. It’s about reading with intention. Here’s how to tackle these questions:

1. Skim for structure – read the headings, introductions, and conclusions first.
2. Scan for keywords – find details that directly answer the question.
3. Annotate actively – highlight tone, imagery, and key phrases.
4. Use your own words – avoid copying phrases from the text.
5. Support with evidence – quote only when necessary and explain the meaning clearly.

The best answers show interpretation, not repetition. They connect what the writer says with how and why they say it.

Writing Skills for Language Paper

Strong writing skills make all the difference between a good and an outstanding grade. Focus on clarity, structure, and purpose. To improve:

1. Plan before you write. Spend five minutes outlining your key points.
2. Tailor your tone. Match it to the task such as formal for reports, creative for stories.
3. Use strong openings. Begin with a hook that immediately engages your reader.
4. Develop your paragraphs. Each one should present a clear idea supported by examples.
5. Edit carefully. Set aside a few minutes to review grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Good writing is about writing clearly and confidently.

How to Master the Summary and Discursive Writing Tasks

Summary and discursive tasks test precision and control. The goal is to select and organise key information effectively.

When writing summaries, focus only on what the question asks. Leave out any opinions or unnecessary details, and use short, precise sentences that clearly express the main points. Accuracy and clarity are more important than length.

For discursive writing, structure your argument so it flows logically and reasonably. Use connecting words such as however, therefore, and on the other hand to show balance, then end with a thoughtful conclusion that’s backed by evidence.

Practising these regularly with IGCSE English Language past papers will help you identify common themes and phrasing styles used by examiners.

Conquering the IGCSE English Literature Exam

Excelling in the IGCSE English Literature exam requires a combination of analytical thinking, textual evidence, and confident writing.

How to Analyse Literature with Confidence

When reading a text, don’t just note what happens. Make sure to look at why it happens and how it’s presented.

1. Identify the theme: love, conflict, power, loss, or identity.
2. Analyse language: metaphors, alliteration, irony, or symbolism.
3. Observe structure: stanza breaks, narrative shifts, and contrast.
4. Consider context: historical or cultural background influences meaning.

Building Strong Literary Essays

A top-grade essay flows logically and presents analysis with precision. You need to follow this structure:

1. Introduction – Present your argument or thesis clearly.
2. Body paragraphs – Each one should develop a specific point supported by quotes.
3. Analysis – Explain how techniques shape meaning or emotion.
4. Conclusion – Summarise your insights and reinforce your main idea.

Make sure to use short, relevant quotations instead of long extracts. Your commentary should always be more substantial than your evidence.

How to Tackle Unseen Texts

Unseen texts can seem intimidating, but they offer an opportunity to demonstrate flexibility. 

1. Read the passage twice. First for overall meaning, second for details.
2. Highlight emotional shifts, tone, and key imagery.
3. Plan your response with three main ideas.
4. Always refer back to the text when explaining your points.

By combining strong analysis, clear structure, and personal insight, students can approach the IGCSE English Literature exam with confidence and produce essays that truly stand out.

Top Tips for Writing A* Essays

A top-grade essay is both analytical and original. It answers the question directly and shows depth of thought throughout.

Structuring Your Essay Effectively

Good structure helps your ideas flow naturally. Use the PEEL method:

• Point: State your main idea.
• Evidence: Use a short quotation.
• Explain: Analyse what it means.
• Link: Connect back to the question.

Always plan before you start. A few minutes of outlining can make your essay much more focused and coherent.

Using Literary Devices to Elevate Your Analysis

Understanding literary techniques helps you write with authority. Key devices include:

1. Imagery – descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
2. Metaphor and simile – comparisons that create vivid meaning.
3. Symbolism – objects or ideas that represent deeper themes.
4. Tone and mood – the writer’s attitude and the emotional effect.
5. Structure – the way the text’s form affects interpretation.

Essays worthy of an A* or 9 stand out because they are well-structured, thoughtful, and written with a clear purpose, showing a strong command of language and critical understanding throughout.

Practical Revision Tips

Smart revision is about strategy and not just repetition. A well-planned approach ensures that every study session counts.

How to Use Past Papers for Exam Success

Past papers are among the most valuable IGCSE English resources available. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Start early and work through one paper a week at first.
2. Simulate real exam conditions to build time management skills.
3. Compare your answers with the mark schemes.
4. Analyse examiner reports to understand what earns top marks in IGCSE English.
5. Rewrite weaker answers using feedback and improvements.

This method helps you internalise the marking criteria and apply them naturally during the real exam.

Active Revision Techniques for Maximum Retention

Active learning keeps your brain engaged and helps knowledge stick longer. Try these techniques:

• Mind maps for themes, characters, or essay structures.
• Flashcards for key terminology and literary devices.
• Self-quizzing to test recall of facts and definitions.
• Peer review with classmates or tutors for constructive feedback.

TutorsPlus offers one-to-one lessons with effective IGCSE English tutors who tailor each session to your exam board and learning style. With guidance from expert teachers and examiners, you’ll strengthen weak areas, refine your writing, and gain the confidence to achieve top results.

“Ben was great, for the first time in English Language and Literature I felt like I was heard and he gave me the faith that I needed in myself to go and pull off a high grade in English.”

Final Advice: Thinking Critically and Writing Clearly

To earn an A* or a 9 in IGCSE English, build both analytical and creative skills. Read thoughtfully, write with confidence, and keep improving your work. Focus on accuracy, connect every idea to the question, and practise regularly rather than cramming at the end.

Whether you’re taking the Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge IGCSE English, the same principles hold true. With regular practice, clear structure, and helpful feedback, you’ll build the confidence to write clearly and perform your best on exam day. For expert support, contact us at +41 22 731 8148 or .

By Sara Lloyd

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education.  She is also a parent of two lively children.