IGCSE English Paper II: Record

Year Season Variant Q1 Topic Q1 Format Q3 Topic

2005 Summer - The Man in the Hut Visitors’ Guide A drive across the dry lands

Winter - The Great Gatsby Letter A life in the day of Sophia

2006 Summer - The Shamrock Hotel Letter The Technocrat Hotel

Winter - A Visit to Patagonia Diary Entry Land of the Living Wind

2007 Summer - Dr. Zinc Organisational Report Doom and Gloom

Winter - Rescue at Sea Newspaper Report All at Sea

2008 Summer - Visiting Diudiu Interview Life in the Cold

Winter - Vesuvius Newspaper Report Russia’s Frozen Inferno

2009 Summer - Aunt Pegg Letter Uncles

Winter - Order and Disorder Organisational Report The English Lesson

2010 Summer 1 The Great Conductor Interview Awfully Good

Summer 2 A visit to a Gorilla Sanctuary Letter Deforestation and the Orangutan

Summer 3 The Riveras Dialogue Marcia Gomez

Winter 1 A Strange Wedding Dialogue Chinese Wedding Traditions

Winter 2 A Visit to Rataia Dialogue A Winter Journey

Winter 3 The Duvall Family Newspaper Report Rats

2011 Summer 1 El Capitan Interview Paintballing

Summer 2 The Beast of Bodmin Moor Organisational Report Unicorns and Yetis

Summer 3 A Town Struck by Tragedy Letter Jiuzhaigou

Winter 1 Running with the Bulls Letter The Pamplona Bull Run

Winter 2 Into the Heart of Borneo Diary Entry Animals of the Amazon Forest

Winter 3 The Wolf-Boy Interview Living Wild

2012 Summer 1 Adam and the Storm Newspaper Report The Amazing Oceans

Summer 2 The Rendezvous Interview Whodunit?

Summer 3 Nepal’s Honey Hunters Speech Trophy Hunting

Winter 1 A Trek in the Andes Interview Treasures of the Himalayas

Winter 2 The Kapawi Jungle Interview A Visit to the Kalahari

Winter 3 Dean Potter Interview Daredevils

2013 Summer 1 Out in the Cold Speech Life in a Trench

Summer 2 The Joker Diary Entry The Kongamato

Summer 3 All Change! Diary Entry To Rajasthan in India by Rail

Winter 1 A Gift Letter A Find

Winter 2 The Monster of the Deep Organisational Report No Limits

Winter 3 The Great Benefactor Dialogue Apollo 11

2014 Summer 1 An Unwelcome Appearance Letter International Youth Hostels

Summer 2 An Unexplained Disappearence Newspaper Report Pula, Croatia

Summer 3 Finding a Grizzly Diary Entry Saving the Polar Bear

Winter 1 The Tour Bus Letter Getting Around by Bus

Winter 2 My first year of teaching Speech Attending Evening Classes

Winter 3 Death Valley Letter Walking across the Wahiba Sands

2015 Spring - The Prospect of Gold Letter Into the Valley of the Kings

Summer 1 Common Land Newspapers Report Ospreys

2 Canal Holiday Letter The Panama Canal
3 Dream Home Letter Self-Build Homes
Winter 1 A change of direction Journal entry Rabbits and hares,
2 Overcoming fear Talk Stunting
3 The District Officer Interview What happened to the dinosaurs
2016 Spring - Badluck Way, Sun Ranch, Magazine Article Wild West Shows
Summer 21 Honey Hotel Letter The Honeybee
22 Miss Salmon Letter A job you’ll grow into
23 At the restaurant Newspaper article The secret of a successful restaurant
Winter 21 Stranded Newspaper Report The Ship Breaker
22 Crocodile Hunting Letter Crocodiles - survived
23 A Healer Talk Antibiotics
2017 Spring - The Island Visit Interview The Island of Sea Women
Summer 21 Harrold Sparrow Letter Parronts and their parrots
22 Abracadabra Journal entry Playing Houdini
23 Out-of-hours vet Letter Young Vets
Winter 21 The Spacesuit Letter Emigration to Mars
22 The Bear Hunt Speech The Teddy Bear
23 The Price of Fame Article (Magazine) Why I'm leaving the band
2018 Spring - Walk on The Wild Side Article (Magazine) A Simpler Life
Summer 21 My First Job Organisational Report Working Underground
22 Fishing With Royer Newspaper Report Fly Fishing
23 A Small Fortune Journal entry Loneliness
Winter 21 Mikaela and Jane Diary Entry A grandfather’s advice
22 The Magician Letter Robots
23 My career as a journalist begins Interview It’s never too late to change career
2019 Spring - The Nightblooming Jazzmen Article (Magazine) Caveman Rock
Summer 21 Don’t run, whatever you do Talk Safari: Are too many tourists killing Africa’s wildlife?
22 The last zookeeper Journal entry We bought a zoo!
23 Thirst Newspaper Report Bottled water
Winter 21 Creative writing class Journal entry Writing for attention
22 Adventure cruise Letter Inuit life
23 Mountain biking Article Hot-air ballooning
2020 Paper 2 became Paper 1
2020 Spring 2 This is going to hurt Letter A Dream Job
Summer 1 The Penguin Lessons Magazine Article Blue Planet II Plastic Pollution
2 Mr Penumbra’s 24 hr Bookstore Journal entry The rebirth of the bookshop
3 The clement street soup Speech A Complete diet in time saving way
Winter 1 Lost Mining City Journal entry The Crooked forest
2 Walking in the Jungle Interview Japanese Cherry Blossom Season
3 An Incredible Journey Letter The Human Swan
2021 Spring 2 How I became a travel writer Speech The truth about being a travel writer
Summer 1 Into the sunrise: cycling the World part 2 Interview Is cycle touring right for you?
2 Base Station, Antarctica Speech Crossing Antarctica
3 A window on the world – my years with Magazine Article Nim Chimpsky: the chimp they tried to turn into a
chimpanzees human
Winter 1 The long hot walk Interview Changing seasons
2 Moving on upwards Journal entry Finding my feet again
3 Night-time photography Speech The decorative artist
2022 Spring 2 The Wild Tigers of Ranthambore Interview Tigers in Captivity
Summer 1 Married to Future Ironman Interview Tough Mudder
2 Paddling Alaska Magazine Article Kayaking is good for your health
3 Rainforest Tales Talk Teaching People to hate snakes disaster
Winter 1 The inn Informal Letter Working in the hospitality industry
2 The dancer Informal Letter Advice to dance teachers
3 Ocean Hotel Journal entry Is it wrong to swim with dolphins?
2023 Spring 2
Summer 1
2
3
Winter 1
2
3
 IGCSE English Paper III: Record
Year Season Variant Q1 Topic

2005 Summer - Bike The Nike

Winter - Youth Center Meeting

2006 Summer - Diet and Fitness

Winter - End of Exam Celebrations

2007 Summer - Our Country -Info sheet

Winter - Holiday Fun

2008 Summer - Letter and Conversation

Winter - Conversation

2009 Summer - Green Team Challenge

Winter - Help for Homeless Teenagers

2010 Summer 1 Computer Games

Summer 2 Building Bridges Scheme

Summer 3 Radio Broadcast

Winter 1 Speech Wikipedia

Winter 2 Family X and Y Television

Winter 3 Daniel Li

2011 Summer 1 World Wonders

Summer 2 Use of cell phones

Summer 3 Modern Technology

Winter 1 Dialogue with Writer

Winter 2 Home Schooling

Winter 3 Interview

2012 Summer 1 Mind The Gap

Summer 2 Clear The Air

Summer 3 Price of Sport

Winter 1 Digital Communication

Winter 2 Article Child Rescued Gets and Award

Winter 3 The Curse of the Motor Car

2013 Summer 1 Ravenna Ranch

Summer 2 Peer Pressure

Summer 3 Headmaster Speech

Winter 1 Marauding Wolves

Winter 2 Teaching Happiness

 Winter 3 Cult of the Celebrity

2014 Summer 1 Too Kind to Animals

Summer 2 Pupil Representation

Summer 3 Goodbye to the Letter

Winter 1 Do we need art

Winter 2 Letter to Elena

Winter 3 Extreme Challenge

2015 Spring - Article

Summer 1 Bridging the Gap

2 Optimism
3 Parents' Forum
Winter 1 Doctor Homeopathy
2 New Urban Craze
3 Twenty First Century Education
2016 Spring - Homework IGCSE
Summer 1 Town and Country
2 Common Courtesy
3 Big Changes in local high school
Winter 1 Share Nicely Now
2 Home-From-Home Holidays
3 Workplace Choirs
2017 Spring - Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Summer 1 Education Matters - Uniform
2 Noise: a Modern Menace
3 The Cost of Keeping Up
Winter 1 E-readers vs Books
2 Grafiti - Street art or Crime
3 Friendship Contracts
2018 Spring - Zoopark
Summer 1 Teenagers, sleep and school
2 Boredom is not a problem to be solved: it’s the privilege
of a free mind
3 Can adults praise children too much?
Winter 1 Take-a-Break – Sleeping at Work
2 Why don’t I appreciate what I have?
3 To tip or not to tip?
2019 Spring - Is university really worth it?
Summer 1 Are screens scrambling our kids’ brains?
2 A Letter to the Head Teacher
3 How a robot could be Grandma’s new carer
Winter 1 All for a good cause - fundraising
 2 Holidays that don’t cost the earth - eco tourism
3 Letter from Gerry asking for advice
2020 Format Change Old Paper 3 is Paper 2
2020 Spring 2 Keeping up with the technologies
Summer 1 First Tourist Space Flight
2 Study Exchange Program
3 Extreme Sports
Winter 1 eSports as sports
2 Whom to listen – Reviews
3 School leavers attitude to work
2021 Spring 2 Artificial Intelligence in a classroom
Summer 1 Green Shopping
2 Modern Friendship
3 New Year Challenge
Winter 1 Problems of Putting Things off
2 Hiring Older Workers
3 Museum Visit
2022 Spring 2 Fidget Gadgets in School
Summer 1 Learning a Foreign Language
2 Outdoor Learning
3 Repair Cafe School
Winter 1 Gift Experience
2 Pens or Keyboards
3 Long School holidays
2023 Spring 2
Summer 1
2
3
Winter 1
2
3
ord
Q1 Format

Conversation

Conversation

Article

Speech

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Magazine Article

Newspaper Article

Dialogue

Ediorial

Article

Talk

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Article for a website

Dialogue

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Magazine Article

Talk

Letter

Formal Letter

Magazine Article

Magazine Article

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

Letter
 Letter

Speech

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter in a Magazine

Conversation

Letter

Letter of Application
Letter
Formal Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Magazine Article
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Article
Article
Letter
Letter
Letter
Article Newspaper
Letter
Magazine Article
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Magazine Article
 Letter
Magazine Article
s Paper 2
Magazine Article
Letter
Speech
Speech
Speech
Magazine Article
Speech
Letter
Magazine Article
Magazine Article
Speech
Magazine Article
Speech
Letter
Letter
Letter
Magazine Article
Letter
Letter
Speech
Speech
 IGCSE Descriptive Prompts

2002

2003 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2004 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2005 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2006 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2007 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2008 May-Jun
 Oct-Nov

2009 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2010 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2011 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33
2012 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2013 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33
2014 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2015 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2016 Feb-Mar 32
 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2017 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2018 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31
 May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2019 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

Format changed Paper 2 Has Narrative and D

2020 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23
2021 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23

2022 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23

2023 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23
 IGCSE Descriptive Prompts
‘Everywhere they are waiting. In silence.
In boredom. Staring into space.’
Using the ideas in these lines of poetry as your starting point, develop your own descriptio
scene.
Shopping.
Write a description of a busy market or a busy shop.
Describe the most untidy place you know.
Write a description of a busy scene outside a stadium before or after a big event.
Describe what you think it would be like to spend some time on the moon.
A friend comes to stay with you. Describe places you would like her/him to see and people
would want her/him to meet.
Describe a time when you were frightened by the place you were in.
Describe a time when you felt special.
Imagine a film of your life so far. Describe two scenes: the images you would see of yourse
the images of those around you.
A song or piece of music comes on the radio. Immediately the tune reminds you of
a particularly happy or sad occasion. Describe in detail the scene you remember
(real or imaginary) and your feelings at that time.
Describe a person (real or imaginary) who immediately appears to be either
sinister or kind and trustworthy. Pay particular attention to her/his physical features
and mannerisms.
Young people often have a close relationship with an elderly person.
Describe the characteristics of a grandparent (real or imaginary) or any
other elderly person whose company you enjoy.
It is your birthday. Your friends are playing a trick and have blindfolded you.
Describe what your senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing tell you about
the place they are now leading you into.
‘The Celebration.’
Describe the sights and sounds of a celebration in detail, and how it affects you.
Describe in detail some people you encounter in a library or a museum or a place
of worship.
‘The Reunion.’ Describe a moment when two people meet each other after a long
time apart.
‘My favourite time of day.’ Describe what you see and/or hear and/or feel that
makes you enjoy this time the most.
‘The happy couple.’ Paying particular attention to the sights and sounds, describe the scen
as two people enjoy a special meal in a restaurant.
Describe a place of refuge or a safe retreat.
Children often keep a box of special things. Describe the contents of such a ‘treasure box’.
You walk into a room and there is an atmosphere of anger and embarrassment. Describe t
scene, paying particular attention to the ways in which the atmosphere is made obvious to
you.
For many years you have heard exciting and humorous tales about an elderly aunt/uncle in
your family. Someone gives you a diary that once belonged to this relative, who is now dea
Write two diary entries, each describing a memorable moment in this person’s life.
Describe the discovery of your own secret hideaway. It could be an overgrown garden or a
deserted shack. Concentrate on the detail and atmosphere of the place.
Describe a time when you were waiting for something unpleasant or fearful to happen.
Describe the place where you were at the time and your feelings as you waited…and waite
The sounds of laughter and loud voices attract your attention to a room in your house. The
door is closed. Describe what you can hear, as well as what you can see, as you gently ope
the door.
Describe a time and place, real or imaginary, when you felt trapped. Concentrate on your
surroundings and your feelings at the time.
You come across a group of people eating and speaking together around a table. Describe
how they reveal their personalities, relationships and emotions.
Describe the features of the landscape or town which would form the setting for your ideal
interactive computer game.
A ‘Reality’ TV show is looking for families to take part in a new series called ‘Meet My Fami
and you want to take part. Only four members of your family can be chosen. Describe thes
family members to the TV production team, making each person sound interesting to the
viewers.
Describe a time and place (real or imaginary) when you felt so embarrassed that it still ma
you uncomfortable to this day. Describe how you felt and how other people reacted.
You are walking home alone when you notice signs of a storm gathering around you. Descr
what happens and how you feel as you make your way to shelter.
Describe three moments in a race; the start, the middle and the finish.
Describe the time when you mastered a skill such as unicycling, skateboarding, skiing,
cooking or even plate spinning. Describe what you were trying to do, and your thoughts an
feelings at the final moment of success.
Describe a fire from the first signs of smoke to the moment when it is out of control.
Describe nightfall as you reach camp in the middle of the jungle.
You come across a shop in a side street which you have never noticed before. You enter, a
are amazed at what you see. Describe the interior of the shop and the things on sale there
Describe what you see from the window during a journey by road or rail.
Write a descriptive account entitled ‘The Flower Seller’. [
You have to get to an important event or meeting, but the vehicle you are in is held up in a
traffic jam. Describe what is going on around you and your feelings during the delay.
Describe the surroundings and your emotions at a time when you felt very alone.
Imagine that you are up in a hot air balloon. Describe what you see below and how the
experience makes you feel.
You arrive on an island. Write a description of your first impressions of the place and its
people.
Describe what you see and hear from a hiding place.
Describe the scene and atmosphere when you visit a theme park or fairground.
Describe your surroundings before and after a sudden change in the weather.
Describe a restful place.
Describe an alien’s first impression of a town centre known to you.
Describe a scene from your childhood. Describe the surroundings and your feelings at that
time.
A travelling circus or show comes to your area. Describe one or two of the acts and include
the reactions of the spectators.
Describe the most disappointing gift you have received and your reactions at the time.
You are in a place which you feel may be haunted. Describe the place, and your feelings
and reactions.
Describe a group of people at work.
‘Suddenly everything stopped moving and there was complete silence.’ Describe what was
before your eyes and the sensations that you experienced.
You are in a crowd of people waiting to see a total eclipse of the sun. Describe what you
witness from the moment the moon starts to move across the sun to the point when it is lig
again. Include your thoughts and feelings throughout and the reactions of the crowd.
Describe the character of someone who has had an effect on your life.
Describe children playing with a grandparent.
Describe a time when you felt homesick. Where were you at the time, and what were your
thoughts and feelings?
From your imagination, describe a warrior or a hero at the moment of victory.
Describe the last moments before you leave a place forever.
A major cycling race is coming through your town centre. Imagine you are at the front of th
crowd waiting for the cyclists to appear. Describe the sense of expectation and the arrival
the competitors.
You are accidentally locked in your school after everyone has left. Describe the atmospher
and how this makes you feel.
Describe the best meal that you ever had with a group of people, including details of the p
and the atmosphere.
You arrive at an airport or railway station to discover that there is a long delay. Describe w
you see and hear, and your thoughts and feelings while you are waiting.
Imagine that after some years you revisit a place you used to know well, only to find that
everything has changed. Write a description of the place now and how the changes make y
feel.
Describe the atmosphere of a quiet street or neighbourhood which is then suddenly disturb
Describe a noisy group of people passing by, and your thoughts and feelings about them a
the time.
Describe a place that is very old and has a powerful atmosphere.
Describe a building, and some of the people who enter and leave it, during the short period
while you are watching the entrance.
‘It was all over in a moment.’ Describe what happened at that time, what you saw and hea
and your feelings.
Describe someone’s home where you have always been welcome, and the people who live
there.
You witness, 50 years in the future, the opening of a time capsule containing objects burie
today. Explain your thoughts and feelings as the capsule is opened, and describe some of
items.
Describe a scene in which a dream came true. Capture the surroundings and atmosphere,
as well as your thoughts and feelings about the moment.
Your community is celebrating a historic event in the open air. Describe what is happening
around you.
You come across an abandoned building you never knew existed. Describe its exterior and
surroundings before giving details of how you enter. Describe the atmosphere inside and
everything your senses experience as you explore the building.
Describe a place called ‘Paradise on Earth’.
You come across a puppet show being performed to a crowd of children in the town square
Describe what you see and hear, and the atmosphere around you.
Describe a shopping trip through a bazaar, spice market or souk in which you stop, at
least twice, to consider buying an item. Describe how this experience excites your senses
throughout.
Describe a small group of people relaxing, and then the moment that destroys the atmosp
of calm.
Describe a party in full swing, and then what the place is like when all the visitors have gon
home.
You are waiting outside a room where you are to undergo an important interview. Describe
your surroundings and your feelings as you wait.
Describe the scene at a station or airport where arriving passengers are met by friends and
relatives.
Describe an occasion when you received disappointing news. Include the thoughts and
feelings of those involved.
You are being interviewed. Describe the people conducting the interview, and your though
and feelings as it progresses.
You have struggled for some time to acquire a skill. Describe what you are doing at the
moment of success, and your thoughts and feelings at this time.
Imagine that you are watching a building being destroyed. Describe what you see and hea
and your thoughts and feelings about what used to happen in this place.
Describe a classroom of students with no teacher present. End your description as the
classroom door suddenly opens.
You climb a tree and cannot be seen. Describe what you see and hear happening below.
You witness an argument in the street between two people. Describe what you see and he
and how you and other people react.
Describe your feelings and reactions when you realise you have lost a very important item
Describe the inside of a workshop and the person who owns it.
Describe what you see and experience as you dive downwards to explore under the sea.
Imagine you have moved house. Describe your new home and your thoughts and feelings
enter it for the first time.
Describe a town or city centre in the early hours of the morning.
Imagine you return home after a long period away. Describe your surroundings and your th
and feelings as you return.
Describe the atmosphere and your thoughts and feelings when you and your team win an
competition.
Imagine you enter a crowded train or bus for a short journey. Describe your surroundings a
fellow-travellers during the journey.
Describe the end of a tiring climb with a companion, and your thoughts and feelings as you
the top.
Describe your thoughts and feelings on an occasion when you were desperate for someone
something to arrive.
Imagine you are travelling in a cable car which stops unexpectedly. Describe your surround
and your thoughts and feelings.
Imagine that you arrive in a large city for the first time. Describe your surroundings and yo
thoughts and feelings at that time.
Describe a carnival, parade or procession.
Give an account of your arrival at a very strange hotel. Describe the building, the surround
staff and the other guests.
Describe a firework display, including sounds and smells as well as what you see, and how
spectators react to it.
Imagine you have recently moved house. In the attic you find a box containing some objec
belonged to the previous owners. Describe some of the objects you discover and your thou
and feelings when you find them.
Describe a town or village after a heavy rainstorm.
Imagine you discover a box filled with objects you collected as a small child. Describe som
objects, and your thoughts and feelings as you look at them.
Imagine you are waiting in a café for a friend who is very late. Describe your surroundings
your thoughts and feelings as you wait.
Imagine you are watching a spectacular sunset with friends or family. Describe what you s
hear, and your thoughts and feelings as you watch.
During a walk through open country, you stop for a few moments. Describe what you see a
and the effect it has on your thoughts and feelings.
During a walk through open country, you stop for a few moments. Describe what you see a
and the effect it has on your thoughts and feelings.
Imagine you are stuck in a lift or elevator for a few minutes. Describe the other people in th
elevator and their reactions, as well as your own.
Describe an occasion when a group of people are eating together.
Describe what you notice, think and feel as you sit in a busy workplace observing others go
their daily activities.
Describe an area that was once beautiful but is now spoilt.
Impressions of people can change over time. Describe your first impressions of someone y
know well.
Imagine you are just about to face a major challenge. Describe your thoughts and feelings
as you begin.
Describe the atmosphere and your thoughts and feelings at the end of a final performance
Describe the scene before and as a theatrical production begins.
Imagine you have been away from home for a long time. Describe what you see and your t
and feelings during your journey home.
Imagine you are standing at the top of the highest building for many miles around. Describ
you see and hear below you, and the scene around you at the top.
Describe the scene from your position on the bank of a river.
You open the door to a surprise visitor. Describe the visitor and your thoughts and feelings
they first begin to speak.
Describe the moment when you encounter an animal.
Describe a holiday resort at a quiet time.
Imagine you have just started a job in a café or restaurant. Describe the place, its custome
your thoughts and feelings as you do your work.
Describe a river as it flows from its source high on a mountain.
Describe a visit to an art gallery or museum.
Describe a cave in the first moments as you enter it.
Describe a short journey you make often.
Describe someone you recognise from a distance at an occasion you are both attending ye
after you last saw them.
Write a description of the spectators at a sports event.
Describe a work of art that has been carefully created.
Describe what you see, hear and feel in a place where you are sheltering.
On a long journey through an unfamiliar region, the bus on which you are travelling breaks
for a short time. Describe what you see and hear around you, and your thoughts and feelin
you wait.
Describe an interesting building that you know well. Include your thoughts and feelings abo
your description.
Describe the final preparations for a trip with your family or with your school, and the mom
departure.
Imagine you return to your school or college long after the end of the school day. Describe
you see and hear, and your thoughts and feelings as you walk through the building.
On your way to a friend’s house, you decide to take a different route and find yourself lost
unfamiliar area for a few minutes. Describe your surroundings and your thoughts and feelin
these few minutes before you find your way again.
Write a description with the title, ‘Through the Window’.
You wake up after a period of time to find things around you have changed. Describe the fi
minutes as you adjust to your surroundings.
Write a description with the title, ‘The Tree’.
Describe the costumes you find in an old cupboard at the back of the stage in a theatre.
Write a description with the title, ‘The Crossing’.
Write a description of returning to a place that reminds you of someone.
Write a description with the title, ‘A Moment of Tension’.
Describe the kitchen of a busy restaurant at lunch time.
Imagine your school or college 25 years from now.
Describe a familiar place at an unusual time or from a different point of view.
Describe what you see, hear and feel when you look up into the sky as day changes into
night.
Describe the few minutes just before and after an outdoor event is ruined by the weather.
Imagine you find yourself accidentally locked in a shopping centre or mall after it has close
for the day. Describe what you see and hear, and your thoughts and feelings as you wait to
be released.
Describe a busy port or harbour.
Describe a garden or park which has become overgrown and neglected since you last
visited it.
Write a description with the title, ‘Underwater’.
Describe the scene and atmosphere as you wait for your turn to be interviewed.
Write a description with the title, ‘The day after the festival’.
Imagine you work in a shop. Describe a time when the shop is particularly busy.
Write a description with the title, ‘The picture I’d forgotten I had taken’.
Describe a place which used to be busy and is now quiet.
Format changed Paper 2 Has Narrative and Descriptive
Write a description of a place you would like to go back to.
Describe the other contestants in a competition before, and after, the winner has won.
Describe moving from a stressful place to one which is peaceful.
Describe a room in a house that belongs to an older person.
Write a description with the title, ‘Downhill’.
Describe what you see, hear and feel in a very crowded street.
Describe what you see, hear and feel as you board a crowded bus.
Write a description of an object you own which is important to you.
Write a description with the title, ‘Camping out’.
Describe the view from a window on a wet day.
Write a description with the title, ‘The factory’.
Describe waking up to find the scene around you has changed.
Write a description of a family home.
Write a description with the title, ‘Waiting in line’.
Write a description with the title, ‘By the light of the Moon’.
Describe the house of a person much older than you.
Describe an object you find hidden somewhere outdoors.
Describe the moment you receive some welcome news.
Describe trying to sleep before an important day.
Write a description with the title, ‘The view from the other side’.
Describe a group of tourists outside an attraction.
Write a description with the title, ‘Floating’.
Describe the inside of an interesting shop.
Write a description of a place where animals are kept in captivity, such as a zoo, wildlife park or
sea-life centre.
Describe a wild place.
Write a description with the title, ‘An unexpected meeting’.
Describe a busy workplace.
Write a description with the title, ‘The beach by night’.
Describe a street which has changed over time.
Write a description of a group of people who have become stuck somewhere.
Write a description with the title, ‘The nest’.
Describe the preparations you make for an important journey.
Describe an outdoor event which is ruined by bad weather.
Describe a group of people who are on holiday.
Describe a group of people meeting for the first time after a long separation.
Describe a city street in very bad weather.
Describe walking or riding along a path or track you have not explored before.
Write a description with the title, ‘Getting busier and busier’.
Describe a flying object or creature as it takes off, moves through the air and then lands again.
Write a description with the title, ‘A moment of stillness’.
Describe a journey through, on or over water.
Describe a group of people celebrating a special occasion.

Describe a shop you remember visiting in the past.

Describe the experience of seeing an animal.
Describe a room before and after being decorated or renovated.
Write a description with the title, ‘The performer’.
Describe a set of new clothes.
Describe the people in a park at different times of the year.
 IGCSE Narrative Prompts
2002

2003 May-June

Oct-Nov

2004 May-June

Oct-Nov

2005 May-June

Oct-Nov

2006 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2007 May-Jun

Oct-Nov
2008 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2009 May-Jun

Oct-Nov

2010 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2011 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32
 May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2012 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2013 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33
2014 May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2015 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2016 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32
 Oct-Nov 33

2017 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2018 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32

Oct-Nov 33

2019 Feb-Mar 32

May-Jun 31

May-Jun 32

May-Jun 33

Oct-Nov 31

Oct-Nov 32
 Oct-Nov 33

Format changed Paper 2 Has Narrative an

2020 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23

2021 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23

2022 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22
 Oct-Nov 23

2023 Feb-Mar 22

May-Jun 21

May-Jun 22

May-Jun 23

Oct-Nov 21

Oct-Nov 22

Oct-Nov 23
 IGCSE Narrative Prompts
Time stood still.
Write a story which begins: She looked at the car as it disappeared in a cloud of dust, and kne
that things would never be the same again… .
The Victim.
Write a story in which someone stands up for her/his beliefs.
He sat staring at the envelope that had arrived in the morning’s post. The postmark on the fro
said ‘London’. That was where his parents were on holiday, but the envelope looked official.
Continue the story.
The Rebel.
Write a story in which a failure to communicate is important.
She couldn’t help smiling to herself when she thought of what had just happened... Continue
story.
Write a story entitled ‘The Picture’.
Write a story in which food plays an important part.
Write a story entitled ‘The Gift.’
‘As he sketched three faces on the back page of the tattered notebook, he swore that he
would find them, no matter what …’ Continue the story.
You discover an old photograph at home. You ask your parents who the person in
the photograph is, and when and where it was taken. There is a tense silence…
Make this mystery an important part of a story.
You are writing a story set in the future. Your main character is a successful
businesswoman who has been invited to go to her high school reunion. It is twentyfive
years since she attended ‘Marsh Academy’ but curiosity compels her to go.
Write the beginning of the story.
Start your story: As soon as the door opened, a familiar face…
The main character in your narrative has accidentally broken a very
valuable item at a neighbour’s house. Using the title ‘The Lie’, write the
beginning of this story.
You are writing a mystery or thriller-type story, which is set in an old
building. It is night time. Suddenly all the lights go out and someone’s
footsteps are heard running away. Make this event an important part of a
story called ‘Power cut’.
Write a story or episode of suspense, in which a character enters a room and finds
that it has been disturbed and may even still be occupied by the intruder…
Write a story in which a disappointment is central to the plot.
‘The Short Cut.’
You are very late and you need to get home quickly. Up ahead is a short cut, but
you’ve been warned not to use it. If you don’t get home soon there’ll be serious
trouble… Write a story about what happens next.
Write a story in which missing a chance or missing an opportunity is central to the
plot.
Write a story or an episode of suspense in which a character is facing a problem relating to
time running out.
‘Who’s Who?’ Write a story in which a case of mistaken identity plays a central part.
‘The Rescue’. Write a story in which a rescue plays a central part.
The central character in a story realises that s/he has lost something vital. Write the next par
of the story in which a sense of panic is built up.
Everyone thinks you are an ordinary teenager, living an ordinary life. No-one knows, nor
must they ever find out, that you have powers which can only ever be used for the good of
humankind. Write about a day in ‘The Secret Life of…’.
‘The radio crackled as the distant voice spluttered and died. Now they felt completely alone,
but surely there must be others like them out there?’ Write a narrative using this quotation as
the beginning or end of your story.
‘The figure sprinted away from the angry crowd and headed towards a gap between the
buildings.’ Use this sentence to start a story.
As you shake your morning breakfast cereal from the box, out tumbles a small, red envelope
with the words ‘Open me now!’ stamped on it. Inside, there is a list of instructions that you
must carry out ‘before night falls.’ Write the story of your day.
‘As they looked in the mirror they were amazed to find two completely different people
smiling back at them.’ Use this sentence as the beginning of a story.
Write a story in which the central theme is flying.
‘Forgiveness’. Write a story in which forgiveness plays a central part.
Write a story, or part of a story, in which a character discovers something vitally important
that people need to know about, but nobody will listen.
“Alex was someone who liked to live life ‘on the edge’ for too long, barely managing to surviv
Now, in desperation, s(he) would do anything…”. Use this quotation as the start of a story.
Write a story in which fire plays an essential part.
Write a story in which the main character is desperately trying to cross a border to safety.
‘Everyone was talking about the new teacher at school. There was something different about
her, something strange about her eyes that frightened people…’. Use this to begin your story
Tell the story of a rich person who woke up one morning to find that wealth had turned to
extreme poverty.
Tell the story of what happened on the first night of a school play through the eyes of one of
the actors OR somebody working behind the scenes.
A letter turns up which has been lost in the post for ten years. Write a story which explains th
effect of this letter when it is finally delivered.
‘Slow but steady wins the race.’ Write a story to illustrate this saying.
‘Nothing could have survived that explosion, so what on earth is that climbing out of the ...!’
Use this sentence at an important point in your story.
Write a story in which greed plays an important part.
‘At last I could see a light at the end of the tunnel.’ Use this sentence either to begin or end a
story.
You see an advertisement in a local newspaper which says: ‘Are you brave and adventurous?
Then telephone this number and change your life.’ Start the story with the phone call you
make.
You witness an incident which you are forced to get involved in. Use this idea as the basis for
a narrative.
Write a story based on an animal that escapes.
Write a story that begins with these words: ‘Finally, the great day dawned.’
You wake up, look out of your window, and discover that something has happened during the
night which has totally changed the area around your house. Write about what happens.
‘While I was looking idly through my family’s old box of documents, I suddenly came across
an official letter.’ Imagine yourself as the narrator and continue this story.
Take an old tale or myth and retell it as though it is happening in your country at this time.
‘Although they had been forbidden to go, there they were, on the other side of the steel fence
laughing hysterically.’ Use this idea as the basis for a narrative.
Write a story that includes a practical joker as one of its characters.
‘The figure in the long, black coat.’ Use this as the title of a narrative.
Write a story which takes place in extreme weather conditions.
You received, unexpectedly, two tickets for a mystery trip. After some initial doubts you decid
to go. Write the story of what happened.
Write a story about a survivor.
You have travelled backwards or forwards in a time machine. Begin your story with the openi
of the machine door after you have arrived in the past or the future.
Write a story that starts with the opening of a door to a room you are not supposed to enter.
Write a story called ‘The Rock’.
‘The lady, her face barely visible through the thick lace veil, turned the card over to reveal…’
Begin or end a story with these words.
Write a story entitled ‘Into the Wilderness’. [
Write a story about someone who unintentionally did something which made headline news
for one day.
Write a story entitled ‘Caught in the Act’.
Begin a story with a character who has lost something important.
You see someone in a crowd whom you recognise but you can’t think why. On noticing you,
the person moves away, and you instinctively follow. Write the story.
Write a story which begins with someone hearing an eerie and unidentifiable noise.
Write the story of what happens after a place which has been locked for many years is finally
opened.
Write a story entitled ‘The Return of the Voyager’.
Write a story based on an unusual and exciting secret.
‘One moment she was there, and the next…’. Use this sentence to start your story.
‘If only you’d told me this earlier, it would have made all the difference.’ Write a story which
begins or ends with this speech.
Write the story of what happens when someone opens a box labelled ‘Do Not Open’.
Write a story that involves meeting someone from the past.
You are alone in a room when you accidentally stumble and steady yourself against the wall.
The wall opens to reveal a passageway. You decide to explore and are entirely unprepared fo
what happens.
The teacher looked distraught, said ‘That’s it! I can’t take any more’, and walked out of the
classroom. Continue the story.
Write a story which includes an amazing moment of realisation.
Write a story entitled ‘The Great Pretender’.
Write about how an old film had been obtained secretly.
Write a story entitled ‘The Watcher’.
‘As I was about to knock on the heavy oak door, a booming voice commanded “Enter!” and
stopped me in my tracks.’ Use this quotation at some point in your story.
Write a story called ‘The Path that led to Nowhere’.
Write a story that involves your attempt to cook a meal for others.
Write a story entitled ‘The Storm’.
‘The truth had to come out in the end.’ Write a story which ends with these words.
‘Don’t panic! I’m sure there’s a solution.’ Write a story beginning with these words.
Write a story with the title ‘The End of the Road’.
‘I’m afraid there’s nothing else for it. We have to go back.’ Write a story beginning with these
words.
Write a story about a practical joke which goes wrong.
Write a story which begins with the words ‘Nothing could have prepared me for what I had to
do next.’
You have the power to go back 24 hours to change what happened or what was said. Write a
story involving this power, making it clear why you needed to make changes.
Write the story of a day that remains clear in your memory, although you were much younger
at the time.
Write a story entitled ‘The Journey’.
Write a story called ‘A Moment of Doubt’.
Write a story in which an item of great value or beauty plays an important part.
Write a story entitled ‘The Lesson’.
Write a story which ends with the words, ‘I knew things would be different from now on.’
Write a story which begins with a bitter disappointment.
‘Where on earth have you been?’ Write a story which includes these words.
‘The truth was bound to come out in the end.’ Write a story which ends with these words.
Write a story which involves a rediscovery of something lost.
You were walking along when someone rushed towards you, asking for help. Write a story wh
starts at this point.
Write a story called ‘A Way Out’.
Write a story which ends with some sort of confession.
Write a story which involves a place underground.
You have been warned to leave your home because a hurricane is approaching. You make a
decision either to stay or to go. What happens next?
Write a story which involves a scene in a court room.
Write a story which includes a pleasant and unexpected revelation about a friend or relative.
Write a story entitled, ‘The Challenge’.
Write a story entitled, ‘The New Beginning’.
‘This was too exciting a temptation to resist.’ Write a story in which these words appear.
Write a story with the title, ‘Home At Last’.
Write a story which involves a meeting between enemies.
Write a story which involves a visit to relatives.
‘That was one piece of advice I should have ignored.’ Write a story which ends with these wor
Write a story that includes the words, ‘Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw…’
Write a story that involves a character new to the area.
Write a story in which the main character feels they do not fit in.
Write a story that begins, ‘She watched them leave and realised she could be there for a long
Write a story that begins, ‘The figure moved swiftly and noiselessly, as if not wanting to be
observed…’.
Write a story which involves someone losing their way.
Write a story that begins with the words, ‘It felt as if I had been waiting all my life for this mom
Write a story with the title, ‘The Reunion’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The Argument’.
Write a story which involves breaking a rule.
Write a story with the title, ‘A Second Chance’.
Write a story which begins, ‘It sounded like a straightforward request…’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The Painting’.
Write a story which begins, ‘A silver moon rose silently into the dark sky, its beauty unnoticed
the lone figure below.’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The Missed Opportunity’.
Write a story that begins, ‘Jas had to go back to the place where it had all started…’
Write a story that begins, ‘It started late one night with a noise outside…’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The Rescue’.
Write a story where things do not go according to plan. Use the title, ‘Only trying to help…’.
Write a story where a character returns to a place they do not wish to go back to.
Write a story which involves an argument which should have been avoided.
Write a story that begins, ‘It was clear that the room had been abandoned in a hurry ... ’
Write a story that begins with an unexpected telephone call.
Write a story with the title, ‘Stolen’.
Write a story about a time when you lost something important.
Write a story with the title, ‘The Lie’.
Write a story that begins with an unexpected delay on a journey.
Write a story which ends with the words, ‘ ... if only I had listened.’
Write a story which involves finding something which was previously believed to have been lo
Write a story with the title, ‘The Day Before’.
Write a story where a character decides to live a new life.
Write a story that begins, ‘I thought the road would never end ... ’
Write a story that begins with the words, ‘How am I going to explain this?’
Write a story that involves a competition between two or more characters.
Write a story about fulfilling a dream or an ambition.
Write a story using the title, ‘The Cancellation’.
Write a story which includes the words, 'I tried to stay calm'.
Write a story with the title, 'It's Now or Never'.
Write a story with the title, 'Moving On'.
Write a story which includes the words, 'I smiled when I recalled the events of the day.’
Write a story with the title, 'A Quite Life'.
Write a story about an event you dreaded but which turned out differently from how you
expected.
Write a story with the title, ‘Under suspicion’.
Write a story that begins with an important announcement.
Write a narrative which includes the words, ‘... all the screens went blank ...’.
Write a narrative about a journey you make on your own for the first time.
Write a story which involves finding an unusual object.
Write a story about a character who wants to make some kind of change.
Format changed Paper 2 Has Narrative and Descriptive
Write a story which involves some sort of delay.
Write a story set in two different times or places.
Write a narrative about a time you had an important responsibility.
Write a narrative which includes the words, ‘I was so focused’.
Write a narrative with the title, ‘The Moon’.
Write a narrative which starts with the words, ‘I was too late …’.
Write a narrative about preparing for an important event.
Write a narrative with the title, ‘The Spiral’.
Write a story which includes the words, ‘… that wasn’t very successful …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘An unexpected meeting’.
Write a story that involves solving a problem.
Write a story which includes the words, ‘… this could not be the present …’.
Write a story involving a group of people working together.
Write a narrative with the title, ‘The mirror’.
Write a story with the title, ‘Looking back’.
Write a story which involves a moment of panic.
Write a story which includes the words, ‘… there was no signal at all …’.
Write a story which involves getting help from an unusual source.
Write a story with the title, ‘The invitation’.
Write a story which includes the words, ‘… nothing seemed to go right …’.
Write a narrative which includes the words, ‘… I thought I had the solution …’.
Write a narrative which involves having to follow a map.
Write a story with the title, ‘Visitors’.
Write a story which involves a mistake in the sending or receiving of a message.
Write a story that includes the words, ‘… I realised it wasn’t working …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The right time’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The bridge’.
Write a story that includes the words, ‘... I couldn’t put it off any longer ...’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The dark mountain’.
Write a story that involves a plan that goes wrong.
Write a story which involves an injustice.
Write a story with the title, ‘Cancelled’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The lake’.
Write a story that involves looking after a child.
Write a story with the title, ‘The prize’.
Write a story which involves having to correct a mistake.
Write a story that includes the words, ‘… this was like no creature I’d encountered before …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The forest’.
Write a story that includes the words, ‘… this opportunity was too good to miss …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘Lost’.
Write a story that involves a loss of confidence or belief.
Write a story with the title, ‘Leaving’.

Write a story which includes the words, ‘… I was convinced I was right …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘The silk ribbon’.
Write a story which includes the words, ‘… I set off as usual that day …’.
Write a story with the title, ‘Out of time’.
Write a story that involves a meeting.
Write a story that includes the words, ‘… Was this the key? …’.
blog - every month - passion of yours
book on vietname war
Quest - year round
Teacher is good - Ms Bruskii
doesn't tell you what exactly is wrong
mostly only writing
in class