Cambridge IGCSE · 0510

English as a Second Language

Reading and writing — Paper 1

Name: ____________________Date: October 14, 2026

1.
A library notice says: ‘The study room is available from 4 pm, but must be reserved online before noon on the same day. Groups are limited to six people.’ State when the room is available, the booking deadline and the largest permitted group.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States 4 pm.
- States before noon on the same day.
- States six people.
Examiner tip: Scan for the exact detail requested and transfer it accurately.
2.
Write an email to a classmate who missed a group meeting. Explain the decision the group made, give them one task to complete, and state when the group will meet again.
[4 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Explains a clear group decision.
- Assigns one specific and achievable task.
- States a clear date or time for the next meeting.
- Uses an appropriate friendly email tone and clear organisation.
Examiner tip: Cover every content point before improving vocabulary and accuracy.
3.
A gym notice says: ‘Membership costs $30 per month. New members get their first week free. The gym closes at 9 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on weekends.’ State the monthly cost, the new-member offer, and the weekday closing time.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States $30 per month.
- States the first week free.
- States 9 pm on weekdays.
Examiner tip: Transfer each exact detail asked for; do not add information the notice does not state.
4.
Write a short note to a friend inviting them to your birthday party. Include the date, the time, and one thing you would like them to bring.
[4 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States a clear date.
- States a clear time.
- States one specific thing to bring.
- Uses a friendly, informal tone appropriate for a note to a friend.
Examiner tip: An informal note to a friend can use simple, everyday language; it does not need formal letter phrases.
5.
A sign at a sports centre says: ‘Due to maintenance, the swimming pool will be closed this Friday. The gym and sauna remain open as normal.’ Identify which facility is closed, and which facilities remain open.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States that the swimming pool is closed.
- States that the gym and sauna remain open.
Examiner tip: Read carefully to see which facility the closure applies to; the notice also lists facilities that are not affected.
6.
Write a short email to a hotel asking whether a room is available for next weekend. Ask one question about the hotel's facilities.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly asks about room availability for next weekend.
- Asks one clear, relevant question about a hotel facility.
- Uses a polite, appropriately formal tone suitable for writing to a hotel.
Examiner tip: Even a short email to a business should open and close politely, unlike a note to a friend.
7.
A sign outside a shop reads: ‘Please keep this area clear. Deliveries only between 8 am and 10 am.’ Identify the main purpose of this sign.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Identifies that the sign is keeping the area free for deliveries.
- Identifies that deliveries are only allowed within a specific two-hour window.
Examiner tip: A short practical sign like this usually has one clear, functional purpose — identify what it wants people to do or not do.
8.
Write a short paragraph describing your favourite place in your town or city, for a new student who has just arrived.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Names a specific place rather than a vague category.
- Describes at least one specific feature that makes the place enjoyable.
- Uses language appropriate for welcoming and informing a new student.
Examiner tip: Give one or two specific, concrete details rather than a general statement like ‘it is a nice place’.
9.
A library notice says: ‘From Monday, the library will open at 8 am instead of 9 am. It will still close at 6 pm. The change does not apply on Saturdays.’ State the new opening time, the closing time, and the day the change does not apply.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States 8 am.
- States 6 pm.
- States Saturday.
Examiner tip: Read carefully for details that stay the same as well as details that change.
10.
Write a short thank-you note to a neighbour who looked after your cat while you were away.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Thanks the neighbour clearly for a specific action (looking after the cat).
- Mentions one specific detail, such as the cat being happy and healthy.
- Uses a warm, friendly and appropriately polite tone.
Examiner tip: A thank-you note should name the specific favour, not just say ‘thank you for everything’.
11.
A membership form asks for: full name, date of birth, and a parent's phone number for anyone under 16. A student fills in their name and date of birth but leaves the phone number blank. State what information, if any, is missing.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States that the parent's phone number is missing.
- States that this is only required if the student is under 16.
Examiner tip: Check whether a requirement is conditional (‘for anyone under 16’) before deciding if something is actually missing.
12.
Write a short, polite message to a friend explaining that you cannot come to their party because you are visiting family that weekend.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly states that you cannot attend.
- Gives the specific reason (visiting family that weekend).
- Uses a friendly, apologetic tone appropriate for declining an invitation.
Examiner tip: When declining an invitation, give a genuine reason and keep a warm tone so the friendship is not affected.
13.
An advertisement says: ‘New gym opening this weekend! First month free for everyone who joins before the end of the month.’ Identify the main purpose of this advertisement.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Identifies that the purpose is to attract new members to join the gym.
- Identifies the free first month as the specific incentive being offered.
Examiner tip: Look for the specific offer or incentive in an advertisement — it usually reveals the main purpose directly.
14.
Write a short email to a dentist's office asking to change the time of your appointment next week.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly states that you want to change your appointment.
- Mentions the current appointment (such as the day or week) so the office can find it.
- Uses a polite, appropriately formal tone suitable for contacting a medical office.
Examiner tip: Give enough detail about your existing appointment so the reader can find it without needing to ask you again.
15.
A timetable shows: Bus A leaves at 8:00 and takes 40 minutes. Bus B leaves at 8:15 and takes 20 minutes. Compare the two buses and state which one arrives first.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Calculates that Bus A arrives at 8:40.
- Calculates that Bus B arrives at 8:35.
- States that Bus B arrives first, despite leaving later.
Examiner tip: Add the departure time and the journey length together to find the real arrival time before comparing.
16.
Write a short note for a neighbour who is looking after your house, explaining when to water the plants and where to find the spare key.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States clearly when to water the plants.
- States clearly where to find the spare key.
- Uses clear, simple instructions that are easy to follow.
Examiner tip: Practical instructions should be specific and easy to follow quickly, without unnecessary extra detail.
17.
A notice on a café door says: ‘Closed for staff training. We will reopen tomorrow at the usual time. Sorry for any inconvenience.’ Identify why the café is closed and when it will reopen.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States that the café is closed for staff training.
- States that it will reopen tomorrow at the usual time.
Examiner tip: Short notices like this usually give both a reason and a clear next step — make sure you find both.
18.
Write a short email to a friend sharing the good news that you passed your driving test.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly shares the good news.
- Expresses genuine excitement or happiness about the news.
- Uses a warm, informal tone appropriate for an email to a friend.
Examiner tip: Good-news messages read better when they show genuine feeling, not just a flat statement of facts.
19.
A weather report says: ‘Today will be sunny with light wind. Tomorrow, expect rain in the morning, clearing by the afternoon.’ State the weather for today and for tomorrow.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States that today is sunny with light wind.
- States that tomorrow morning will have rain, clearing by the afternoon.
Examiner tip: Weather reports often describe more than one day — check which details belong to today and which belong to tomorrow.
20.
Write a short message to a colleague apologising for arriving late to a meeting and explaining briefly why.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly apologises for being late.
- Gives a brief, plausible reason for the delay.
- Uses an appropriately professional but friendly tone for a colleague.
Examiner tip: A good apology is brief: say sorry, give a short reason, and move on without over-explaining.
21.
A sign at a swimming pool says: ‘Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No running on the poolside.’ Identify the two rules stated on this sign.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States that children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
- States that running on the poolside is not allowed.
Examiner tip: Safety signs often list more than one rule — make sure you identify every rule, not just the first one.
22.
Write a short email to a museum requesting a brochure with information about ticket prices and opening times.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Clearly requests a brochure.
- Specifically mentions wanting information about ticket prices and opening times.
- Uses a polite, appropriately formal tone for contacting a museum.
Examiner tip: When requesting information, name exactly what you want to know so the reply can answer you fully.
23.
A shop sign says: ‘T-shirts: $15 each, or 2 for $25.’ A customer wants to buy 2 t-shirts. Compare the two ways of paying and state which is cheaper.
[2 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- Calculates that buying two separately would cost 2 × $15 = $30.
- States that buying the pair for $25 is cheaper.
Examiner tip: Calculate the total cost for each option before comparing, rather than comparing the single-item price to the pair price directly.
24.
Write a short message to a friend confirming the time and place you will meet this weekend.
[3 marks] · no calculator
Marking points
- States a clear time.
- States a clear place.
- Uses a friendly, casual tone appropriate for a message to a friend.
Examiner tip: A confirmation message should be short and leave no doubt about exactly when and where to meet.