IGCSE English: Chapter 1 - Introduction to English Language Skills
1. Key Skills in English Language
- Reading Skills
* Skimming: Quickly reading through text to grasp the main idea.
* Scanning: Looking for specific information, such as names, dates, or keywords.
* Understanding Context: Analyzing how a word or phrase fits into a sentence to understand its
meaning.
- Writing Skills
* Planning: Organizing ideas before writing (mind maps, bullet points).
* Structuring: Writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
* Editing: Checking grammar, punctuation, and coherence after writing.
- Speaking and Listening Skills
* Active Listening: Paying full attention, avoiding distractions, and responding appropriately.
* Effective Speaking: Using correct pronunciation, tone, and clarity to communicate ideas.
2. Types of Texts
- Fiction: Stories, novels, and narrative pieces. Focus on themes, characters, and literary devices.
- Non-Fiction: Articles, reports, and essays. Focus on facts, opinions, and arguments.
- Persuasive Writing: Advertisements, opinion pieces. Use of rhetorical devices and persuasive
techniques.
3. Understanding Purpose and Audience
- Identify why a text is written (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain).
- Recognize the target audience and adapt your tone and style accordingly.
4. Common Literary Techniques
- Metaphor and Simile: Comparisons to enhance imagery.
- Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds to create rhythm or emphasis.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human objects.
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect.
5. Developing Vocabulary
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to learn new words.
- Practice using new words in sentences to improve retention.
- Understand synonyms and antonyms to vary word choice.
6. Critical Analysis
- Ask questions about the text:
* What is the main idea or theme?
* What techniques does the writer use?
* How does the text achieve its purpose?
7. Practice and Application
- Practice past papers to familiarize yourself with exam formats and question styles.
- Write summaries of texts to improve comprehension and conciseness.
8. Exam Tips
- Manage your time effectively: Allocate time for reading, answering, and reviewing.
- Read questions carefully to understand what is being asked.
- Support your answers with evidence from the text.
