Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511

IGCSE ESL Writing Resources

These writing resources begin with the exam structure so students can see exactly what Paper 1 requires before they move into model answers, planning and useful language.

Exam overview

Exercise 5: Informal emailWrite to a friend in a natural, friendly style. Answers are 120-160 words and worth 15 marks.
Exercise 6: Article, report, review or essayWrite a more formal or semi-formal response in the correct format. Answers are 120-160 words and worth 15 marks.
Audience and purposeStudents should match their tone and ideas to the task and the reader.
OrganisationA clear opening, developed paragraphs and a tidy ending help the answer flow.

Skills practiced

Task and audienceStudents need to understand who they are writing for and why.
Content pointsStrong answers cover the required ideas clearly and relevantly.
Tone and registerWriting should sound appropriately friendly, formal or neutral for the task.
Language rangeAccurate and varied language helps students communicate more precisely.

Common challenges

Missing one or more content points.
Writing in the wrong tone.
Adding ideas that do not answer the task.
Weak paragraphing or underdeveloped ideas.
Memorised phrases that do not fit the context.

Strategy tips

Start with the exam task, identify the audience and purpose, then look at how the model answer handles tone, paragraphing and development. Students can then plan their own response before writing a full answer.

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Exercise 5: Informal Email

Ready-to-use informal email models for Paper 1 Exercise 5, grouped by topic.

INFORMAL EMAIL

Going to an Outdoor Concert

Arts, Music and Entertainment

IGCSE ESL Writing Resources

Exam overview

Skills practiced

Common challenges

Strategy tips

Exercise 5: Informal Email

Going to an Outdoor Concert

Attending a Lantern Festival

Trying a New Study App

Joining a School Club

Taking Part in a Beach Clean-Up

Organising a Family Celebration

Trying a New Cafe

Attending a Careers Workshop

Helping at a School Charity Event

A New Fitness Class

Changes in Your Neighbourhood

Changing Your Morning Routine

Recording a School Podcast

Meeting an Inspiring Person

Visiting a New Public Library

Taking Part in a School Safety Drill

Visiting a Robotics Exhibition

Visiting a New Shopping Mall

Trying Indoor Climbing

Organising a Study-and-Movie Night

Going on a Wildlife Walk

A Delayed Journey

Helping at a Careers Event

Exercise 6: Report Writing

School Arts Evening

International Culture Day

Student Podcast Project

Science Museum Trip

Recycling Campaign

Family Learning Evening

School Farmers’ Market

Careers Fair

Charity Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

Community Garden Project

Homework Free Evening Trial

School News Blog

Student Mentoring Scheme

New Library Space

Road Safety Campaign

Robotics Workshop

Second-Hand Uniform Sale

After-School Sports Club Trial

Student Common Room Trial

School Nature Trail

Cycle to School Week

Work Experience Preparation Day

Exercise 6: Report Planning Banks

Arts, Music and Entertainment

Culture and Traditions

Digital Life and Technology

Education and School Life

Environment and Conservation

Family and Relationships

Food and Eating Habits

Future Plans and Ambitions

Global Issues

Health and Wellbeing

Home and Local Area

Lifestyle and Daily Routines

Media and Communication

People and Achievement

Public Places and Services

Safety and Rules

Science and Innovation

Shopping and Consumer Life

Sports and Leisure

Teenage Life

The Natural World

Transport and Travel

Work and Careers

Exercise 6: Article Writing

Live Arts Events

Cultural Festivals