Section B: Composition The question tests the following writing objectives (40 marks)
Table A, Composition: Content and structure
Level Marks General and specific marking criteria
6 14–16 General
• Content is complex, engaging and effective. (W1)
• Structure is secure, well balanced and carefully managed for deliberate
effect. (W2)
Specific – descriptive Many Specific – narrative The
well-defined and developed ideas plot is well-defined and strongly
and images create a convincing developed with features of fiction
overall picture with varieties of focus. writing such as description,
characterisation and effective
climax, and convincing details.
5 11–13 General
• Content is developed, engaging and effective. (W1)
• Structure is well managed, with some choices made for deliberate effect.
(W2)
Specific – descriptive Specific – narrative The
Frequent, well-chosen images and plot is defined and developed with
details give a mostly convincing features of fiction writing such as
picture. description, characterisation, climax
and details.
4 8–10 General
• Content is relevant with some development. (W1)
• Structure is competently managed. (W2)
Specific – narrative The
Specific – descriptive A
plot is relevant and cohesive, with
selection of relevant ideas, images
some features such as
and details, even where there is a
characterisation and setting of
tendency to write in a narrative style.
scene.
3 5–7 General
• Content is straightforward and briefly developed. (W1)
• Structure is mostly organised but may not always be effective. (W2)
Specific – descriptive Specific – narrative
The task is addressed with a series of The plot is straightforward, with
relevant but straightforward details, limited use of the features of narrative
which may be more typical of a writing.
narrative.
Level Marks General and specific marking criteria
0500/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2024
2 3–4
General
•
Content is simple, and ideas and events may be limited. (W1)
•
Structure is partially organised but limited in its effect. (W2)
Specific – descriptive Specific – narrative
The recording of some relevant The plot is a simple narrative that events
with limited detail. may consist of events that are only
partially linked and/or which are
presented with partial clarity.
1 1–2
General
•
Content is occasionally relevant or clear. (W1)
•
Structure is limited and ineffective. (W2)
Specific – descriptive The Specific – narrative
description is unclear and lacks The plot and/or narrative lacks
detail. coherence.
0 0 • No creditable content.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 2 of 3
0500/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2024
Table B, Composition: Style and accuracy
Level Marks Description
6 21–24
• Precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures, chosen
for effect. (W3)
• Consistent well-chosen register suitable for the context. (W4)
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar almost always accurate. (W5)
5 17–20
• Mostly precise vocabulary and a range of sentence structures mostly
used for effect. (W3)
• Mostly consistent appropriate register suitable for the context. (W4)
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar mostly accurate, with occasional
minor errors. (W5)
4 13–16
• Some precise vocabulary and a range of sentence structures sometimes
used for effect. (W3)
• Some appropriate register for the context. (W4)
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar generally accurate, but with some
errors. (W5)
3 9–12
• Simple vocabulary and a range of straightforward sentence structures.
(W3)
• Simple register with a general awareness of the context. (W4)
• Frequent errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar, occasionally
serious. (W5)
2
5–8 • Limited and/or imprecise vocabulary and sentence structures. (W3)
• Limited and/or imprecise register for the context. (W4)
• Persistent errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar. (W5)
1
1–4 • Frequently imprecise vocabulary and sentence structures. (W3)
• Register demonstrates little or no sense of the context. (W4)
• Persistent errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar impair
communication. (W5)
0 0 • No creditable content.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024 Page 3 of 3
