What Paper 2 assesses
Section A, Directed Writing (40 marks): a two-part question on one or two texts of 550–650 words in total. Part (a) is a structured analysis question and part (b) is a speech, letter, article or report of about 250–350 words. Section B, Composition (40 marks): one title from four choices (two descriptive, two narrative), of about 350–450 words.
- Time: 2 hours
- Marks: 80
- Weight: 50% of Cambridge International 0990 (2027–2029 syllabus)
- How it is assessed: External
- Who takes it: Candidates not entering Component 3
Paper 2 is worth 50% of the 0990 grade and carries 80 marks. Each mark moves the qualification by about 0.63%. The qualification is graded 9–1.
What the examiners reward in Paper 2
Writing
- W1. articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
This is one of the objectives. The 0990 overview lists the full set.
Question types we practise for Paper 2
- Directed writing: article: Writing an article in the right register for a publication. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
- Directed writing: report: Writing a clear, organised report for a specific reader. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
- Directed writing: speech: Writing a speech that addresses an audience with purpose. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
Preparing for Cambridge International 0990 Paper 2? The paid trial hour can start with a timed look at that paper.
A timing plan for Paper 2
The syllabus gives 80 marks and 2 hours for Paper 2. That is about 1.5 minutes per mark. A 10-mark answer therefore earns about 15 minutes.
At the halfway point of 60 minutes, check that you have covered about 40 marks' worth of the paper. This is a practice guide built from the stated totals. The paper's own instructions come first.
Where marks are lost on Paper 2
Writing a review: A summary in disguise. The review retells everything in order and never judges. Read the full guide.
Writing a report: Wrong register. The report is written like an article, with voice and flourish. Read the full guide.
Preparing for Paper 2 with us
A teacher works through Paper 2 question types with your child under timed conditions, against the criteria in the mark scheme. See First Language English tuition for how a session runs.
Paper 2 is one component of Cambridge International 0990, graded on the 9–1 scale. Check the current arrangement for your exam year with your school or the board.