IGCSE English Language 0500

Topic: Reading

Objective: Demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings in texts.

This section focuses on your ability to identify and understand information that is directly stated in a text. Explicit information is clearly presented by the author and is usually easy to find. You will need to locate key details, facts, and direct statements within the passage.

Key Skills

• Identifying factual information
• Locating specific details
• Understanding direct statements made by the author
• Distinguishing between explicit and implicit information

Strategies for Answering Questions about Explicit Meanings

1. Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of the text.
2. Identify Keywords: Look for words that signal important information (e.g., "because," "therefore," "in addition").
3. Locate the Information: Use the text to find the answer directly. Often, the answer will be a sentence or a short phrase.
4. Quote Directly: When possible, quote the exact words from the text to support your answer.
5. Consider Context: Even with explicit information, consider the surrounding sentences to ensure your understanding is accurate.

Types of Questions

You might encounter questions that ask you to:

• Identify a specific fact mentioned in the text.
• State what the author directly says.
• Find the answer to a question that is explicitly stated.
• Summarize a key piece of information from the text.

Example Questions and Answers

Question	Example Answer	Explanation
According to the text, what is the main cause of the problem?	The text states that the main cause of the problem is a lack of funding.	The answer is directly stated in the text.
What year did the event take place?	The text explicitly mentions that the event took place in 2023.	The year is clearly stated within the passage.
What does the author directly say about the character's feelings?	The author says, "He felt a deep sense of disappointment."	This is a direct quote from the text.
What is the purpose of the speaker's argument?	The speaker's purpose is to persuade the audience to take action.	This is a clear statement of the speaker's intention.

Important Note: Be careful not to confuse explicit information with implicit information. Implicit information is suggested but not directly stated. You need to infer it from the text.