Six Paper 2 Practice Papers: 2027 Mock Exams — Paper 2 for IGCSE First Language English

Helps with: getting exam-ready for the new 2027 Paper 2 with full, timed practice in both directed writing and composition.

Six complete practice papers for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500/0990) Paper 2, written for the 2027 specification. Each one is a full two-hour, 80-mark paper: Section A Directed Writing (1(a) and 1(b), using two linked texts) and Section B Composition (a choice of two descriptive and two narrative titles).

Students only improve at Paper 2 by writing under exam conditions and seeing exactly what a top answer looks like. Every paper gives them both: an exam-style paper to sit, and a detailed mark scheme with model answers to learn from.

• 6full practice papers
• 24composition titles
• 24model answers
• 4directed writing forms

What’s included?

• Six PDFs, one per paper, each containing the line-numbered insert, the full question paper with answer lines, and the mark scheme.
• Mark schemes set out like the official Cambridge ones (Question | Answer | Marks), with indicative content for both 1(b) bullets and ‘Push it’ challenges for top-band answers.
• Model answers for every paper: a full-mark 1(a), a colour-coded top-band 1(b), and a Level 6 descriptive and narrative composition, each with a ‘why this works’ box.
• Plain-English level descriptors, ideas and teacher tips for all four composition titles, common slips to avoid, and a ‘Where did your marks go?’ page.

What are the papers?

1. Homework: whether to end compulsory homework: an opinion article and a visit to a school that stopped it. Question 1(b): a letter to the headteacher.
2. Wild Places: limiting visitors to national parks: a feature and a mountain guide’s view. Question 1(b): a report to the council.
3. Behind the Glass: whether zoos should still exist: a feature and a day with a head keeper. Question 1(b): an article for the school magazine.
4. Nothing New: fast fashion and second-hand clothing: an opinion article and a teenager’s year of buying nothing new. Question 1(b): a letter to a friend.
5. Game On: compulsory school sport: an opinion article and a columnist’s memories of being picked last. Question 1(b): a speech to the student council.
6. Far From Home: school trips abroad: an opinion article and the teacher who organises one. Question 1(b): a report to the headteacher.

Written for students aged 14–16, with challenging texts that stretch students aiming for the top grades and clear tasks that support weaker writers.

How to use it

Sit each paper as a timed two-hour mock, or set Section A and Section B separately. Every directed writing form – letter, report, article and speech – comes up at least once, and there are 24 composition titles to practise.

These practice papers are also included in the Paper 2 Complete Bundle.

Original practice papers written by Thorogood English in the style of the 2027 Cambridge specification. Not produced or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Licensed for use with the purchaser’s own students only.