Mastering IGCSE Spanish Paper 4 Writing — Complete Question-by-Question Guide

About this guide

This is a task-by-task breakdown of IGCSE Spanish Paper 4 Writing — the 40-mark, one-hour exam. It complements the broader IGCSE Spanish assessment breakdown and the Writing & Speaking strategy guide. Use it alongside Cambridge's specimen papers and mark schemes.

Typical form item example

Context: You are booking a holiday apartment in Spain. Complete the reservation form.

Q1 strategy

Treat Q1 as guaranteed marks. The five items are straightforward if your foundational vocabulary is solid — numbers, dates, common nouns, basic adjectives. Do not overthink or over-write. A candidate who writes "dos" scores 1/1. A candidate who writes "dos habitaciones dobles con vistas al mar" still scores 1/1 — the extra words are irrelevant. Use the 10 minutes to be accurate, not impressive.

Example prompt

Write a postcard (80–90 words) to a Spanish friend describing your holiday last week. You must include: what the weather was like, an activity you did, what you ate, and whether you enjoyed it.

Q2 strategy — task completion first

Task Completion and Range & Accuracy are equally weighted (5 marks each). The most common error is addressing only three of four required bullet points — losing all Task Completion marks on that element before the examiner even reaches Range & Accuracy. Number your coverage mentally: tick off each bullet point as you write. Once all elements are covered, the remaining words should develop or add brief detail to demonstrate range.

What the Range criterion really rewards

The Range criterion (9 marks — equal to Task Completion) is where A* candidates pull ahead. "Range" means vocabulary above A1 frequency, tense variation beyond simple present, and connectors beyond y and pero. Use sin embargo, además, aunque, and por lo tanto deliberately. Vary between preterite, imperfect, and conditional where the topic allows. The Lingaso Writing Analyser scores exactly this — paste your Q3 practice responses to see where your range sits relative to the mark bands.

The positive marking principle

Cambridge's mark schemes are designed to reward achievement, not penalise imperfection. Examiners actively look for evidence of language ability. A response that demonstrates genuine communication — even with errors — scores more than a cautious response that avoids all risk. Write ambitiously, then review. The goal is to give the examiner clear evidence of range, not to produce error-free but minimal prose.

What happens if I write more than 140 words in Question 3?

Cambridge does not mechanically cut off marks at the word count. However, a significantly over-length response often indicates poor planning and concision, and examiners only read within the task scope. Going substantially over (e.g. 200+ words) risks diluting your mark by including lower-quality sentences. Aim for the 130–140 target.

Does it matter which option I choose for Question 3?

Only in the sense that the topic areas differ between the two options. The mark scheme applies identically to both formats. Choose based on vocabulary readiness, not format preference.

Can I use bullet points or lists in Question 3?

For an article or blog post (Option B), limited structural devices can be appropriate if they suit the format. For an email or letter (Option A), continuous prose is expected. In either case, bullet points alone will not demonstrate the Range criterion effectively — connected sentences with varied connectors are what examiners look for.

Are gender errors (e.g. wrong article) treated the same as verb errors in the Accuracy criterion?

Yes — both are grammatical errors. However, their impact depends on whether they impede meaning. A gender error (un problema / una problema) rarely impedes comprehension and will not cost marks in a strong response. A verb tense error that confuses present and past can affect communication more significantly. Examiners assess the overall pattern of error, not each individual mistake.

Should I plan before writing, and if so, how?

Yes, particularly for Q3. Spend 3–5 minutes jotting key vocabulary and your structural plan (introduction, two or three main points, conclusion). Candidates who plan produce more coherent responses that score higher on Task Completion. Unplanned responses tend to repeat the same vocabulary and drift off-topic in the final paragraph.

How important is the format (greeting, sign-off) for an email or letter?

Format markers — appropriate greeting, sign-off, paragraph breaks — contribute to the Task Completion criterion under "appropriate to format and audience." A 9/9 Task Completion mark requires the response to be fully appropriate to format. Include the greeting (e.g. Querido/a...) and sign-off (e.g. Un abrazo, / Atentamente,) as a minimum.

Practice your Q3 writing — get instant feedback.

The Lingaso Writing Analyser scores your Range and Accuracy against CEFR levels — exactly what the Q3 mark scheme rewards. Paste any practice paragraph and see where you stand.