Summarise, compare and add a personal response
Select linked points from two Arabic passages, organise a concise response of about 140 words and add a relevant opinion.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original, topic-mapped learning sequence, not a complete 180-hour AS or 360-hour A Level guided course. Arabic extended writing is self-reviewed, not marked by Cambridge or given an official grade; a qualified Arabic teacher should review it. It is not a timed mock. All practice passages and prompts here are original. The 9680 literature route teaches transferable analysis but does not replace reading the exact year-specific prescribed books, editions and pages.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach is strongest for summarise, compare and add a personal response?
What you will learn
- Select information from both passages rather than retelling one.
- Organise comparison around the question's themes.
- Separate source-based points from a personal response.
Build a source-based answer
The final Component 2 / Paper 2 question asks for about 140 words based on both passages, plus a personal opinion. Its 20 marks distinguish source information (10), personal response (5) and quality of language (5).
Before drafting, make a small evidence grid: point, passage A detail, passage B detail, link. Group related details and remove repetition.
A personal response should answer the prompt and follow from the material. Label it in your plan so it does not replace evidence from either passage.
Keep the word limit useful
Use one concise point per clause and connect comparison with «بينما» (whereas), «كذلك» (similarly) or «على الرغم من ذلك» (despite that) where accurate.
Count the draft. If it is too long, remove repeated examples before removing the comparison or personal response.
Do not invent a source claim to make the paragraph sound complete. If the passage does not give a reason, qualify what you can conclude.
Sources for this lesson
- Cambridge Arabic 9680 subject page: current status and availability
- Cambridge Arabic Language AS-only 8680 subject page: current status and availability
- 9680 2025 syllabus
- 8680 2025 syllabus
- 9680 and 8680 2026 syllabus
- 9680 2026 syllabus update
- 8680 2026 syllabus update
- 9680 2027 syllabus
- 8680 2027 syllabus
- 9680 2027 syllabus update
- 8680 2027 syllabus update
- 9680 2028 syllabus · Version 2
- 8680 2028 syllabus · Version 2
- 9680 2028 syllabus update
- 8680 2028 syllabus update
Pause and explain
Which final sentence is a personal response rather than source detail?
Worked example
Passage A says evening classes help workers study; passage B says transport after work is difficult. The question asks how adults' access to learning differs.
Show the worked solution
- Give the access benefit stated in A.
- Give the barrier stated in B.
- Add a clearly signalled opinion about a practical response.
Answer A concise response can compare flexible lesson times with the difficulty of travelling after work, then suggest that providers consider both scheduling and access. The suggestion is personal response, not a claim made by either passage.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Draft a three-sentence plan comparing evening classes and the transport barrier, then add one opinion.
Give me a hint
Use A for flexible time, B for transport, and mark your recommendation as your own.
Compare my reasoning
- Record one relevant detail from each passage.
- Connect them with a contrast.
- Add one practical recommendation and label it as opinion.
Plan: Passage A says evening classes fit around daytime work; Passage B says travel after work can still prevent attendance. My view is that providers should consider both scheduling and a remote or local option.
Look for these in your work
- Uses both sources
- Makes the comparison explicit
- Separates opinion from passage evidence
Compress this draft to one supported comparison: 'Passage A talks about evening classes. It also says people work. Passage B talks about travel. People travel after work. This is difficult.'
Give me a hint
Combine repeated information but keep one detail from each source.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify the distinct point in Passage A.
- Identify the barrier in Passage B.
- Write one sentence with a contrast connector.
Passage A suggests evening classes can fit around daytime work, whereas Passage B explains that travel after work may still restrict attendance.
Look for these in your work
- Removes repetition
- Keeps both passages
- Uses a meaningful comparison
A 140-word answer has 95 words of source summary and no opinion. What revision will improve its coverage?
Give me a hint
Add a brief relevant judgement that responds to the question, not another invented fact.
Compare my reasoning
- Check which part of the prompt asks for a view.
- State a reasoned position based on the source material.
- Leave enough space for evidence from both passages.
Add a concise personal response, such as recommending that course providers combine flexible hours with accessible travel or remote access. Keep it clearly distinct from the two passages.
Look for these in your work
- Identifies the missing assessment element
- Links the opinion to the material
- Does not add unsupported evidence
Common mistakes
- Summarising only one passage
- Repeating details instead of comparing them
- Presenting your opinion as though it came from the text
What can you explain now?
Which final sentence is a personal response rather than source detail?
Compare with the explanation
Providers could offer a remote option for learners with travel barriers
That is a proposed response and must not be presented as evidence from a passage.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
How do you show which ideas came from the passages and which are your response?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.