Navigate the legacy Reading and Writing paper
Apply a separate strategy to each of the six Paper 1 exercises used for exams through 2026.
Exam scope and assessment notes
These are original StudyForA examples and practice, not Cambridge questions, recordings, mark schemes or grades. Review by a qualified Hindi teacher is pending; Hindi-language accuracy and naturalness must be checked before this material is described as publication-ready. Browser speech synthesis is supplemental only, not Cambridge audio: the voice and pronunciation may vary and do not simulate the exam recordings. Writing and speaking feedback is self-review, not official assessment; StudyForA does not award the Cambridge speaking endorsement.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which question details should guide your writing format?
What you will learn
- Recognise the six legacy exercise formats.
- Keep summary and writing responses within their stated length.
- Use the prompt, headings and audience to select a response strategy.
Move through the reading exercises
The legacy Paper 1 is two hours and 60 marks. It includes short-answer reading, multiple matching, note-making and a summary of no more than 100 words.
Use headings to group details during note-making. In a summary, include only the requested points and use your own words as far as possible.
Plan both writing tasks
Functional writing is about 120 words; extended writing is about 200 words. The question specifies the purpose, format and audience.
This is the legacy format for exams in 2023–2026. The 2027–2029 paper replaces the summary and uses two 120–160-word prose tasks.
Sources for this lesson
- Cambridge IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language 0549 subject page
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2023–2025
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2023–2025
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2026 · Version 2
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2026
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2027–2029 · Version 2
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2027–2029
Pause and explain
What is the maximum length for the legacy summary?
Worked example
A summary asks for two reasons students use a library. Which plan is best?
Show the worked solution
- Select only the reasons in the source text.
- Combine related points concisely.
- Stay within 100 words.
Answer Use only the requested reasons, connect them clearly and check the 100-word maximum.
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.
A functional-writing prompt asks you to email a neighbour about a community event and invite them. What format, audience and action should your plan include?
Give me a hint
Match the format to the neighbour and include the invitation.
Compare my reasoning
- Choose an email format.
- Use a suitable, friendly tone.
- Include the event information and invitation.
Plan a roughly 120-word email to a neighbour that explains the event and clearly invites them.
Look for these in your work
- Matches the format
- Identifies the reader
- Includes the requested action
You have 104 words for a 100-word summary. How do you revise while keeping its central points?
Give me a hint
Remove repetition and material outside the requested focus.
Compare my reasoning
- Compare every point with the question.
- Combine repeated ideas.
- Recount and confirm the limit.
Remove repeated or irrelevant wording, combine related points and recount without dropping a required reason.
Look for these in your work
- Preserves the key points
- Cuts repetition
- Meets the word limit
The source gives five details, but the summary asks only for two benefits of reading. What should you include?
Give me a hint
Filter by the purpose in the question.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify which details are benefits.
- Select only the two relevant to reading.
- Express them concisely in your own words.
Include the two source-supported benefits of reading and omit details that answer a different question.
Look for these in your work
- Filters by purpose
- Uses source evidence
- Avoids unrelated details
Common mistakes
- Writing a summary from memory instead of the source
- Ignoring the word limit
- Confusing the legacy format with the revised paper
What can you explain now?
What is the maximum length for the legacy summary?
Compare with the explanation
100 words
The 2026 syllabus specifies a summary of no more than 100 words.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Explain one decision that helped you: recognise the six legacy exercise formats.
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.