Write for the updated 2028–2030 paper
Practise a form, a directed response and an extended choice using the newer 40-mark 5+10+25 assessment allocation.
Exam scope and assessment notes
All passages, prompts, listening scripts, model answers and practice tasks are original StudyForA materials, not Cambridge assessment content. Written answers are self-reviewed and not Cambridge-marked. Browser speech synthesis is not Cambridge audio and cannot guarantee a particular accent, pace or pronunciation. Speaking rehearsal is not the supervised centre assessment, examiner interaction, moderation or an official mark. This is not a complete timed specimen paper or a 130-hour course. Both five-area topic maps and grouped grammar pathways are linked, but the 2028 vocabulary spreadsheet has not been mapped word by word, and grammar still needs item-by-item specialist review. A French-language specialist should review the original French examples before we describe this as publication-ready. Confirm the right syllabus version, entry option and exam series with your centre. Cambridge states that 7156 has the same subject content as 0520, with grades 9–1. Limited-entry route: June is available in zone 3 and for centres in Oman and UAE; November is available in zone 3 only. Confirm your series and centre entry with Cambridge. The official 2028 vocabulary list is linked from the subject page and has not been reconciled word by word.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What is the 2028–2030 Paper 4 total?
What you will learn
- Complete a contextual form with accurate short answers.
- Plan an 80–90-word directed response for task completion and language range/accuracy.
- Write a 130–140-word email/letter or article/blog that answers the full prompt.
- Use the 2028–2030 allocation of 5, 10 and 25 marks.
Use the updated mark scheme
From exams in 2028–2030, Paper 4 is one hour and 40 marks. Q1 is a form (5). Q2 is about 80–90 words (10), split between task completion (5) and range/accuracy (5). Q3 is about 130–140 words (25) with task completion (9), range (9) and accuracy (7).
Choose your year route before using a mark allocation. The 2025–2027 paper remains 45 marks with a different split.
Make the prompt visible in your plan
Before writing, check the audience, format and every requested point. For the longer task, decide whether the email/letter or article/blog fits the prompt, then keep the voice consistent.
After drafting, prioritise omissions, clarity and basic agreement before searching for more complex language.
Sources for this lesson
- Cambridge IGCSE French (9–1) 7156 subject page, entry notice and vocabulary-list link
- Cambridge IGCSE French (9–1) 7156 syllabus for exams in 2025–2027
- Cambridge IGCSE French (9–1) 7156 syllabus update for 2025–2027
- Cambridge IGCSE French (9–1) 7156 syllabus for exams in 2028–2030
- Cambridge IGCSE French (9–1) 7156 2028–2030 vocabulary list
Pause and explain
What should you do first if your longer draft is missing one required idea?
Worked example
A prompt asks for a message about a new school club, its meeting time and location, and what members should bring. What should your plan contain?
Show the worked solution
- Record the club topic.
- Include the meeting time and place.
- Include the required item and address the audience appropriately.
Answer Plan four details: club name, meeting time, location and item to bring. Check each appears in the message before editing vocabulary.
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.
Plan an 80–90-word directed response about a community activity. Include what it is, when it happens, who takes part and what you enjoyed.
Give me a hint
Write four content bullets, then add one reason and check the 10-mark criteria.
Compare my reasoning
- List all four requested ideas.
- Choose a consistent time frame.
- Check task completion and range/accuracy.
A complete plan names the activity, gives the time, identifies participants and explains what the writer enjoyed. Add a relevant reason, then verify the response is approximately 80–90 words. The 2028–2030 Q2 criteria are 5 marks for task completion and 5 for range/accuracy.
Look for these in your work
- Includes all four content points
- Plans the correct length
- Uses the new mark criteria
Write a 130–140-word French article/blog or email/letter about a useful community service. Explain what it does, who uses it, one improvement and why that matters.
Give me a hint
Choose the audience and format first, then develop each point.
Compare my reasoning
- Select a format that fits the intended reader.
- Address every requested point.
- Check length, agreement and connector use.
A complete response explains the service, its users, one realistic improvement and why it matters. Keep the chosen format consistent and develop the details in connected French. This self-review does not produce a Cambridge mark.
Look for these in your work
- Uses a consistent format
- Answers every part
- Explains why the improvement matters
You have five minutes left. Your text is short and one required point is missing. What should you prioritise?
Give me a hint
Task completion comes before extra description.
Compare my reasoning
- Compare the prompt against your draft.
- Add the missing point in one clear sentence.
- Check the sentence fits the audience and word count.
Add one relevant sentence answering the missing point, then recheck the link and total length. Do not spend the remaining time adding unrelated description while the prompt is incomplete.
Look for these in your work
- Prioritises completion
- Adds relevant content
- Checks the final task
Common mistakes
- Using the older 45-mark totals for a 2028 exam
- Adding advanced language but missing a requested point
- Mixing personal email and article conventions
What can you explain now?
How many marks is the new Q2?
Compare with the explanation
10 marks
The new criteria allocate five marks to task completion and five to range/accuracy.
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
Before moving on, explain: complete a contextual form with accurate short answers.
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.