Write for the 2025–2027 45-mark paper
Practise the form, 80–90-word directed task and 130–140-word email/letter or article/blog using the earlier 5+12+28 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 2025–2027 Paper 4 total?
What you will learn
- Complete a form with accurate single words or short phrases.
- Address every point in an 80–90-word directed response.
- Write a 130–140-word email/letter or article/blog with a suitable audience and structure.
- Use the 2025–2027 totals of 5, 12 and 28 marks across the three questions.
Follow the earlier task and mark structure
For exams in 2025–2027, Paper 4 is one hour and 45 marks. Question 1 is a form (5 marks); Question 2 is directed writing in about 80–90 words (12 marks); Question 3 is a choice between an email/letter and article/blog in about 130–140 words (28 marks).
For Q2, turn each bullet into one planned point. For Q3, choose a format that suits the audience, then develop each requested idea with an example or reason.
Leave time for a focused check
Check task completion first, then time frames, gender and number, verb agreement, common spellings and connectors. Keep an article opening different from a personal email greeting.
The 2028–2030 format changes to 40 marks (5+10+25); use the next writing lesson for exams from that cycle.
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 is the highest-priority check for a directed task?
Worked example
A form asks for a student's name, age, favourite subject and one hobby. Supply short French entries for Alex, 15, history and photography.
Show the worked solution
- Match an entry to each field.
- Use a clear French number phrase.
- Keep the response concise.
Answer Example: «Alex»; «quinze ans»; «l’histoire»; «la photographie». The form context determines whether an article is expected before a subject or hobby.
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 an 80–90-word email in French about a school outing: where you went, what you did, what you enjoyed and one suggestion for the next trip.
Give me a hint
Plan all four points and use past tense for the outing.
Compare my reasoning
- List each required point.
- Sequence the visit and add an opinion.
- Include a suggestion and check approximate length.
Original model: «Salut Emma, vendredi dernier, ma classe a visité le musée des sciences de la ville. Nous avons observé une exposition sur l’énergie, puis nous avons réalisé une petite expérience en groupes. J’ai préféré l’activité pratique parce que nous pouvions poser des questions au guide et tester nos idées. Le musée était intéressant, mais nous n’avons pas eu assez de temps pour tout voir. Pour la prochaine sortie, je propose de partir plus tôt et d’apporter un carnet pour prendre des notes. Est-ce que tu as visité un musée récemment ? À bientôt !» This model demonstrates the requested points; adapt it to the actual task and word target. A French specialist review is still needed.
Look for these in your work
- Covers each requested point
- Uses a past event and a reason
- Adds a relevant suggestion and closing
Plan a 130–140-word French article/blog or personal email about a hobby: what it is, when you do it, one benefit, one challenge and advice for a beginner.
Give me a hint
Choose one format, then keep the audience and all prompt points in view.
Compare my reasoning
- Select an article or personal email voice.
- Develop each of the five required points.
- Check length and agreement.
A complete response names the hobby, gives a routine, explains one benefit, recognises a challenge and offers specific advice. Use a consistent format, keep the content relevant and check the approximate word count. Self-review is not an official mark.
Look for these in your work
- Uses a consistent audience and format
- Includes each required point
- Checks length and accuracy
You have four minutes left and notice the final bullet is missing from your draft. Explain the best revision.
Give me a hint
Complete the prompt before adding decorative detail.
Compare my reasoning
- Compare the prompt checklist with the draft.
- Identify the unanswered bullet.
- Add a concise sentence and recheck the ending.
Write one sentence that answers the missing bullet, connect it naturally to the draft and recheck the closing and word count. Do not add unrelated detail while part of the task is incomplete.
Look for these in your work
- Finds the missing point
- Adds a relevant sentence
- Checks the finished response
Common mistakes
- Skipping a requested bullet
- Changing format midway from article to letter
- Writing a memorised passage unrelated to the prompt
What can you explain now?
What should you do before drafting the directed response?
Compare with the explanation
List every requested point and plan to include each
Task completion is essential, alongside accurate language.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Before moving on, explain: complete a form with accurate single words or short phrases.
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.