Writing from 2028
Practise the revised form, 10-mark directed response and 25-mark extended task with the updated criteria.
Exam scope and assessment notes
All Italian passages, prompts, model answers, listening scripts and tasks are original StudyForA material, not Cambridge assessment content. Cambridge's separate 2028 vocabulary spreadsheet is linked through its subject page but has not been reconciled word by word. Grammar groups need item-by-item specialist checking, and an Italian-language teacher should review the original Italian before publication is described as complete. Browser speech synthesis is not Cambridge audio and cannot guarantee a regional accent, natural pace or pronunciation. Speaking is rehearsal and self-review, not a centre assessment or examiner mark; writing answers are self-checked, not Cambridge-marked. No complete timed specimen or 130-hour course is included. Confirm your exam year, entry option and centre availability with Cambridge and your school. Use the 2025–2027 or 2028–2030 paper lesson that matches your exam year. Cambridge lists 7164 as available in a limited number of administrative zones; for June, the published notice names zone 3 and centres in Oman and UAE. Confirm the applicable series and entry with your centre.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
How are 2028 Question 3's 25 marks divided?
What you will learn
- Complete the five-mark form accurately.
- Write a directed response and separate task coverage from language range and accuracy.
- Develop an extended email, letter, article or blog and review the revised criteria.
- Use the 2028 40-mark structure rather than the older 45-mark allocation.
Use the year-specific mark structure
From 2028, Paper 4 is one hour and 40 marks: Question 1 is 5, Question 2 is 10 (5 for task completion, 5 for range and accuracy), and Question 3 is 25 (9 task completion, 9 range, 7 accuracy).
Follow the exact task and word guidance. Plan every requested point, then leave time to review the language range and accuracy.
Review the criteria separately
For Question 2, first check that the prompt is complete, then review range and accuracy. For Question 3, check content development, language range and accuracy as separate criteria.
The criteria describe Cambridge assessment. StudyForA's original prompts and explanations do not reproduce examiner decisions or award official marks.
Sources for this lesson
- Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Italian 7164 subject page
- Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Italian 7164 syllabus for exams in 2025–2027
- Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Italian 7164 syllabus update for 2025–2027
- Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Italian 7164 syllabus for exams in 2028–2030
- Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Italian 7164 2028 vocabulary list
Pause and explain
Which mark structure should guide a 2028 plan?
Worked example
A 2028 task asks for an 80–90-word message about an activity and why you enjoyed it. How would you review it against the revised Q2 criteria?
Show the worked solution
- Check that the activity is stated.
- Check that the reason is stated.
- Review language range and accuracy separately.
Answer First check task completion: the activity and reason are both included. Then review range and accuracy. The official Q2 allocation is 5 marks for each criterion; this self-review does not award those marks.
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.
Review a response to a 2028 Q2 task asking for an activity and a reason. Make separate notes for content and language.
Give me a hint
Use headings: task completion; range and accuracy.
Compare my reasoning
- Check that the activity is named.
- Check that a reason is given.
- Note one language strength and one correction.
Example review: task completion—activity and reason included; language—one useful connector, but check adjective agreement. Q2 allocates 5 marks to each criterion; this review is not an official mark.
Look for these in your work
- Checks both prompt points
- Separates criteria
- Avoids unofficial grading
Plan a 130–140-word article about a local event: what happened, your view, one challenge and a suggestion for next year.
Give me a hint
Use the 9/9/7 criteria to organise review, not to claim a grade.
Compare my reasoning
- List evidence for all requested content.
- Plan connected language and varied structures.
- Check accuracy and length.
A strong plan covers each content element, develops it with relevant Italian and reserves time for spelling and grammar. Q3 allocates 9/9/7; only Cambridge awards the official mark.
Look for these in your work
- Covers each element
- Plans relevant language range
- Checks accuracy and length
Compare two drafts: one fluent but missing a required point, one complete but with agreement errors. Explain what feedback each needs.
Give me a hint
Separate content coverage from language quality.
Compare my reasoning
- Name the missing content in draft A.
- Find the agreement issue in draft B.
- Give a focused next revision for each.
Draft A needs the missing task point before polish. Draft B needs targeted agreement corrections while keeping its complete content. The criteria are separate; neither draft can receive an official mark here.
Look for these in your work
- Prioritises missing content
- Targets the language issue
- Does not claim an official score
Common mistakes
- Using the old 12/28 split for a 2028 response
- Reviewing grammar while missing a required point
- Calling self-review a Cambridge grade
What can you explain now?
How are the 10 marks for 2028 Question 2 divided?
Compare with the explanation
5 for task completion and 5 for range and accuracy
That is the revised allocation.
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 leaving writing from 2028, explain one idea from memory, answer the checkpoint and name one point to practise again.
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.