Reading comprehension — IGCSE English As A Second Language (0511) questions by topic

Reading comprehension in IGCSE English As A Second Language sets multiple-choice and short-answer questions on non-fiction texts, such as Ahmed's account of his childhood, Abdu's interest in wildlife, why Western Pygmy Blue butterflies are spreading, and how Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterflies are described on a threatened-species list.

Identify, state and give are the command words that recur, worth between 1 and 9 marks per response. This page brings together 16 questions from 2025 papers. Practise selecting the answer that matches the text precisely, then submit each response for instant marking, so a plausible-sounding option that misses the exact wording is caught immediately rather than costing marks quietly across the paper.

May–June 2025, Paper 12

Question 1 · 1 mark

How many species of butterfly have been found up until now?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 2 · 1 mark

How are Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterflies described on the Red List of Threatened Species?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 3 · 1 mark

Why do scientists think Western Pygmy Blue butterflies are spreading to new locations?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 4 · 1 mark

What record does the Painted Lady hold among all the species of butterfly?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 5 · 1 mark

What is unusual about the diet of Harvester butterflies?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 6 · 3 marks

What features do different butterflies have that protect them from being eaten? Give three details.

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 7 · 9 marks

For each statement, write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, on the line. Which person ... gets their greatest inspiration from nature?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 10 · 1 mark

For each question, choose the correct answer, A, B or C, and put a tick in the appropriate box. What does Ahmed suggest about his childhood? A He is grateful for being raised in a…

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 11 · 1 mark

Ahmed changed from making films to taking photographs because photography A would be cheaper in the long term. B was less technically challenging. C suited his character better.

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 12 · 1 mark

Ahmed says the most demanding aspect of taking photos in Antarctica is A coping with sudden changes in weather. B keeping equipment in working order. C finding the intended…

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 13 · 1 mark

Why did Ahmed and his family recently move from a city to a tropical island? A It provided easier access to filming opportunities. B It offered more inspiration for ideas for…

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 14 · 1 mark

What does Ahmed say is the main goal of his photography? A to show people things they've never seen before B to rebuild contact between people and animals C to illustrate the harm…

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 15 · 1 mark

Ahmed recommends that anyone wanting to become an underwater photographer should first A complete training with a qualified professional. B develop their photography skills on…

Answer this question and get it marked →

May–June 2025, Paper 13

Question 1 · 8 marks

How many oil paintings do experts think that Van Gogh produced?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 7 · 9 marks

For each statement, write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, on the line. Which section suggests that there are few other countries with a similar trail?

Answer this question and get it marked →
Question 10 · 6 marks

For each question, choose the correct answer, A, B or C, and put a tick in the appropriate box. Abdu initially became interested in wildlife when he was A listening to a podcast.…

Answer this question and get it marked →

Other IGCSE English As A Second Language topics

← All IGCSE English As A Second Language (0511) past papers