Sample IGCSE Answer on Formal Letter Past Paper 2 June 2026

 Sample IGCSE Answer on Formal Letter Paper 2 June 2025

Section A: Directed writing

Text B 

The following text is an article about how photography has changed.

I wonder how famous photographers of the past would have handled the digital revolution 

unleashed in recent years? We are obsessed with ourselves, and with how others see us, and 

with how we view others. We do not take pictures for ourselves (if we did, we would not share 

them on social media) but to appeal to complete strangers in the vacuum of the internet. We 

don’t even take photos of ourselves, but of what we aspire to be. If a photo doesn’t do that – well, 

a click of a button erases it. Our online presence takes precedence over being present in our 

own lives.

Every one of us, even those like me who criticise such things, has a storehouse of images. On 

a recent trip to the mountains, I struggled not to take too many photos of the beautiful snowy 

surroundings. How about trying to record those beautiful memories with your mind’s eye rather 

than snap one photo after another and lose that special moment? Maybe remember your child’s 

smile, brimming with enthusiasm on their first attempt on the slope, or how their rosy, cold cheeks 

felt against yours, rather than trying to capture the ‘perfect’ moment? So successful has the 

camera’s role become that photographs, rather than the world, have become the standard for 

what’s beautiful. Instead of just recording reality, photographs have become the norm for the way 

things appear to us.

I asked a famous photojournalist, ‘Are there times when you simply witness the moment without 

taking a picture?’ He gave me this thought-provoking answer: ‘There are personal moments that 

are magical, and I keep them for me. But images can tell important stories to the public too.’

I have often taken a moment to think before pushing the button and I sometimes hear myself 

saying: ‘Don’t spoil the moment, don’t take a photo.’

Unfortunately, needing to have reality confirmed and experience enhanced by photographs is a 

kind of consumerism to which we’re all now addicted.

Question 1

Your school has organised a visit to an area of great natural beauty. To appreciate the experience

more fully, the headteacher has decided that students will only be allowed access to their mobile

phones in an emergency, not to take pictures.

Write a letter to the headteacher giving your views on this decision.

In your letter, you should:

*evaluate the ideas, attitudes and opinions given in the texts

*consider whether the experience will be more rewarding with or without the ability to take

pictures.

Base your letter on what you have read in both texts, but be careful to use your own words.

Address both of the bullet points.

Write about 250 to 350 words.

Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer and up to 25 marks for the

quality of your writing.

Sample Answer

Dear Headteacher,

I am writing to express my opinion regarding the decision to restrict students from using their mobile phones to take photographs during our visit to an area of outstanding natural beauty.

I understand the reasons behind this rule. Many people become so focused on capturing the perfect photograph that they fail to notice what is happening around them. Instead of appreciating the scenery with their own eyes, they spend much of their time looking at a screen. As a result, they may miss the sounds, colours and atmosphere that make such places special. In addition, constant phone use can distract students from listening to instructions and may even create safety concerns.

However, I also believe that photographs have genuine value. They allow students to preserve meaningful memories and revisit the experience long after the trip has ended. Pictures can also be used in school projects, presentations or personal journals. For some students, photography encourages them to observe nature more carefully, paying attention to details they might otherwise overlook. Sharing these images with family and friends may also inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural environment.

In my opinion , the experience would be most rewarding if a balance could be achieved. Students could spend the majority of the visit without using their phones so that they fully engage with their surroundings. Towards the end of the trip, a short period could be set aside for taking photographs. This would allow us to enjoy the beauty of the place directly while still preserving memories of the occasion.

I therefore respectfully suggest that the school modifies the rule rather than banning photography completely. I believe this approach would encourage mindfulness, responsibility and enjoyment while recognising the educational and personal benefits that photographs can provide.

Thank you for considering my views. I hope you will find this suggestion helpful.

Yours faithfully,

Jackson Great