Cambridge O-Level First Language Urdu: Paper 2 Texts (3247)

This guide covers Paper 2 Texts, one of two components of Cambridge O Level First Language Urdu 3247, 2027 series (Version 1, no significant changes affecting teaching; the syllabus has been reformatted only). This resource covers 3247 First Language Urdu specifically – 3248 Second Language Urdu is a distinct specification with its own Paper 2.

Where this fits in 3247

Paper 1 (covered separately) is Reading and Writing, tested through a non-literary passage and an original composition. Paper 2 Texts moves to literature: an unseen extract, plus prescribed poetry and prose set texts, together worth 50% of the qualification and assessed entirely through Assessment Objective 3, Literature (texts).

Syllabus coverage

CAMBRIDGE O LEVEL FIRST LANGUAGE URDU 3247 — PAPER 2 TEXTS

• Part 1 Unseen Passage (20 marks) — one passage-based question on an extract of poetry or prose not seen before, testing critical understanding of the text and the ways the writer achieves effects, guided by prompts in the question
• Part 2 Poetry (15 marks) — two essay questions based on the prescribed ghazals and nazms; candidates answer one. Set poets include Khwaja Haider Ali Ahtish, Parveen Shakir, Momin Khan Momin, Allama Iqbal and Ahmed Faraz (ten prescribed ghazals in total), plus three prescribed nazms: Altaf Hussain Hali’s Musadas Hali (17 selected stanzas), Syed Zameer Jafree’s “Admee”, and Mirza Mahmood Sarhadi’s “Qitaat”
• Part 3 Prose (15 marks) — two essay questions based on eight prescribed prose articles; candidates answer one. Set writers include Muhammad Hussain Azad, Mirza Farhatullah Baig, Ghulam Abbas, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed Yousafi, Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj, and two of Mirza Ghalib’s letters (Khatoot-e-Ghalib)

All three parts test Assessment Objective 3 (Literature): first-hand knowledge of the text, understanding of literal and deeper meanings, recognising how writers use language to create effect, and communicating an informed, personal response.

How to approach it

Part 1’s Unseen Passage cannot be prepared by memorising a text, so build the skill instead: practise reading unfamiliar Urdu poetry and prose extracts and identifying how the writer creates effect (word choice, imagery, structure), using the prompts in past questions as a model for the kind of observation examiners expect. For Parts 2 and 3, close, memorised knowledge of the prescribed ghazals, nazms and prose pieces is essential, since both are assessed through essay questions requiring direct textual reference and quotation – a response without specific reference to the text, even if fluently written, will not reach the top levels of the mark scheme. Because candidates choose one question from two in both Part 2 and Part 3, make sure your preparation covers enough of the prescribed list that you are never left with only one usable option on the day.

Official syllabus

Cambridge O Level First Language Urdu (3247) syllabus for examination in 2027 — cambridgeinternational.org.

What the mark schemes reward

Across all three parts of Paper 2, the levels-based mark schemes reward the same underlying qualities in increasing depth: a personal, informed response to the text; understanding that goes beyond literal surface meaning to deeper implications; explicit engagement with how the writer achieves their effects (word choice, imagery, structure, tone); and close, well-selected reference to the text itself, not paraphrase alone. The highest levels in both the Unseen Passage and the Poetry/Prose mark schemes explicitly require sustained, perceptive engagement with the writer’s craft, not just accurate comprehension.

The set texts at a glance

Part	Marks	Basis
1 Unseen Passage	20	An extract not seen before (poetry or prose)
2 Poetry	15	Ten prescribed ghazals and three prescribed nazms
3 Prose	15	Eight prescribed prose articles, including two of Ghalib’s letters

Because Parts 2 and 3 are set-text papers, candidates should treat each prescribed poem or article as something to know in real depth – its themes, its language, and at least a few precise quotations that can be deployed to support an argument – rather than something to recognise in outline only.

Worked example

A Part 2 Poetry question asks candidates to discuss how a named poet conveys a particular emotion or theme in one of the prescribed ghazals. A strong answer identifies specific lines (sher) from the poem, explains the imagery or word choice used, and connects that language choice explicitly to the emotion or theme named in the question – rather than summarising the poem’s general subject matter without close reference to its actual wording.

Common mistakes

Answering Part 1’s Unseen Passage question as a simple comprehension exercise, without engaging with how the writer creates effect. Writing about a prescribed poem or prose piece from general memory of its “story” without quoting or closely referencing the actual text. Choosing a question in Part 2 or Part 3 based on which text is easiest to summarise rather than which the candidate knows in the most depth. Running out of time by spending too long on Part 1 and leaving insufficient time for the two essay-based parts.

Quick revision checklist

• Practise unseen extracts regularly, focusing on identifying and explaining the writer’s technique, not just meaning.
• Know at least six of the ten prescribed ghazals and two of the three prescribed nazms in close textual detail, including specific lines to quote.
• Know at least five of the eight prescribed prose articles in close textual detail, including precise reference points.
• Practise writing essay answers that combine a clear personal response with sustained, specific textual reference.
• Time each part of Paper 2 in practice so no single part crowds out the others in the real exam.