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  1. IGCSE
  3. English Language CIE

English Language

Spec 0500

Free CIE IGCSE English Language revision: 1,665 exam-style questions, 329 worksheets, and past papers from 2017–2027 with mark schemes.

4 Paper 1 - Reading

4.2 Question 1 Comprehension (20 marks)

4.3 Question 2 Summary task (20 marks)

4.4 Question 3 Short-answer questions and language task (20 marks)

4.5 Question 4 Extended response to reading (20 marks)

5 Paper 2 - Directed Writing and Composition

5.2 Section A Directed Writing (40 marks)

5.3 Section B Composition (40 marks)

6 Component 3 - Coursework Portfolio

6.1 Portfolio requirements

6.3 Assignment 1 - discuss, argue and/or persuade (30 marks)

6.4 Assignment 2 - writing to describe (25 marks)

6.5 Assignment 3 - writing to narrate (25 marks)

7 Component 4 - Speaking and Listening Test (optional)

7.2 Part 1 Individual Talk (20 marks)

7.3 Part 2 Conversation (20 marks)

Assessment at a glance

AssessmentFormatDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1: ReadingWritten exam2h80 marks50%
Paper 2: Directed Writing and CompositionWritten exam2h80 marks50%
Component 3: Coursework Portfolio (alternative to Paper 2)Coursework—80 marks50%
Component 4: Speaking and Listening Test (optional)Non-exam assessment10-12m40 marksReported separately

Course aims & skills

CIE IGCSE English Language builds the skills examiners reward. By the end of the course you should be able to:

  • Read unseen fiction and non-fiction texts closely
  • Analyse how writers use language to create effects and influence readers
  • Select and use information from texts for a specific purpose
  • Write accurately and effectively for different audiences
  • Produce directed writing tasks such as letters, speeches and articles
  • Craft an original composition with a personal style
  • Use a wide vocabulary and varied sentence structures
  • Apply accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Present ideas clearly in spoken conversation and discussion

Frequently Asked Questions