Cambridge IGCSE

English
 About CIE
CIE University of Cambridge
International Examinations is
the worlds largest provider of
international qualifications for
14 19 year olds. Over 1.5 million
students, in over 150 countries,
enter for CIE examinations every
year. CIE is part of Cambridge
Assessment, a not-for-profit
department of the University of
Cambridge.

Cambridge IGCSE is the worlds most popular international

qualification for 14 19 year olds.
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE (International
General Certificate of Secondary
Education) is the worlds most popular
international qualification for 14 16
year olds. Created by CIE in 1985,
and based on best practice in the
UK, Cambridge IGCSE is available in
over 70 subjects. It equips students
not only with knowledge of specific
subjects, but also with problem
solving and critical thinking skills, and
an ability to work independently and
as part of a team.
Recognition
Cambridge IGCSE is internationally
recognised by universities in the
UK and overseas as equivalent
grade-for-grade to UK GCSE
- learn more at www.cie.org.uk/
recognition. Cambridge IGCSE is an
excellent preparation for A/AS Level,
for Cambridge Pre-U and for the
International Baccalaureate Diploma.
The standard of the Cambridge IGCSE
First Language English and Literature
syllabuses is benchmarked to UK
GCSE. CIE runs regular comparability
checks through the Cambridge
Assessment Research Division and
shares examiners with its linked
organisation OCR to make sure
standards are the same.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a
Second Language at Grade C or
above is recognised by almost all UK
universities and many in the USA,
Canada and Australia as evidence of
English proficiency for undergraduate
study. It is included in UCASs list of
qualifications that are acceptable as
evidence of proficiency in English,
and it is recognised by the British
Association of Lecturers in English for
Academic Purposes. Students must
confirm entry requirements with the
university of their choice.
International reach
Cambridge IGCSE is taken in 125
countries and suits both national and
international teaching contexts. The
syllabuses use international examples
and avoid terminology only used
in the UK. Non-native speakers of
English are treated fairly.
Cambridge IGCSE English syllabuses encourage students to
improve their language skills and appreciation of literature
The Cambridge IGCSE English suite
Cambridge IGCSE English
qualifications provide an excellent
foundation for students who:
want to continue their studies
at a higher level (including AS or
A Level, Cambridge Pre-U and
International Baccalaureate)
need a literature or language
qualification (or both) to
complement other subjects they
are studying
need a final qualification in English
language or literature (or both).
Cambridge IGCSE English syllabuses
encourage students to improve their
language skills and appreciation of
literature. They develop students
ability to understand and respond
appropriately and confidently to what
they read, see, hear and experience.
The syllabuses help students personal
development, and help them explore
wider areas of human concern.
The suite offers two language
qualifications - First Language English
and English as a Second Language
(E2L). Literature is assessed in a
separate syllabus.
Students do not have to take both
Language and Literature syllabuses
- for example, they can take:
IGCSE First Language English
IGCSE First Language English and
IGCSE Literature (English)
IGCSE Literature (English)
IGCSE English as a Second
Language
IGCSE English as a Second
Language and IGCSE Literature
(English)
Two exam sessions every
year
Exams take place in May/June and
October/November. Results in one
session do not carry over to the next.
Students can, however, carry forward
marks in coursework options if re-
taking the exam.
With or without coursework
Teachers can choose between
100% written terminal exam or
exam+coursework options in both
Cambridge IGCSE First Language
English and Literature (English)
syllabuses. There is no written
coursework in English as a Second
Language.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English
Cambridge IGCSE First Language
English develops successful readers,
writers, listeners, speakers and
thinkers. The emphasis is on language
skills, and students will learn to
understand and respond to what
they hear, read and experience. It
encourages students to use relevant
vocabulary, correct grammar, spelling
and punctuation, and to demonstrate
a sense of style and an awareness of
audience.
Speaking and listening is an optional
part of the assessment. Performance
does not affect the grade given for the
rest of the exam, although the mark is
recorded on the exam certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE is an international
exam, taken by students from
English-speaking countries across the
world. Examiners and moderators do
not expect British English.
Core and Extended
curriculum
Students follow a Core curriculum.
Teachers can also stretch their
students with an Extended
curriculum. Students can change
level during the course according
to their progress. Core curriculum-
only students are eligible for
grades C through to G. Extended
curriculum students are eligible for
grades A* through to E.
Syllabus content Assessment
(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
Reading
Understanding and collating explicit Title Brief description Exam duration Weighting
meanings Paper 1 Reading Questions relating to one 1 hour 45 mins 50%
Understanding, explaining and Passage passage of approx 750 words
collating implicit meanings (Core Tier) printed on question paper
(includes summary exercise)
Summarising, paraphrasing, re-
expressing OR
Understanding how writers achieve
effects Paper 2 Reading Questions relating to two 2 hours 50%
Passages passages, linked by theme, of
(Extended Tier) approx 600-700 words each
printed on question paper
Writing (includes summary exercise)

Articulating experience and expressing

what is thought, felt and imagined
Ordering and presenting facts, ideas
and opinions
Understanding and using a range of
appropriate vocabulary
Using language and register
appropriate to audience and context
Making accurate and effective use of
paragraphs, grammatical structures,
sentences, punctuation and spelling
Speaking and Listening (assessment
optional)
Presenting facts, ideas and opinions
Communicating clearly and fluently
Using language and register
appropriate to audience and context
Listening and responding
appropriately to the contributions of
others
AND
Paper 3 Directed Writing One directed writing task 2 hours 50%
& Composition based on a stimulus printed
on the exam paper, and one
composition task chosen
from a range of narrative/
discursive/descriptive
options.
OR
Paper 4 Coursework Three assignments (approx 50%
Portfolio 500-800 words each)
engaging with a range of
functions, purposes and
audiences. Assessed by
teacher and moderated by
CIE.
Optional oral component
This is assessed by the teacher, moderated by CIE and certificated separately
on a scale of 1 (high) to 5 (low). Performance does not affect the grade given for
the other components of the exam.

Paper 5 Speaking & Individual task (eg a presentation/talk) followed by a

Listening discussion (approx 10 minutes in all)

OR
Paper 6 Speaking Three tasks (individual, pair-based and group) devised and
& Listening assessed during the course
Coursework
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language
Cambridge IGCSE English as a
Second Language is designed for
students who are not native English
speakers, but who need English to
improve their educational or career
prospects.
A pass at grade C or above (with A*
being the highest grade) is recognised
by almost all UK universities and by
many in the US, Canada and Australia
as evidence of English proficiency
for undergraduate study in an English-
speaking institution.
The syllabus assesses students
ability to use English to communicate
in writing, reading and listening
and speaking. It develops ability to
use English effectively in a variety
of contexts and provides a sound
language base for further study, or for
employment in an environment where
English is used.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a
Second Language is an international
exam and students come from
English and non-English speaking
countries British English is not
expected.
A compulsory speaking and
listening test also forms part of the
assessment. Performance in the oral
test is recorded separately on the final
certificate on a scale of 1(high) to 5
(low).
Core and Extended
curriculum
Students follow a Core curriculum.
Teachers can also stretch their
students with an Extended
curriculum. Students can change
level during the course according to
their progress. Core curriculum-only
students are eligible for grades C
through to G. Extended curriculum
students are eligible for grades A*
through to E.
Syllabus content
Reading
Understanding and responding to
information presented in a variety of
forms
Selecting and organising material relevant
to specific purposes
Recognising, understanding and
distinguishing between facts, ideas and
opinions
Inferring information from texts (Extended
only)
Writing
Communicating clearly, accurately and
appropriately
Conveying information and expressing
opinions effectively
Employing and controlling a variety of
grammatical structures
Demonstrating knowledge and
understanding of a range of appropriate
vocabulary
Observing conventions of paragraphing,
punctuation and spelling
Employing appropriate register and style
 Assessment
(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)

Listening Exam duration Weighting

Understanding and responding to Paper 1 1 hour 30 minutes 70%
information presented in a variety of Reading and Writing (Core)
forms
Recognising, understanding and OR
distinguishing between facts, ideas and Paper 2 2 hours 70%
opinions
Reading and Writing (Extended)
Selecting and organising material relevant
to specific purposes
Inferring information from texts (Extended
AND EITHER
only)
Paper 3 Approx. 30-40 mins 30%
Listening (Core)
Speaking
OR
Communicating clearly, accurately and
Paper 4 Approx. 45 mins 30%
appropriately
Listening (Extended)
Conveying information and expressing
opinions effectively
AND EITHER
Employing and controlling a variety of
grammatical structures Component 5 Approx. 10-12 mins Separately endorsed
Demonstrating knowledge of a range of Oral
appropriate vocabulary
Engaging in and influencing the direction OR
of conversation Component 6 n/a Separately endorsed
Employing suitable pronunciation and Oral (Coursework assessment)
stress patterns
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English)
Students following the Cambridge
IGCSE Literature (English) course
will learn to enjoy the experience of
reading literature by interpreting and
Syllabus content
Studying set texts drawn from the three Gaining detailed knowledge of the content
main forms of literature: of texts

evaluating English literary texts from
different periods and from different
cultures.
Students study prose, drama
(Shakespeare is optional) and poetry
through a range of set texts written
originally in English. They develop
their ability to appreciate the different
ways in which writers achieve their
effects, and communicate their
personal response to the texts
studied. Students also consider the
contribution English literature has
made to our wider understanding.
Open book and closed book
examinations are available, as well as
coursework and unseen options.
prose
poetry
drama
Details of the set texts are in the syllabus.
You can find the syllabus on the CD
contained in this brochure.
Assessment three options
(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
Component
Paper 1: Set Texts Open Books
Paper 2: Coursework
OR
Understanding meanings of literary texts
and their contexts
Exploring texts beyond surface meanings
to show deeper awareness of ideas and
attitudes
Appreciating writers use of language,
structure, form, characterisation
Empathetic response work (optional)
Responding to unseen poetry and prose
texts (optional)
Duration Weighting
2 hours 15 mins 70%
Assessed by the Centre; 30%
externally moderated by CIE

Paper 1: Set Texts Open Books 2 hours 15 mins 70%

Paper 3: Unseen 1 hour 20 mins 30%

OR

2008 and 2009

Paper 4: Set Texts Closed Books 2 hours 40 mins 100%

The Paper 4 only option exists only in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 this option becomes:

2010
Paper 4: Set Texts Closed Books 2 hours 15 mins 75%

Paper 5: Set Texts Closed Books 45 mins 25%

What curriculum pathways are possible with Cambridge IGCSE
English syllabuses?
Pathway Age 1114
Cambridge International Curriculum
A Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
B Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
C Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
D Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
E Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
Other international and national programmes
F UK KS3
G UK KS3
H IB Middle Years Programme
I India: local curriculum
J USA: local curriculum
K New Zealand: local
curriculum
Age 1415 Age 1516
IGCSE First Language English
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
IGCSE English as a Second Language
IGCSE English as a Second Language and IGCSE
Literature (English)
IGCSE First Language English
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
IB Middle Years Programme, culminating in IGCSE
First Language English
IGCSE First Language English or IGCSE English as
a Second Language
IGCSE Literature (English)
IGCSE First Language English
IGCSE First Language English, IGCSE English
Literature and IGCSE English as a Second
Language
Post 16
No further English study
International A/AS Level Literature in
English
Cambridge Pre-U English
No further English study
International A/AS Level Literature in
English
No further English study
A/AS Level in English Language and
Literature
Cambridge Pre-U English
IB Diploma
Local curriculum + 2 qualifications in
English
US Advanced Placement tests
AS/A Level English Literature, AS Level
English Language and AS English
Language & Literature
Standards
Standards are of great interest
and keenly debated among
teachers, parents, government
bodies and many other interested
parties.

Cambridge IGCSE is
benchmarked to UK GCSE and
recognised by universities in the
UK and worldwide as equivalent
grade-for-grade to UK GCSE.

You may find it useful to refer to

question papers, mark schemes,
examiner reports and exemplar
student answers at particular
grades all available on the CD in
the back of this brochure.
Support for Teachers and Centres
CIE offers access to world-class
support services, designed to help
teachers deliver engaging, effective
courses. CIE also helps teachers
develop as professionals.
Teacher Resources
Textbooks and resources
A wide range of textbooks is
available for Cambridge IGCSE
English syllabuses - a full resource
list is in the syllabus on the CD in
this brochure and at
www.cie.org.uk. It includes
materials relevant to both
classroom teaching and
professional development.
Teacher Support website
Registered CIE Centres can
access all the materials they need
to teach CIE syllabuses, including
past question papers, mark
schemes, examiners reports,
schemes of work (lesson plans)
and online progress tests.
www.learncie.org.uk Expert advice
Access to thousands of pages of You can send us queries about any
up-to-date resources, written by element of Cambridge IGCSE in
teachers and ready for classroom English. Our subject experts
use. The learnCIE Teacher Test will advise you further.
Centre enables teachers to create
tests for students to take online,
Easy to administer
or as homework.
CIE offers simple, fast, efficient
www.cambridgestudents.org.uk
and friendly administration. Centres
Information and reference
receive comprehensive assistance
materials for students following
from CIEs Customer Support
Cambridge international courses,
team and local representatives.
designed to complement
Administration and results can be
classroom teaching.
handled online. CIE aims to respond
in full to all queries within two
Training working days.
CIE offers regular face-to-face
training on Cambridge IGCSE
English syllabuses, giving teachers
the knowledge and skills they need
to help students perform well in
examinations. Online training is
also available, increasing access for
teachers who have limited time or are
a long way from training events.
Learn more!
Learn more about Cambridge
IGCSE English (First Language),
English (Second Language), English
Literature, or about becoming a CIE
Centre.

Visit our website at www.cie.org.uk

Contact us at
international@cie.org.uk, or
telephone +44 1223 553554.
University of Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1223 553554 Fax: +44 1223 553558
international@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
University of Cambridge International Examinations 2009