Cambridge IGCSE
English
About CIE
CIE – University of Cambridge
International Examinations – is
the world’s 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 world’s most popular international
qualification for 14 – 19 year olds.
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE (International
General Certificate of Secondary
Education) is the world’s 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 UCAS’s 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:
The syllabuses help students’ personal
development, and help them explore
wider areas of human concern.
• want to continue their studies
at a higher level (including AS or
A Level, Cambridge Pre-U and
International Baccalaureate)
The suite offers two language
qualifications - First Language English
and English as a Second Language
(E2L). Literature is assessed in a
separate syllabus.
• 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.
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 retaking 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 curriculumonly 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 collating explicit
meanings
Understanding, explaining and
collating implicit meanings
Summarising, paraphrasing, reexpressing
Understanding how writers achieve
effects
Assessment
(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
Paper 1
Title
Brief description
Reading
Passage
(Core Tier)
Questions relating to one
1 hour 45 mins
passage of approx 750 words
printed on question paper
(includes summary exercise)
50%
Reading
Passages
(Extended Tier)
Questions relating to two
2 hours
passages, linked by theme, of
approx 600-700 words each
printed on question paper
(includes summary exercise)
50%
OR
Paper 2
Writing
Articulating experience and expressing
what is thought, felt and imagined
Ordering and presenting facts, ideas
and opinions
AND
Paper 3
Understanding and using a range of
appropriate vocabulary
Directed Writing
& Composition
One directed writing task
based on a stimulus printed
on the exam paper, and one
composition task chosen
from a range of narrative/
discursive/descriptive
options.
2 hours
50%
Coursework
Portfolio
Three assignments (approx
500-800 words each)
engaging with a range of
functions, purposes and
audiences. Assessed by
teacher and moderated by
CIE.
–
50%
Using language and register
appropriate to audience and context
Making accurate and effective use of
paragraphs, grammatical structures,
sentences, punctuation and spelling
Exam duration Weighting
OR
Paper 4
Speaking and Listening (assessment
optional)
Presenting facts, ideas and opinions
Communicating clearly and fluently
Using language and register
appropriate to audience and context
Optional oral component
Listening and responding
appropriately to the contributions of
others
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 &
Listening
Individual task (eg a presentation/talk) followed by a
discussion (approx 10 minutes in all)
Speaking
& Listening
Coursework
Three tasks (individual, pair-based and group) devised and
assessed during the course
OR
Paper 6
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 Englishspeaking 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
Understanding and responding to
information presented in a variety of
forms
Recognising, understanding and
distinguishing between facts, ideas and
opinions
Selecting and organising material relevant
to specific purposes
Inferring information from texts (Extended
only)
Paper 1
Exam duration
Weighting
1 hour 30 minutes
70%
2 hours
70%
Reading and Writing (Core)
OR
Paper 2
Reading and Writing (Extended)
AND EITHER
Paper 3
Approx. 30-40 mins
30%
Approx. 45 mins
30%
Listening (Core)
Speaking
Communicating clearly, accurately and
appropriately
Conveying information and expressing
opinions effectively
Employing and controlling a variety of
grammatical structures
Demonstrating knowledge of a range of
appropriate vocabulary
Engaging in and influencing the direction
of conversation
Employing suitable pronunciation and
stress patterns
OR
Paper 4
Listening (Extended)
AND EITHER
Component 5
Approx. 10-12 mins
Separately endorsed
n/a
Separately endorsed
Oral
OR
Component 6
Oral (Coursework assessment)
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English)
Students following the Cambridge
IGCSE Literature (English) course
will learn to enjoy the experience of
reading literature by interpreting and
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.
Syllabus content
Studying set texts drawn from the three
main forms of literature:
Gaining detailed knowledge of the content
of texts
• prose
Understanding meanings of literary texts
and their contexts
• poetry
• drama
Details of the set texts are in the syllabus.
You can find the syllabus on the CD
contained in this brochure.
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)
Assessment – three options
(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
Component
Duration
Weighting
Paper 1: Set Texts – Open Books
2 hours 15 mins
70%
Paper 2: Coursework
Assessed by the Centre;
externally moderated by CIE
30%
Paper 1: Set Texts – Open Books
2 hours 15 mins
70%
Paper 3: Unseen
1 hour 20 mins
30%
2 hours 40 mins
100%
OR
OR
2008 and 2009
Paper 4: Set Texts – Closed Books
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 11–14
Age 14–15
Age 15–16
Post 16
Cambridge International Curriculum
A
Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
IGCSE First Language English
No further English study
B
Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
International A/AS Level Literature in
English
C
Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
Cambridge Pre-U English
D
Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
IGCSE English as a Second Language
No further English study
E
Cambridge Lower
Secondary Programme
or Cambridge Checkpoint
IGCSE English as a Second Language and IGCSE
Literature (English)
International A/AS Level Literature in
English
Other international and national programmes
F
UK KS3
IGCSE First Language English
No further English study
G
UK KS3
IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE
Literature (English)
A/AS Level in English Language and
Literature
Cambridge Pre-U English
H
IB Middle Years Programme
IB Middle Years Programme, culminating in IGCSE
First Language English
IB Diploma
I
India: local curriculum
IGCSE First Language English or IGCSE English as
a Second Language
IGCSE Literature (English)
Local curriculum + 2 qualifications in
English
J
USA: local curriculum
IGCSE First Language English
US Advanced Placement tests
K
New Zealand: local
curriculum
IGCSE First Language English, IGCSE English
Literature and IGCSE English as a Second
Language
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
Access to thousands of pages of
up-to-date resources, written by
teachers and ready for classroom
use. The learnCIE Teacher Test
Centre enables teachers to create
tests for students to take online,
or as homework.
• www.cambridgestudents.org.uk
Information and reference
materials for students following
Cambridge international courses,
designed to complement
classroom teaching.
Training
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.
Expert advice
You can send us queries about any
element of Cambridge IGCSE in
English. Our subject experts
will advise you further.
Easy to administer
CIE offers simple, fast, efficient
and friendly administration. Centres
receive comprehensive assistance
from CIE’s Customer Support
team and local representatives.
Administration and results can be
handled online. CIE aims to respond
in full to all queries within two
working days.
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