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.
RecognitionCambridge 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 reachCambridge 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
Cambridge IGCSE English qualifications provide an excellent foundation for students who:
• wanttocontinuetheirstudiesat a higher level (including AS or A Level, Cambridge Pre-U and International Baccalaureate)
• needaliteratureorlanguagequalification (or both) to complement other subjects they are studying
• needafinalqualificationinEnglishlanguage 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:
• IGCSEFirstLanguageEnglish
• IGCSEFirstLanguageEnglishandIGCSE Literature (English)
• IGCSELiterature(English)
• IGCSEEnglishasaSecondLanguage
• IGCSEEnglishasaSecondLanguage and IGCSE Literature (English)
The Cambridge IGCSE English suite
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 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’.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English
Core and Extended curriculumStudents 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 collating explicit meanings
Understanding, explaining and collating implicit meanings
Summarising, paraphrasing, re-expressing
Understanding how writers achieve effects
Writing
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
Assessment(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
Paper 1
Title
Reading Passage (Core Tier)
Brief description
Questions relating to one passage of approx 750 words printed on question paper (includes summary exercise)
Exam duration
1 hour 45 mins
Weighting
50%
OR
Paper 2 Questions relating to two passages, linked by theme, of approx 600-700 words each printed on question paper (includes summary exercise)
Reading Passages (Extended Tier)
2 hours 50%
AND
Paper 3 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.
Directed Writing & Composition
2 hours 50%
OR
Paper 4 Three assignments (approx 500-800 words each) engaging with a range of functions, purposes and audiences. Assessed by teacher and moderated by CIE.
Coursework Portfolio
– 50%
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 Individual task (eg a presentation/talk) followed by a discussion (approx 10 minutes in all)
Speaking & Listening
OR
Paper 6 Three tasks (individual, pair-based and group) devised and assessed during the course
Speaking & Listening 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 curriculumStudents 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
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)
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
Paper 1
Reading and Writing (Core)
Exam duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting
70%
OR
Paper 2
Reading and Writing (Extended)
2 hours 70%
AND EITHER
Paper 3
Listening (Core)
Approx. 30-40 mins 30%
OR
Paper 4
Listening (Extended)
Approx. 45 mins 30%
AND EITHER
Component 5
Oral
Approx. 10-12 mins Separately endorsed
OR
Component 6
Oral (Coursework assessment)
n/a Separately endorsed
Assessment(examination in 2008, 2009, 2010)
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:
• 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)
Gaining detailed knowledge of the content of texts
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
2 hours 15 mins
Assessed by the Centre; externally moderated by CIE
Weighting
70%
30%
OR
Component
Paper 1: Set Texts – Open Books
Paper 2: Coursework
2 hours 15 mins
1 hour 20 mins
70%
30%
Paper 1: Set Texts – Open Books
Paper 3: Unseen
OR
2 hours 40 mins 100%2008 and 2009Paper 4: Set Texts – Closed Books
The Paper 4 only option exists only in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 this option becomes:
2 hours 15 mins
45 mins
75%
25%
2010Paper 4: Set Texts – Closed Books
Paper 5: Set Texts – Closed Books
What curriculum pathways are possible with Cambridge IGCSE English syllabuses?
Pathway
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Age 11–14 Age 14–15 Age 15–16 Post 16
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint
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)
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
UK KS3 IGCSE First Language English No further English study
Cambridge International Curriculum
Other international and national programmes
IB Middle Years Programme IB Middle Years Programme, culminating in IGCSE First Language English
IB Diploma
India: local curriculum IGCSE First Language English or IGCSE English as a Second Language IGCSE Literature (English)
Local curriculum + 2 qualifications in English
USA: local curriculum IGCSE First Language English US Advanced Placement tests
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
UK KS3 IGCSE First Language English and IGCSE Literature (English)
A/AS Level in English Language and Literature Cambridge Pre-U English
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.
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.
TrainingCIE 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.
Support for Teachers and Centres
Expert adviceYou can send us queries about any element of Cambridge IGCSE in English. Our subject experts will advise you further.
Easy to administerCIE 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.ukContact us at [email protected], or telephone +44 1223 553554.
University of Cambridge International Examinations1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United KingdomTel: +44 1223 553554 Fax: +44 1223 [email protected] www.cie.org.uk
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2009