ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE Cambridge IGCSE English Second Language (9-1) (UK only) (0991) The Cambridge International GCSE in English as a Second Language is aimed at international students who speak English as a Second Language and who would struggle with the demands of the IGCSE First Language English course. The course develops the skills necessary for effective academic study and provides the opportunity for personal and intellectual development. The course focuses on the skills necessary to understand and communicate across a range of English-language media and genres through the development of linguistic proficiency and skill-specific strategies. The 0991 version of the examination replaces the 0511 version and includes assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening. It is expected that pupils will have a B1 level of English upon starting the course. Assessment is as follows: Paper 1/2:
Reading and Writing
Core (1.5 hours)
Extended (2 hours)
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6
Reading comprehension Multipe-Matching Note-taking Summary Writing Extended writing Extended Writing
9 marks 8 marks 7 marks 12 marks 12 marks 12 marks
13 marks 10 marks 9 marks 16 marks 16 marks 16 marks
Paper 3/4:
Listening
Core (40 minutes)
Extended (50 minutes)
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5
Questions on short extracts Complete gaps on a talk Match speaker to content Multiple-choice questions Gap-fill on talk and discussion
8 marks 8 marks 6 marks 8 marks (n/a)
8 marks 8 marks 6 marks 8 marks 10 marks
Oral Communication
10-15 minutes
Weighting: 60%
Weighting: 20% Paper 5:
Assessed Conversation
30 marks
Weighting 20% Core and Extended Papers The range of grades available with the Core paper is 1-5, while for the Extended paper it is 3-9. The higher possible grade in the Extended examination is a reflection of its greater length and difficulty. The decision as to whether to enter candidates into the Core or Extended examination is taken after the January mock examinations.
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