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 Reading comprehension 9 marks Exercise 2 Multipe-Matching 8 marks

Exercise 3 Note-taking Exercise 4 Summary Writing 7 marks 12 marks

Exercise 5 Extended writing Exercise 6 Extended Writing 12 marks 12 marks 13 marks 10 marks 9 marks 16 marks 16 marks 16 marks

Weighting: 60%

Paper 3/4: Listening Core (40 minutes) Extended (50 minutes)

Exercise 1 Questions on short extracts 8 marks Exercise 2 Complete gaps on a talk 8 marks Exercise 3 Match speaker to content 6 marks Exercise 4 Multiple-choice questions 8 marks Exercise 5 Gap-fill on talk and discussion (n/a) 8 marks 8 marks 6 marks 8 marks 10 marks

Weighting: 20%

Paper 5: Oral Communication 10-15 minutes

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.