English Language

English Language

IGCSE ENGLISH: SPECIFICATION CODE 0500 [Cambridge Assessment International Education]

IGCSE English Language course information

Introduction

The English Language course is the IGCSE/Cambridge International GCSE specification. Through study leading to examinations, students develop their ability to understand and respond to a variety of different text types. They also develop writing and speaking skills, with different purposes and audiences in mind. Students’ imaginative, creative and personal responses are an integral part of the course. Students will be awarded a grade from A*-G on completion of the course.

Aims

The aims of the course are to enable each student to: • Read, understand, enjoy and appreciate a variety of texts • Read critically and use knowledge gained from wider reading to inform and improve their writing skills • Write accurately, fluently and effectively • Develop skills in analysis, evaluation and inference • Listen to, understand and use spoken language effectively • Expand their vocabulary, understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions

Scheme of Assessment

There are three units available, from which schools choose two. At Tanglin, we have chosen to prepare students for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Paper 1 – Examination - Reading [50%] • Candidates answer questions on three unseen passages of between 500 and 700 words each. • These texts can be linked by a common theme. • The passages are printed on the question paper. • The questions test students’ skills in comprehension, summarising, language analysis and inference.

Paper 2 – Examination – Directed Writing and Composition [50%] • Candidates answer two questions. • The first is an argumentative or persuasive speech, letter or article in response to a text that they have read. • This text is printed on the question paper. • The second question is an original narrative or descriptive composition. Students have a choice of titles for this question.

Speaking and Listening Certificate [0%] • Students are also entered for a separate Speaking and Listening certificate. • These certificates record achievement of grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) based on an individual talk and a subsequent discussion of the topic presented.

Suitability

All students currently take both the IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature courses.