Note:

0510 IGCSE English  As a Second Language Syllabus:

key points:

Paper 1 – Reading and Writing Written paper, 2 hours, 60 marks

This paper contains six exercises – four reading exercises and two writing exercises.

Candidates must answer all questions in each exercise.

The reading exercises will include a range of text types (e.g., articles, blogs, reports) and comprise of multiplechoice and matching questions, as well as some questions requiring short answers in English.

The two writing exercises both require candidates to write 120–160 words of continuous prose.

Candidates respond to a short stimulus (which may include a picture) and to short prompts printed in the question paper.

The short stimulus includes information on the purpose, format and audience and these will be different for each exercise. The writing exercises require candidates to respond in different styles.

The first writing exercise requires an informal style of writing, for example to a friend or relative.

The second writing exercise requires a more formal writing style, for example writing for a teacher, or an organiser of an event, etc.  For each writing exercise, candidates will be awarded marks for content (task fulfilment and the development of ideas) and language (range, accuracy and organisation). Candidates write their answers on the question paper. Dictionaries may not be used.

Exercise 1 Assessment objective Task Text type(s)

Exercise 2 Assessment objective Task R1, R2, R3

Candidates read a text and answer a series of questions.

The text is approximately 400–450 words long and is likely to include facts, opinions, ideas and attitudes.

The first five questions require one answer, and the final question requires three answers. Candidates write short (single word/phrase) answers.

The text may be taken from, for example, an article, blog or website.

Total Marks: 8

Exercise 2 Assessment objective R1, R2, R3, R4

Candidates read one continuous text divided into up to five sections, or they read up to five shorter related texts.

The text is approximately 600–650 words long.

This is a multiple matching task.

Candidates read nine questions and select the text which contains the relevant information or idea to answer each question.

Each question is worth one mark. 

The text may be taken from, for example, an article, blog or website. 

Exercise 3 Assessment objective R1, R2, R3

Task Candidates read a text and complete a set of brief notes.

The text is approximately 400–500 words long.

Each response is worth one mark.

The text may be taken from, for example, an article, blog or website.

Total marks 7

Exercise 4 Assessment objective R1, R2, R3, R4

Task Candidates read a text that is approximately 550–600 words long and answer six multiple choice questions.

Each question may focus on the main ideas or details in the text and on the attitudes or opinions expressed.

There are three options to choose between, and candidates write the appropriate letter (A, B or C) for each answer.

Each question is worth one mark. Text type(s) The text may be taken from, for example, an article, blog or website.

Total marks 6

Exercise 5 Assessment objective W1, W2, W3, W4

Task Candidates write 120–160 words of continuous prose, in response to the rubric.

The rubric includes information on the purpose and audience.

Candidates must address the prompts provided in the task and are awarded up to 6 marks for content (task fulfilment and the development of ideas) and up to 9 marks for language (range, accuracy and organisation).

Type of response An informal email.

Total marks 15

Exercise 6 Assessment objective W1, W2, W3, W4

Task Candidates write 120–160 words of continuous prose, in response to the rubric.

The rubric includes information on the format of the response, its purpose and audience.

A more formal response is required.

Candidates are awarded up to 6 marks for content (task fulfilment and the development of ideas) and up to 9 marks for language (range, accuracy and organisation).

 A formal/semi-formal article, report, essay, or review.

Total marks 15