Page 12 - Options Booklet IGCSE 2022-2023

Helping Y ou Achiev e
Helping You Achieve

IGCSE English Language
IGCSE English Language
IGCSE 0500

English Language is compulsory for all pupils.

Course description:

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500)

This is a skills based qualification and does not in-
volve the study of any literature texts. There is no
single ‘correct’ English Language IGCSE textbook
that should be used. It is generally agreed that the
best approach to learning First Language English
is to study a variety of books, articles, newspa-
pers, magazines, as well as the internet; also to
use recordings (to develop listening) and oral activities (to develop speaking).

Learners will investigate and produce both fictional and non-fiction texts, including narratives,
speeches, interviews, articles and letters, allowing pupils to see the relevance of English in all as-
pects of life. They will evaluate texts; summarising and analysing the writer’s use of language.
There is also a creative writing part of this qualification where pupils will learn to produce narrative
and descriptive texts. Pupils will also enliven and develop their own presentation and discussion
skills by performing a range of verbal activities.

The aims are to enable pupils to:
• Read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding; enjoying and appreciating a
variety of English language;
• Read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own
writing;
• Write accurately and effectively, using Standard English;
• Work with information and with ideas in language by developing skills of evaluation, analysis
and interpreting inference;
• Listen to, understand and use spoken language effectively;
• Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical
terminology and linguistic conventions;

There are two components to the Cambridge IGCSE course undertaken at JPGS:
1. Paper 1 Reading Passages (50% of final grade)
2. Paper 2 Directed Writing and Composition (50% of final grade)

Grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicate the standard a candidate achieved at First Language English
Cambridge IGCSE.

All pupils will also sit a Speaking and Listening Test. This is marked separately from the rest of the
syllabus and you will receive a separate grade for this. It involves a compulsory individual pres-
entation and following discussion and is worth 40 marks overall and is graded from 1 (high) to 5
(low).

Examined in May 2024.

12 Jeddah Prep and Grammar School