Cambridge IGCSE®
English as a Second Language (Speaking endorsement) (0510)
Key benefits
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding in order to progress in their education or career. Through their studies, learners will improve their ability to understand and use English in a range of situations.
The aim is to achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study. In Syllabus 0510, marks for the speaking component do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components
Aim
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
The aims are to:
- develop learners’ ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication
- form a solid foundation for the skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium
- develop learners’ awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
- promote learners’ personal development.
Content overview
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Learners will be presented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing. They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference between what is directly stated and implied, and practise writing for different purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spoken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics, and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of English, and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.
Assessment overview
Paper 2 - 2 hours
Reading and Writing 70%
80 marks: Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills
Externally assessed
Paper 4 - Approximately 50 minutes
Listening 30%
40 marks
Candidates listen to several short extracts and longer texts, and complete a range of task types, including short-answer questions, gap filling, matching, multiple choice and notemaking.
Externally assessed
Component 5 - Approximately 10–15 minutes
Speaking Separately endorsed
30 marks
Following a 2–3 minute warm-up conversation, candidates engage in a 6–9 minute discussion with the examiner on a given topic.
Internally assessed/externally moderated
Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Reading
R1 identify and select relevant information
R2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
R3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
R4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, writer’s purpose, intention and feelings
AO2 Writing
W1 communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly, accurately and effectively
W2 organise ideas into coherent paragraphs using a range of appropriate linking devices
W3 use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately and effectively
W4 show control of punctuation and spelling
W5 use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and audience
AO3 Listening
L1 identify and select relevant information
L2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
L3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
L4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, speaker’s purpose, intention and feelings
AO4 Speaking
S1 communicate ideas/opinions clearly, accurately and effectively
S2 develop responses and link ideas using a range of appropriate linking devices
S3 use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately and effectively
S4 show control of pronunciation and intonation patterns
S5 engage in a conversation and contribute effectively to help move the conversation forward
Subject Content
Reading
- understand factual information, abstract ideas and arguments from a range of texts, e.g. leaflets, articles, blogs and webpages
- identify relevant information and select correct details from a wide range of texts
- identify ideas, opinions and attitudes from a wide range of texts and understand the connections between them
- understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, purpose and intention
Writing
- communicate factual information, abstract ideas and arguments with good expansion
- select and organise relevant information and ideas into coherent paragraphs and use a range of appropriate linking devices
- respond to a written stimulus and use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and audience, e.g. a summary, an informal email, an article, a report and a review
- produce written texts with a wide range of language structures (i.e. grammatical and lexical)
Listening
- understand factual information, abstract ideas and arguments from a wide range of sources, e.g. recorded phone messages, announcements, dialogues, informal conversations, interviews and formal talks. A variety of voices and accents will be heard in recordings to reflect the various contexts presented.
- identify relevant information and select correct details from a wide range of sources
- identify ideas, opinions and attitudes from a wide range of sources and understand the connections between them
- understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, purpose and intention
Speaking
- communicate factual information, abstract ideas and arguments with good expansion
- organise and link ideas with a range of appropriate linking devices
- engage in a conversation on a wide range of topics, e.g. natural environment, arts, science and global issues
- produce responses with a wide range of language structures (i.e. grammatical and lexical)