Description
This IGCSE English Second Language (ESL) Course is designed to help non-native English speakers develop their language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English Second Language refers to the learning or acquisition of the English language by individuals who speak a different language. It is common when English is not spoken in a particular region or country.
People may pursue ESL education for various reasons, such as immigration, work, education, or personal interests. The goal is to enable individuals to communicate effectively in English in everyday situations and more specialised contexts, depending on their needs and goals.
Learners who are proficient in English as their First Language should select the IGCSE English First Language option.
Cambridge Syllabus up to 2029 Exams
Cambridge Course Code(s):
IGCSE English Second Language (9-1): 0991
IGCSE English Second Language (A*-G): 0511
(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications.
The only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams.
0991 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest
0511 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest
Cambridge Exams: June & November
Cambridge Study Hours: 130 Hours
This IGCSE English Second Language Course is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English-medium.
Cambridge IGCSE English Second Language Modules
Reading
Learners will be introduced to a range of different text types on a variety of topics:
- identify and understand factual information, ideas and arguments in a range of texts
- identify and understand ideas, opinions and attitudes, in a range of texts and the connections between them
- understand what is implied but not directly stated
- select relevant details when reading for a specific purpose
Writing
Learners will practise writing for different purposes and different audiences. Learners will understand the features of different text types and will be encouraged to plan, draft and check their writing:
- communicate factual information, ideas and arguments clearly and with expansion
- produce written texts that show control of language
- select and organise relevant information and ideas into coherent text using appropriate linking devices
- produce written texts with a range of grammatical and lexical structures
- respond to a written stimulus and use appropriate register, style and format for the given purpose and audience
Listening
Learners will be introduced to a range of different text types on a variety of topics:
- identify and understand factual detail and specific information in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- identify and understand speakers’ ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- show understanding of what is implied but not directly stated
Speaking
Learners will be encouraged to speak in a range of different situations and for different purposes, including brief transactions, conversations, expressing their opinions, and giving short talks on a range of topics:
- communicate factual information, ideas and opinions with expansion
- produce coherent and relevant responses
- engage in different types of interaction (e.g., conversation, short talk, interview)
- produce responses using a range of grammatical and lexical structures
- communicate showing control of pronunciation and intonation
Cambridge Assessment
All candidates take three components.
Paper 1: Reading and Writing
Written examination: 2 hours
Availability: June and October
Candidates respond to six exercises: four reading and two writing Structured and essay style questions
60 marks
50% of grade
Paper 2: Listening
Written examination: 50 minutes
Availability: June and October
Candidates listen to five exercises of short and longer texts
40 marks
25% of grade
Paper 3: Speaking
Written examination: 50 minutes
Availability: June and October
Candidates take part in an interview, short talk and discussion
40 marks
25% of grade
Edexcel Syllabus
Edexcel Course Code(s): 4ES2
Edexcel Exams: June & November
Edexcel Study Hours: 130 Hours
Edexcel IGCSE English Second Language Modules
Unit 1: Reading
Learners must be able to:
- Read for different purposes
- Understand a word, phrase, sentence or whole text in its context, e.g. read a passage on a familiar topic and respond to questions on it
- Read and understand a range of information and publicity texts which could be in a formal or an informal context, e.g. adverts on bulletin boards, blog posts, recipes
- Identify key information, draw comparisons and distinguish facts and ideas from a range of texts
- Read and understand a range of short opinion pieces, identify the writer’s viewpoints, which may be either stated explicitly or implied (through the writer’s choice of vocabulary)
- Read and understand a range of factual texts on a variety of familiar topics, identifying inferred meaning, opinions, ideas and facts
- Understand a wide range of grammatical forms and structures.
- Understand a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary.
Unit 2: Listening
Learners must be able to:
- Listen to and understand spoken English language extracts and identify key information
- Listen to and understand informational broadcasts such as extracts from podcasts which may involve more than one speaker, and identify key details, opinions, and information conveyed
- Listen to and understand conversations which may be casual or in the form of interviews and identify key information the speakers are exchanging
- Listen to and understand extracts from public presentations on general interest topics, identifying facts and viewpoints, e.g. comparing the advantages and disadvantages of an idea or process
- Listen to and understand a wide range of grammatical forms and structures.
- Listen to and understand a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary.
Unit 3: Writing
Learners must be able to:
- Convey information in writing on a range of topics, using context-specific vocabulary
- Express their opinions on a topic and develop their responses
- Write for a variety of purposes
- Write in a variety of styles, formal and informal
- Summarise longer passages of text without copying phrases word for word
- Write fluently and coherently
- Write using a wide range of grammatical forms and structures.
- Write using a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary.
Unit 4: Speaking
Learners must be able to:
- Convey information in speech on a range of topics, using context-specific vocabulary
- Express their opinions about a topic and develop their ideas
- Respond spontaneously to both predictable and unpredictable questions on a range of topics
- Participate in extended discussions on a range of topics, from the familiar and everyday to more abstract themes
- Speak fluently and coherently, using a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary without undue hesitation
- Use a wide range of grammatical forms and structures.
- Use a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary.
Edexcel Assessment
All candidates take four components.
Unit 1: Reading
1 hour
50 marks
This unit assesses reading skills.
25% of the total International GCSE
Unit 2: Listening
45 minutes
50 marks
This unit assesses listening skills.
25% of the total International GCSE
Unit 3: Writing
1 hour 15 minutes
50 marks
This unit assesses writing skills, including spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG).
25% of the total International GCSE
Unit 4: Speaking
Oral examination: 22–23 minutes
50 marks
This unit assesses speaking skills including spontaneity, fluency and pronunciation.
25% of the total International GCSE
