Introduction

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is accepted by universities and employers as proof of ability to understand and communicate in English. It is aimed at students whose first language is not English, but who use it as a lingua franca or language of study.

Successful English as a Second Language candidates have better educational or employment prospects and gain lifelong skills.

Aims

The syllabus assesses candidates’ ability to use English as a medium of practical communication, and is designed for students for whom English is not a first language/mother tongue but for whom it is a lingua franca or language of study.

The aims are to:

1. develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication;
2. form a sound base for the skills required for further study or employment ;
3. develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills, along with skills of a more general application;

Contents

Candidates must demonstrate ability in the following areas:

AO1: Reading

R1 understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms

R2 select and organise material relevant to specific purposes

R3 recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions

R4 infer information from texts [Extended tier only]

AO2: Writing

W1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately

W2 convey information and express opinions effectively

W3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures

W4 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of appropriate vocabulary

W5 observe conventions of paragraphing, punctuation and spelling

W6 employ appropriate register/style

AO3: Listening

L1 understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms

L2 recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions

L3 select and organise material relevant to specific purposes

L4 infer information from texts [Extended tier only]

AO4: Speaking

S1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately

S2 convey information and express opinions effectively

S3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures

S4 demonstrate knowledge of a range of appropriate vocabulary

S5 engage in and influence the direction of conversation

S6 employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns