How Many IGCSE English Language Papers Are There?

If you are studying IGCSE English Language and trying to work out how many exam papers you actually have to sit, you are not alone. A quick online search often throws up half-answers, exam-board jargon or information that does not quite match what your teacher has told you.

That is frustrating, especially when this subject matters so much. If you are not clear on how many papers there are, what each one tests, or whether speaking and listening count towards your final grade, it is easy to waste revision time or worry about the wrong things. English should feel manageable, not mysterious.

This article gives you a clear, simple breakdown of exactly how IGCSE English Language is assessed for the main exam boards: Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA. Written by an English teacher with 20 years’ experience of teaching, everything here is based on a clear understanding of how these exams work, so you can feel confident, informed and ready to plan your revision properly.

Key takeaways

• Most IGCSE English Language courses are assessed through two exam papers, both sat under timed exam conditions

• The exact structure and focus of each paper varies by exam board, so Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA do not assess English Language in exactly the same way

• Papers usually test a combination of reading comprehension and writing skills, rather than one skill in isolation

• Speaking and listening may be assessed separately

• Some specifications offer options such as coursework or alternative assessment routes, meaning the way you are assessed can depend on the choices made by your school

Cambridge IGCSE English Language (First Language 0500)

Cambridge IGCSE English Language (0500) is assessed through two main written papers. Some schools may enter students for alternative components, but the core structure is the same for most candidates.

Paper 1 – Reading

Paper 1 is a 2-hour written exam that focuses entirely on reading skills and makes up 50 per cent of the final grade.

You will be given a set of non-fiction texts and asked to show how well you can:

• Understand and interpret what you read

• Select relevant information

• Analyse how writers use language and structure

• Write a summary using your own words

This paper tests how carefully and thoughtfully you can read, not how creative you are. Clear understanding, precise selection of evidence and concise writing are essential.

Paper 2 – Directed Writing and Composition (optional)

Paper 2 is also a 2-hour written exam, but the focus here is on writing and makes up 50 per cent of the final grade.

It is split into two parts:

• Directed writing, where you respond to a specific task such as a letter, speech, article or report, using information from a given text

• Composition, where you choose between writing tasks such as a descriptive or narrative piece

Marks are awarded for:

• Content and ideas

• Organisation and structure

• Language accuracy and style

This paper rewards students who can adapt their writing for purpose and audience, as well as those who can write accurately and fluently.

Component 3 – Coursework Portfolio (optional)

Some schools choose to enter students for Component 3 instead of Paper 2.

This component involves producing a portfolio of written work, completed during the course rather than in an exam and makes up 60 per cent of the final grade. It usually includes:

• One piece of writing to discuss, argue and/or persuade in response to a text or texts

• One piece of writing to describe

• One piece of writing to narrate

Each assignment will be about 500–800 words in length. The assignments may be completed in any order.

Not all schools offer this option. If your school does, it is likely that your teacher will decide whether coursework or the written exam is the right route for you.

Component 4 – Speaking and Listening (optional)

Speaking and listening is assessed through Component 4, but it is not part of the final IGCSE grade.

You will complete:

• One individual speaking task

• One discussion

Your performance is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, or grades 1 (high) to 5 (low), and appears as a separate endorsement on your certificate. While it does not affect your overall English Language grade, it is still taken seriously and helps develop vital communication skills.

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language A

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language A is assessed through two mandatory components. The first is a compulsory written exam paper, while the second component is a choice between an external examination (Component 2) or a non-examined coursework component (Component 3).

Paper 1 – Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing

Paper 1 is a 2 hour 15 minute written exam and makes up 60 per cent of the final grade.

This paper focuses on non-fiction reading and practical writing skills. You will be asked to:

• Read and analyse a range of non-fiction texts

• Compare writers’ ideas and language choices

• Produce a piece of transactional writing, such as a letter, article, speech or report

Marks are awarded for reading comprehension, analysis and how clearly and effectively you communicate in writing.

Paper 2 – Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (optional)

Paper 2 is a 1 hour 30 minute written exam and makes up the remaining 40 per cent of the final grade.

This paper includes:

• Reading and responding to poetry and prose texts

• Writing an imaginative piece, such as a descriptive or narrative response

Schools may choose to replace this examination with the coursework portfolio (Component 3).

Component 3 – Coursework Portfolio (optional)

If you are entered for the coursework portfolio rather than the Paper 2 exam, this will make up the remaining 40 per cent of your grade.The coursework portfolio consists of two assignments:

• One essay based on any three texts selected from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology (30 marks):

  • The selection must include at least one poetry text, and at least one prose text

  • The assignment requires you to discuss how the writers use language and structure to achieve effects and present specific ideas or perspectives regarding a chosen focus, such as theme, character or setting

• One piece of imaginative writing (30 marks)

Spoken Language Endorsement (optional)

Edexcel also offers a Spoken Language Endorsement, which is assessed separately by your teacher.

You will complete:

• One prepared spoken presentation

• A discussion based on your topic

Your result is reported as Pass, Merit or Distinction and appears separately on your certificate. It does not contribute to your final English Language grade, but it is still an important part of developing confident speaking skills.

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language B

Component 1

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language B is assessed through one 3-hour examination which counts for 100 per cent of the total International GCSE grade.

This exam is split into three sections:

• Section A (Reading): short- and long-answer questions on two unseen texts (40 marks)

• Section B (Reading and Writing): one directed writing task based on source texts (30 marks)

• Section C (Writing): one task from a choice of three — discursive, narrative or descriptive writing (30 marks)

Spoken language endorsement (optional)

The spoken language endorsement is endorsed separately and can take a variety of forms, including:

• A speech or talk, followed by questions from the audience

• A formal debate or dialogue, such as an interview

In all cases, the presentation should be prepared and last no longer than 10 minutes.

If your school enters you for the endorsement, it will appear on your certificate as a separately reported grade.

Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language (9270)

Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language is assessed through one compulsory written exam, and either a second written exam or a non-exam assessment project. Speaking and listening is assessed separately and does not affect the final grade.

Paper 1 – Literary non-fiction and composition

Paper 1 is a 2-hour written exam and makes up 60 per cent of the final grade.

This paper focuses on:

• Reading and analysing a literary non-fiction extract and answering questions on it

• Writing a descriptive, imaginative, argumentative and/or discursive composition

Marks are awarded for reading skills, writing content and technical accuracy.

Paper 2 – Source-based reading and directed writing (optional)

Paper 2 is a 2-hour written exam, worth 40 per cent of the final grade.

This paper assesses:

• Reading and answering questions on individual texts and pairs of texts

• A writing task linked with the reading sources, writing for audience and purpose

You are marked on how well you compare ideas, analyse language and communicate your own viewpoint clearly and effectively.

Non-exam assessment project (optional)

An alternative to Paper 2 is the non-exam assessment project, in which you complete a written task with commentary.

It is worth 60 marks and 40 per cent of your final grade.

If taking this option, you will carry out independent research and utilise your findings for a written task in which audience, purpose and form are specified. This will be assessed alongside a commentary.

Speaking and Listening assessment (optional)

Oxford AQA includes a separate Speaking and Listening assessment, which is completed during the course.

You will:

• Complete one extended task: either a presentation or an interview with extended turns

Your performance is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction and appears as a separate endorsement on your certificate. It does not contribute to your final English Language grade, but it is still an important part of developing confident spoken communication.

Do all students sit the same IGCSE English Language papers?

No. Not all IGCSE English Language students sit exactly the same papers, even if they are studying the same subject.

This is because schools and exam centres choose how they enter students for certain components. These decisions are usually based on what best suits the students, the timetable and the teaching approach, rather than individual student choice.

For example:

• Some students take two written exam papers, while others may complete coursework instead of one paper, depending on the exam board and the route their school has chosen

• Speaking and listening assessments are often optional. Some schools enter students for them, while others do not

What matters most is that you revise for the papers you are actually entered for, not every possible version of the course.

If you are unsure which components apply to you, ask your teacher directly. They can tell you exactly:

• Which papers you will sit

• Whether coursework applies

• Whether speaking and listening will be assessed

Once you know this, your revision becomes much more focused and far less stressful.

Summary table: IGCSE English Language papers by board

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take the speaking exam for IGCSE English Language?

In most cases, no.

For Cambridge International and Oxford AQA, speaking and listening is usually assessed as a separate endorsement. This means it does not affect your final English Language grade, and whether you take it depends on your school’s entry decision.

For Pearson Edexcel English Language A and B, the spoken language assessments are also separate and do not count towards your overall mark.

If you are unsure, ask your teacher. They will be able to tell you whether speaking is compulsory for you and whether it counts towards your grade.

Can I switch exam boards if I retake the subject?

Yes, you can, but it is not always the best option.

If you are retaking the IGCSE English Language qualification, your school or exam centre may allow you to switch exam boards. However, different boards assess skills in slightly different ways, and you would need time to adjust to new paper formats, question styles and mark schemes.

In many cases, staying with the same exam board is simpler and less risky, especially if you are already familiar with the structure. Switching only really makes sense if your new centre only offers a different board or if there is a clear reason for changing.

This is a decision to make with a teacher or exams officer, not on your own.

Is English Language IGCSE harder with Cambridge, Edexcel or Oxford AQA?

No exam board is officially harder than the others.

All IGCSE English Language qualifications are designed to be equivalent in standard. What feels harder or easier usually comes down to:

• The types of texts used

• The balance between reading and writing

• How confident you feel with the question style

A paper that suits one student may feel difficult to another. What matters most is understanding your exam board’s structure and practising the exact skills it rewards.

Final thoughts

Most IGCSE English Language courses involve two main written exam papers, with small but important differences between exam boards. Some specifications include optional coursework.

Once you know:

• Which exam board you are studying

• Which papers you will sit

• Whether any optional components apply

Then English Language becomes much more manageable. You can revise with purpose, focus on the right skills and walk into the exam knowing exactly what to expect. That clarity is one of the most powerful revision tools you can have.

Here at Save My Exams we have a variety of resources to support you with your revision:

IGCSE English Language Revision