Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language specification ( 0524 & 0990)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language ( 0524 & 0990) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English helps learners develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. The course encourages a wide range of reading to enhance vocabulary and stylistic awareness and cultivates critical, analytical, and inferential skills. Learners improve their command of English through varied reading and writing tasks and gain confidence in expressing ideas for different purposes and audiences. Speaking and listening components also enhance fluency and engagement with spoken language.
Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understand texts and vocabulary, both explicit and implicit
- Summarise and analyse ideas, facts, opinions
- Evaluate how writers influence readers through language and structure
- Engage with diverse text types: fiction, non-fiction, reviews, articles
Writing
- Express thoughts, feelings and imagination effectively
- Organise and structure ideas appropriately for audience and form
- Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures
- Demonstrate grammatical accuracy and control of spelling and punctuation
- Write in forms such as letters, reports, journals, speeches, interviews, summaries
Speaking and Listening
- Express and reflect on experiences and ideas with clarity and fluency
- Participate in discussions and adapt language for audience and context
- Understand and convey complex ideas, tone, emphasis and other devices
- Demonstrate spontaneous and purposeful communication
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Reading
- 2 hours, 80 marks, 50%
- Three compulsory questions based on three texts
- Includes comprehension, summary, short-answer, language task, and extended response
- Externally assessed
Paper 2 – Directed Writing and Composition
- 2 hours, 80 marks, 50%
- Section A: Directed writing from one or two texts
- Section B: Composition (descriptive or narrative)
- Externally assessed
Component 3 – Coursework Portfolio (alternative to Paper 2)
- Three assignments: persuasive, descriptive, and narrative
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- 80 marks, 50%
Component 4 – Speaking and Listening Test (optional)
- Approx. 10–12 minutes, 40 marks
- Part 1: Individual Talk
- Part 2: Conversation
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Separately endorsed (grade 1–5), not contributing to final grade
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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