Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE First Language English (US) specification (0524)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE First Language English (US) 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 First Language English (US) 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 First Language English (US) (0524) 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 (US) supports learners in developing the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively in both speech and writing. The syllabus promotes reading comprehension, critical analysis, and the development of a personal writing style appropriate to context and audience. It fosters the ability to engage with a variety of texts and to express ideas coherently and accurately. Speaking and listening skills are also developed through an optional endorsement, providing opportunities for practical communication. The course encourages an appreciation of language and the capacity to analyze how writers influence readers, equipping students with skills for further academic study and professional communication:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understand and analyze a range of texts from the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Summarize material for specific contexts.
- Evaluate facts, ideas, perspectives, and opinions.
- Recognize writers' techniques, including figurative language and stylistic devices.
- Study a variety of genres: literature, fiction, non-fiction, reviews, articles.
Writing
- Write with clarity, expression, and imagination.
- Structure and organize ideas effectively.
- Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Demonstrate correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Produce a variety of text types: descriptive, narrative, discursive, argumentative, persuasive.
- Write in forms such as letters, reports, articles, journals, speeches, interviews, summaries.
Speaking and Listening (Optional)
- Express and reflect on ideas and experiences.
- Convey facts, opinions, and ideas clearly and logically.
- Communicate fluently, with appropriate register and vocabulary.
- Engage in discussion, showing understanding and responsiveness.
- Explore presentation skills and use of language features like tone, irony, emphasis:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading
- 2 hours, 80 marks, 50% of final grade.
- Three compulsory questions based on three reading texts.
- Includes comprehension, summary, language analysis, and extended response tasks.
- Assesses explicit/implicit meanings, effects of language, critical response.
- Externally assessed.
Component 3: Coursework Portfolio
- Three written assignments (500–800 words each):
- Assignment 1: Response to a text – argue, discuss, or persuade (assessed for reading and writing).
- Assignment 2: Descriptive writing.
- Assignment 3: Narrative writing.
- Internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Includes first draft of one assignment and copies of used texts for Assignment 1.
Component 4: Speaking and Listening (Optional)
- 10–12 minute test.
- Part 1: Individual talk (3–4 minutes).
- Part 2: Conversation with examiner (7–8 minutes).
- Assessed separately; results do not affect overall grade.
- Internally assessed, externally moderated.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (50%): Reading — comprehension, analysis, evaluation, writer’s effects.
- AO2 (50%): Writing — expression, structure, vocabulary, grammar, accuracy.
AO3 (Separate Endorsement): Speaking and Listening — articulation, engagement, fluency, interaction.
- Final grades awarded A*–G.
- Available in June and November series for Arizona, USA schools.
- Speaking and Listening is a separately endorsed component with a 1–5 grade scale:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE First Language English (US) 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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