Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE French First Language specification (0501)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE French First 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 French First 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 French First Language (0501) 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 French is designed for learners whose first language is French, aiming to develop accurate, effective communication in written French. The course fosters a broad range of skills including the ability to write clearly and persuasively, use language creatively, and appreciate literary and non-literary texts. It supports the development of personal expression and critical analysis, encouraging learners to read widely for both enjoyment and deeper understanding of language use. The course builds competencies in synthesis, inference, argument construction, and the effective presentation of information, providing a solid foundation for further academic study:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understand explicit meanings in texts.
- Understand implicit meanings and attitudes expressed in writing.
- Select, analyse, and evaluate information relevant to specific purposes.
- Understand and analyse how writers achieve particular effects through language.
Writing
- Express thoughts, feelings, and experiences clearly and imaginatively.
- Structure information logically and coherently.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately for purpose and audience.
- Write with grammatical accuracy, employing effective punctuation and paragraphing.
- Adapt style and register to suit various contexts.
Content Focus
- Candidates engage with a variety of text types, including fiction and non-fiction.
- Writing tasks may include argumentative, discursive, descriptive, and narrative styles.
- Texts range across different genres and are intended to enhance critical reading and writing abilities:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading
- 2 hours, 50 marks.
- Two linked reading passages (600–700 words each).
- Section 1: Structured questions on Passage 1 (25 marks).
- Tests understanding, analysis, and writer’s effects.
- 5 marks allocated for language accuracy in answers.
- Section 2: Summary of information from both passages (200–250 words) (25 marks).
- Focuses on comprehension, summary skills, and language use.
- 10 marks awarded for writing quality (5 marks for style/organisation, 5 marks for language accuracy).
Paper 2: Writing
- 2 hours, 50 marks.
- Two composition tasks (350–500 words each).
- Section 1: One argumentative or discursive essay (25 marks).
- Section 2: One descriptive or narrative piece (25 marks).
- Assesses content, structure, vocabulary, language accuracy, and ability to engage with the audience.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Reading 35%): Comprehension, analysis, synthesis.
AO2 (Writing 65%): Expression, organisation, vocabulary, accuracy.
- Both papers equally weighted at 50% of the final grade.
- No dictionaries allowed during exams.
- Externally assessed with available grades from A* to G.
- Suitable for candidates with first language proficiency in French:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE French First 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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