Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish First Language specification (0502)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish First Language (0502) 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
The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Spanish course is designed for learners whose first language is Spanish. It aims to develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively in both spoken and written Spanish. The course encourages appreciation of a wide range of texts and fosters skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Learners are expected to express themselves with accuracy, organise ideas logically, and understand how language is used to achieve different effects. The syllabus promotes critical reading, confident communication, and an understanding of audience, purpose, and form. It also prepares learners for further education and life by enhancing their analytical, evaluative, and creative skills.Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understand explicit meanings, implicit meanings, and attitudes in written texts
- Analyse, evaluate, and develop facts, ideas, and opinions with textual support
- Understand how writers achieve effects and influence readers
- Select and use information for specific purposes
- Engage with a variety of genres and text types, including literature, fiction, non-fiction, and discursive writing
Writing
- Express thoughts, feelings, and imagination accurately and effectively
- Organise and convey facts, ideas, and opinions with deliberate effect
- Use varied vocabulary and effective sentence structures
- Understand and apply correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Write appropriately for different purposes, forms, and audiences (e.g., descriptive, narrative, discursive, argumentative, persuasive)
- Develop competence in writing text types such as letters, reports, articles, journals, speeches, interviews, and summaries
Speaking and Listening
- Express experience, thoughts, feelings, and imagination clearly
- Organise and present facts, ideas, and opinions effectively
- Communicate complex ideas with clarity and purpose
- Use language appropriately for different contexts
- Engage appropriately in conversations, respond spontaneously, and employ language devices such as irony, tone, and emphasis
- Present information creatively, maintaining audience engagement
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading
- 2 hours, 80 marks, 50% of qualification
- Four compulsory questions based on three reading texts
- Includes comprehension, summary, language tasks, and extended response
- Externally assessed
Paper 2: Directed Writing and Composition
- 2 hours, 80 marks, 50% of qualification
- Section A: Directed writing task based on given texts (250–350 words)
- Section B: Choice of descriptive or narrative composition (350–450 words)
- Externally assessed
Component 3: Speaking and Listening Test (Optional)
- Approx. 10–12 minutes, 40 marks, separately endorsed
- Part 1: Individual Talk (3–4 minutes)
- Part 2: Conversation with the examiner (7–8 minutes)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Reading – 50%
- AO2: Writing – 50%
- AO3: Speaking and Listening – Separately endorsed
Availability
- Exams available in June and November series
- No tiering; all candidates access the full range of grades (A*–G)
- Component 3 optional and does not affect overall grade
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish 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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