Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish Foreign Language specification (0530 & 7160)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish Foreign 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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- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish Foreign 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 Foreign Language (0530 & 7160) 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 Spanish Foreign Language course is designed to develop effective communication skills in Spanish for practical use in everyday situations. The syllabus encourages learners to become confident, reflective, responsible, innovative, and engaged language users. Students are expected to acquire proficiency in understanding and using Spanish for purposes such as travel, study, and employment. The course also aims to develop cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Learners gain insights into language learning, cultivate positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages, and build a foundation for further study or employment, all within the framework of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at level A2, with some elements of level B1.Subject content breakdown
Listening
- Understand short recordings on everyday needs (e.g., transactions, directions, instructions)
- Comprehend factual information, ideas, descriptions, opinions, and emotions from various sources
- Identify main points and specific details in predictable texts
- Deduce meaning of occasional unknown words from context
Reading
- Understand short texts, notices, signs, and authentic materials
- Comprehend descriptions of events, opinions, emotions, and hopes in simple texts
- Identify main points, themes, and relevant details in predictable contexts
- Deduce meaning of unknown words from context
Speaking
- Participate in short social exchanges and unprepared conversations on familiar topics
- Describe past events, experiences, hopes, and ambitions; give reasons for opinions
- Use a range of structures and vocabulary with reasonable accuracy
- Employ simple connectors and maintain interaction
- Convey meaning and attitude through pronunciation and intonation
Writing
- Fill in forms with simple details
- Communicate factual information using everyday vocabulary
- Write simple connected texts on familiar topics with appropriate connectors
- Describe past events, opinions, hopes, and ambitions clearly and accurately
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Approximately 50 minutes including 6 minutes transfer time
- 40 marks, 25% of qualification
- Multiple-choice and matching questions based on recordings
- Externally assessed
Paper 2: Reading
- 1 hour, 45 marks, 25% of qualification
- Multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer questions on various texts
- Externally assessed
Paper 3: Speaking
- Approximately 10 minutes plus 10 minutes preparation, 40 marks, 25% of qualification
- One role play and two topic conversations
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
Paper 4: Writing
- 1 hour, 45 marks, 25% of qualification
- Includes a form-filling task, a directed writing task (80–90 words), and a longer composition (130–140 words)
- Externally assessed
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Listening – 25%
- AO2 Reading – 25%
- AO3 Speaking – 25%
- AO4 Writing – 25%
Availability
- June and November sessions; March session in India only
- No dictionaries allowed during exams
- All questions answered in Spanish
- Suitable for private candidates
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Spanish Foreign 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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