Cambridge (CIE) O Level English Language specification (1123)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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) O Level 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) O Level English Language (1123) 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 O Level English Language enables learners to develop confident and effective communication in both reading and writing. The course aims to foster a critical appreciation of a wide range of texts and to encourage articulate, structured, and imaginative writing in various contexts. It emphasises accurate use of language, coherent expression, and a thoughtful approach to content and style. The syllabus encourages learners to read analytically and write purposefully, preparing them for further academic study or professional communication demands.
Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understand explicit meanings and implicit meanings/attitudes in texts.
- Analyse, evaluate, and develop facts, ideas, and opinions using textual support.
- Demonstrate awareness of how writers achieve effects and influence readers.
- Select and use information effectively for specific purposes.
- Engage with a range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, blogs, essays, reviews, articles, short stories, extracts, and drama.
- Focus on writers’ language, style, figurative language, and bias.
Writing
- Express thoughts, feelings, and imagination effectively.
- Organise and convey facts, ideas, and opinions logically.
- Use varied vocabulary and effective sentence structures.
- Show understanding of audience, purpose, and form.
- Ensure accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Write in a variety of forms and for different purposes: descriptive, narrative, argumentative, persuasive.
- Engage with text types such as email, letter, report, article, speech, and summary.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading
- 2 hours, 50 marks, 50% of total.
- Section A (25 marks):
- Comprehension based on a 900-word narrative text (explicit and implicit meanings).
- Use of Language questions analysing author’s style and effect.
- Section B (25 marks):
- Summary writing based on a 550–600-word text (max 150 words).
- Short response analysing implicit meanings and attitudes.
- Assesses AO1 (Reading) and AO2 (Writing) with a mix of short and extended answers.
- No dictionaries allowed.
Paper 2: Writing
- 2 hours, 50 marks, 50% of total.
- Section A: Directed Writing (25 marks)
- One compulsory task based on stimulus text(s) (400–450 words).
- Write 250–350 words in discursive/argumentative/persuasive style.
- Section B: Composition (25 marks)
- One question from four choices: two descriptive, two narrative.
- Write 350–450 words.
- Assesses Writing objectives (W1–W5) with Reading objectives (R3, R5) in Section A.
No dictionaries allowed.
- Weighting of assessment objectives:
- AO1 Reading: 50%
- AO2 Writing: 50%
- Command words include: Consider, Describe, Evaluate, Explain, Give, Identify, Summarise.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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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