Cambridge (CIE) O Level Pakistan Studies specification (2059)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Pakistan Studies 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 Pakistan Studies 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 Pakistan Studies (2059) 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 Pakistan Studies provides students with a balanced understanding of the country's historical background, its environment, and development challenges. The syllabus aims to develop knowledge of Pakistan's history, culture, and environment, encouraging students to analyse sources, evaluate information, and draw informed conclusions. Through the study of historical events and environmental factors, learners are equipped to understand Pakistan’s origins, nationhood, and its role in world affairs. The course also emphasises sustainable development, critical thinking, and the significance of Pakistan’s economic, political, and social contexts.Subject content breakdown
1. The history and culture of Pakistan
1. Cultural and historical background to the Pakistan Movement
- Success of religious thinkers like Shah Waliullah, Syed Ahmad Barelvi, and Haji Shariatullah in spreading Islam.
- Causes and consequences of the Mughal Empire's decline, including Aurangzeb's policies, internal weaknesses, foreign invasions, and British expansion.
- Causes, course, and outcomes of the War of Independence 1857–58.
- Contributions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan to education, politics, religion, the Aligarh Movement, and the Two-Nation Theory.
- Role of Urdu and regional languages in cultural development since 1947.
2. The emergence of Pakistan 1906–47
- Development of the Pakistan Movement, aims of the Muslim League, constitutional reforms, and Hindu-Muslim relations.
- Khilafat Movement's aims, course, failure, and impact.
- Jinnah’s 14 Points, Round Table Conferences, Government of India Act 1935, and Congress Rule’s effect on Muslims.
- World War II meetings, Muslim League's election success, Cabinet Mission, Direct Action Day, and the partition process.
- Contributions of Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and Rahmat Ali to the Pakistan Movement.
3. Nationhood 1947–99
- Challenges of establishing an independent Pakistan and Jinnah’s role.
- Political developments from 1948–69, constitutional progress, and domestic reforms.
- Causes of East Pakistan’s secession and creation of Bangladesh.
- Policies of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Zia-ul-Haq, including Islamisation and political issues.
- Governance in the 1990s under Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, and the rise of Musharraf.
- Pakistan’s foreign relations, nuclear development, and role in international affairs.
The environment of Pakistan
1. The land of Pakistan
- Location, administrative areas, natural topography, and climate characteristics.
- Influence of geography on human activity.
2. Natural resources – an issue of sustainability
- Importance, control, and conflict over water resources.
- Forest types, afforestation, deforestation issues, and sustainability.
- Mineral extraction, environmental impact, and economic importance.
- Fishing methods, issues, and sustainability.
3. Power
- Extraction and use of non-renewable resources.
- Renewable energy sources, feasibility, and supply challenges.
4. Agricultural development
- Farming systems, crop and livestock patterns.
- Factors affecting production, irrigation types, waterlogging, and government interventions.
5. Industrial development
- Definitions, sectors, and the role of formal and informal industries.
- Factors influencing industrial locations and feasibility of tourism.
6. Trade
- Major exports/imports, trading partners, and trade challenges.
7. Transport and telecommunications
- Internal and international transport networks and development.
- Role and limitations of telecommunications.
8. Population and employment
- Population structures, growth, movements, distribution, and employment sectors.
- Causes and impacts of unemployment and the importance of education.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 The history and culture of Pakistan
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 75 marks; externally assessed.
- Section A: One compulsory question (25 marks) comprising four parts (a), (b), (c), (d), linked by a common theme; parts (a) and (b) are source-based.
- Section B: Two questions (50 marks) chosen from four options; each with three parts: knowledge (4 marks), understanding (7 marks), analysis/evaluation (14 marks) answered in essay form.
- Weighting: 50% of total grade.
Paper 2 The environment of Pakistan
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 75 marks; externally assessed.
- Candidates answer three questions from five options.
- Each question (25 marks) has four parts (a), (b), (c), (d), may include sub-parts.
- Questions assess interpretation of resources, analysis, and evaluation.
- Weighting: 50% of total grade.
General notes
- All answers must be in English.
- Recommended time allocation: 30 minutes per question.
- Offered in June and November series; available to private candidates.
- Cannot be combined with Cambridge IGCSE Pakistan Studies or other syllabuses with the same title.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Pakistan Studies 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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