📘 IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510/0511) – Complete Guide
🌍 Who Is It For?
This syllabus is designed for students whose first language is not English. It focuses on developing practical communication skills in everyday situations, suitable for academic and professional settings.
- Syllabus Code 0510: Includes speaking test as part of final grade
- Syllabus Code 0511: Speaking test is reported as a separate endorsement
🎯 Main Objectives
- Understand and use English in familiar and unfamiliar situations
- Improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Communicate clearly and effectively for real-life purposes
- Build confidence for academic or workplace communication
- Develop independent learning strategies
📂 Assessment Structure
📝 Paper 1 (Core) / Paper 2 (Extended): Reading & Writing
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Core) / 2 hours (Extended)
Weight: 60% of the final grade
| Section | Focus | Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Factual and inferential understanding | Multiple choice, gap-fill, true/false, matching, short answers |
| Writing | Functional and creative writing | Form-filling, email/letter writing, article/report writing, summary |
✅ Tips:
- Read questions before reading the text
- Practice scanning and skimming techniques
- Write in clear paragraphs, use correct tone (formal/informal)
- Use linking words: however, moreover, in addition, etc.
🎧 Paper 3 (Core) / Paper 4 (Extended): Listening
Duration: ~40 minutes
Weight: 20% of the final grade
| Task Types | Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Gap-fill | Specific information |
| Matching | Understanding speaker intent |
| Multiple choice | Main ideas, tone, details |
✅ Tips:
- Use prediction: read questions before audio starts
- Take quick notes while listening
- Listen for synonyms (they often paraphrase the questions)
🗣️ Paper 5 / 6: Speaking
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Weight:
- 0510: Part of final grade
- 0511: Reported separately (endorsement)
| Sections | Tasks | 🧠 Key Skills to Build
|---|
| Skill | Examples |
|---|---|
| Reading | Identify facts, opinions, tone, purpose |
| Writing | Use formal/informal tone, correct format (email, article) |
| Listening | Recognize keywords, numbers, directions |
| Speaking | Respond fluently, expand on ideas, stay relevant |
🧾 What to Study
- Text Types: Emails, letters, brochures, articles, forms
- Vocabulary: Everyday English (travel, school, technology, health)
- Grammar: Tenses, passive voice, comparatives, modals, connectors
- Listening: Directions, interviews, announcements, dialogues
- Speaking: Describing, explaining, expressing opinions
🛠️ Study Tips
📖 Reading & Writing
- Practice from past papers regularly
- Learn model answers and analyze structure
- Improve summary writing: focus on key ideas, use own words
🎧 Listening
- Watch English videos with subtitles (YouTube, TED-Ed)
- Use listening apps like BBC Learning English
🗣️ Speaking
- Practice with a partner or record yourself
- Use cue cards or topic prompts
- Improve pronunciation via shadowing (repeat after native speakers)
📚 Free Resources
- 📘 Cambridge IGCSE ESL Coursebook PDF
- 📘 Collins Cambridge IGCSE ESL Workbook PDF
- 📄 Cambridge IGCSE ESL Past Papers & Mark Schemes
- 📄 Save My Exams (IGCSE ESL)
- 📺 Taughtly ESL Playlist
- 📺 Miss Hanna IGCSE ESL Tips
- 📺 Mr Salles ESL Writing
- 🎧 BBC Learning English
- 🎧 Elllo.org – Global English Listening
🏆 Success Checklist
- ✅ Practice writing in real formats (letters, reports)
- ✅ Improve reading speed and scanning
- ✅ Train your ear with different accents
- ✅ Build speaking confidence with topic practice
- ✅ Learn linking words and useful phrases
- ✅ Check and revise grammar basics
💬 Common Speaking Topics to Prepare
- Hobbies and leisure
- Daily routine
- Future plans
- Technology and social media
- Travel and culture
- Environment and health
- School and education