📘 IGCSE First Language English (0500/0990) – Complete Guide
🔎 Overview
This course is designed for learners whose first language is English. It develops reading, writing, and text analysis skills across various genres. The syllabus encourages wide reading, fluent writing, and thoughtful engagement with texts.
🎯 Purpose and Aims
- Develop effective communication in English.
- Understand both explicit and implicit meanings in texts.
- Improve writing for accuracy, structure, and vocabulary.
- Encourage critical reading and personal interpretation.
📂 Assessment Structure
📝 Paper 1: Reading Passages (2 hours) – 50%
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Texts | Two unseen non-fiction texts (e.g., articles, letters) |
| Tasks | Comprehension, analysis, summary |
| Skills | Inference, writer’s effect, summarizing |
🔧 Question Types: Literal & inferential questions, writer’s effect analysis, summary writing.
✍️ Paper 2: Directed Writing and Composition (2 hours) – 50%
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Section A | Directed Writing – respond to a stimulus using specific formats |
| Section B | Composition – choice between descriptive and narrative writing |
🔧 Question Types: Letter, report, journal, descriptive and narrative essays.
🗣️ Optional Components (School Dependent)
- 🔊 Component 3: Coursework Portfolio – 3 pieces: narrative/descriptive, argumentative, and reading response.
- 🎤 Component 4: Speaking & Listening Test – Individual talks or group discussions (graded separately).
📘 Syllabus Codes
- 0500: March, June, November (Global)
- 0990: June, November (UK schools only)
🧠 How to Study Effectively
📖 Reading
- Practice finding main ideas, tone, and bias.
- Group ideas for summaries. Avoid repetition.
- Identify literary techniques: metaphor, irony, etc.
✍️ Writing
- Plan with intro, main ideas, conclusion.
- Edit grammar, punctuation, and structure.
- Analyze model essays to improve your style.
🗂️ Coursework Tips
- Draft, revise, and proofread carefully.
- Stick to the word limit and assignment focus.
🛠️ Key Skills to Master
| Skill | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Inference | Understand implied meanings |
| Language Analysis | Writer’s choices and effects |
| Summarizing | Concise, relevant writing |
| Descriptive Techniques | Imagery, sensory detail |
| Narrative Structure | Plot, setting, character |
| Discursive Structure | Balanced argumentation |
📚 What to Study
- Text Types: Articles, blogs, letters, speeches
- Genres: Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative
- Language Features: Tone, metaphor, hyperbole
- Grammar & Punctuation: Sentence types, connectors, paragraphing
📂 Free Resources and Practice
- 📘 Marian Cox IGCSE Coursebook – PDF
- 📘 Cambridge IGCSE Workbook – PDF
- 📺 Taughtly IGCSE English – YouTube
- 📺 MissHana Teaches English – YouTube
- 📄 Save My Exams – Practice Papers
- 📄 Cambridge Past Papers
- 📚 IGCSE Guide Forum
- 📚 TeachifyMe Notes
🧭 Tips for Exam Day
- Paper 1: Read questions first, highlight key ideas in text.
- Paper 2: Spend 5 mins planning each section, stick to time.
- Leave 5–10 minutes for proofreading.
- Use keywords from the question in your answer.
🏆 Success Checklist
- ✅ Read widely
- ✅ Practice under timed conditions
- ✅ Analyze model answers
- ✅ Review examiner reports
- ✅ Expand vocabulary
- ✅ Stay calm and confident