Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English - First Language 0990

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) First Language English is designed for learners whose first language is English. The course enables learners to:

develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500). You can view papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) First Language English (0990).

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus Support

The Syllabus Support syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Support for First Language English (PDF, 1MB)

Important notices

Syllabus availability
- From 2019 this syllabus will be available in Administrative Zone 3 in both June and November. Check the administrative zones for your school.
Grading scale
- Please note that if you make an entry for the 9-1 grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the A*-G grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the 9-1 syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.
English for every learner
- Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020 or 2021.
  
  Publication of grade descriptions for these syllabuses has been delayed. This is to make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the full range of candidate performance after the 2020 and 2021 series.
Front covers
- From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

Syllabus update

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