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  • Cambridge IGCSE English - First Language (US) (0524)

Cambridge IGCSE English - First Language (US) (0524)

This syllabus is available only to Centers participating in the NCEE Excellence for All initiative in the USA. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (US) is designed for learners whose first language is English. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (US) learners develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and 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 First Language English (US) also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Syllabuses

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

  • 2017 - 2018 Syllabus (PDF, 221KB)
    • 2017 - 2018 Syllabus update (PDF, 160KB)
  • 2019 Syllabus (PDF, 467KB)
  • 2020 - 2021 Syllabus (PDF, 287KB)
  • 2022 Syllabus (PDF, 289KB)

Syllabus Support

  • Common Core State Standards for First Language English (US) (0524) (PDF, 164KB)

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

Sign up for updates about changes to the syllabuses you teach

  • We revise qualifications regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world. This syllabus has been reviewed and revised for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021.

    How has the syllabus changed?

    • To help teachers and learners, we have simplified the wording and added more guidance.
    • We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what is expected of them in the exam.

    How has the assessment changed?

    • We have removed tiering from this syllabus so that there is only one Reading paper. This applies to all candidates who will have access to grades A*–G.
    • We will no longer assess Speaking and Listening through coursework but by a test. It will remain optional, will be separately endorsed and will not contribute to a candidate’s overall grade.
    • All candidates will take Paper 1 (Reading) and Component 3 (Coursework Portfolio). Component 4 (Speaking and Listening Test) will be optional.
    • Paper 1 (Reading) will be familiar to teachers and candidates. It is a 2-hour paper and candidates answer three compulsory questions. The three questions are:
      • Comprehension and summary task
      • Short-answer questions and language task
      • Extended response to reading.
    • Candidates continue to submit a portfolio of three assignments. The three assignments will change, although the skills required will be the same:
      • writing to discuss/argue, and/or persuade in response to a text or texts
      • writing to describe
      • writing to narrate.
    • For Speaking and Listening, there will be two parts to the test: Individual Talk and Conversation.

    When do these changes take place?

    These changes are for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. For full details, please refer to the 2020-2021 syllabus above, including the ‘Changes to this syllabus’ section, as well as the new specimen paper.

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