English Language IGCSE

Studying IGCSE English Language will change the way you think about the English language and the way you communicate.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

Due to high capacity this course is temporarily unavailable until early May 2023.

We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. We’ve experienced a high level of interest this year. We hope you will consider joining us in May!

Our learning advisers are available to answer any queries you may have:

 

 

 

 

 

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To get on our waiting list or speak to our learning advisers about the course please get in touch with any queries you may have.

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Have complete control over the pace and style of your learning needs. Choose to study from your phone, laptop, or tablet, 24/7. Online Learning has never been so simple, or so much fun!

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Whatever your starting point, we believe in empowering our students with complete flexibility and expert guidance at their fingertips. Take learning into your own hands with courses designed around you and achieve your potential with Oxbridge.

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  • Pay Monthly - interest free options available*. T&Cs apply.
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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Course material - online
Course material - printed copy

Overview

English language can be used to inspire, motivate, and challenge us in countless different ways and is an essential part of the way we interpret and appreciate the world around us. If you'd like to enhance your ability to critically analyse and engage with a wide variety of texts and genres, then English Language IGCSE is the right choice.

A qualification in English Language will open the doors for a career in numerous professions such as journalism, proofreading and more.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Persuasive Texts

In the opening section, you’ll work on developing vital skills such as closely and accurately reading texts, supporting your answers with evidence, and explaining inference. You’ll also work on developing summary skills such as note-taking and paraphrasing effectively.

Unit 2 - Descriptive Texts

Moving on, you’ll explore the descriptive elements of fiction texts, interpreting and explaining the writers’ methods and attitudes. Additionally, you’ll examine the difference between ‘explicit’ and ‘implicit’ understanding whilst reading excerpts from classic texts such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Unit 3 - Reading Discursive Texts

Next, you’ll take a look at the style and content of discursive texts in order to decipher facts, ideas, and opinions. You’ll deconstruct news articles, examine the author’s perspective and identify bias.

Unit 4 - Narrative Texts

In unit four, you’ll explore excerpts from two fiction texts: ‘Monologue’ by Hone Tuwhare and ‘Anna Karenina’ by Leo Tolstoy. You’ll read these passages closely, identifying how each author creates a narrative, defines characters, and sets a scene.

Unit 5 - Argument Texts

Here, you’ll explore how writers are able to influence their audience through form, structure, and language choices whilst examining two interesting non-fiction text excerpts. You’ll also look at how writers express counter-arguments within their texts and how they might use persuasive linguistic features such as imperatives.

Unit 6 - Comprehension

In order to fully understand and interpret any piece of writing, comprehension is an essent

‘1984’ by George Orwell. You’ll then try to unpick the implicit and explicit meaning behind the texts, paying close attention to the author’s choice of language.

Unit 7 - Summary Skills

Here, you’ll take a look at how to improve your analytical skills whilst examining some non-fiction passages. You’ll discover how to recognise and respond to linguistic devices, figurative language, and imagery, and how to express your own thoughts and ideas about a text fluently.

Extra info

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Fast Track - In a rush? You'll have the option to complete this course within a year.
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Guaranteed Exam Venue - Finding exam spaces can be tough, so with Oxbridge, you'll get guaranteed access to our network of exam centres around the UK
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Exam Pass Guarantee - We're so confident, that if you don't pass the first time, we'll support you to the next exam for free

Awarding Body

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Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of A-level courses and GCSE courses, qualifications and exams, delivering assessments to over 8 million learners in over 170 countries.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a IGCSE in English Language, issued by CAIE. This syllabus (0990) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for examinations for Summer 2024.

You'll be required to complete two IGCSE standard written exams.

  • Paper 1 - Reading: 2 hours, 80 marks, 50% of IGCSE.
    • This exam consists of structured and extended writing questions based on three reading texts.
  • Paper 2 - Writing: 2 hours, 80 marks, 50% of IGCSE.
    • This exam consists of extended writing questions and a composition task.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, you'll be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress. There is no coursework to complete.

Entry requirements

This level two IGCSE English language assumes a good command of both spoken and written English. The course will expect you to read and analyse a range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Therefore this course is not always suitable for those whose English is not their first language. If you're unsure, get in touch and we can offer you some guidance.

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

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How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education.

At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

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Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as GeographyEnglish Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

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Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

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Are online language courses effective?

Yes, they are; we have tons of success stories from students who have gone on to achieve their goals after studying with us. So whether you want to work overseas, communicate better when you travel or even improve your cognitive performance, there are many advantages to learning a new language.

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Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true.

Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed.

On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same!

If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

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What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for ‘International General Certificate of Secondary Education’.

Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

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Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success.

Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before.

If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

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Why invest in one of our online language courses?

Our courses are created by industry experts and taught by experienced and passionate tutors through our award-winning learning platform. You’ll gain all of the advantages of traditional education and so much more when you study with us.

Rather than learn at a specific time, place and pace of an entire class, you’re given total control when you enrol on a language course with us. You can study whenever and wherever is easiest for you, which is perfect if you’re navigating a full-time job or have family commitments that must take precedence.

Not only that, you have a whole team on hand to support you, from our learning advisers to personal tutors, who you can schedule one-to-one time with whenever you need additional help or support.

Browse through our language courses and speak to one of our learning advisers if you have any questions.

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Why study a language course?

Whether you: want to improve your understanding of the English language, require an A-level qualification in a specific language to progress on your chosen career path or, want to learn a new tongue as a hobby, taking language classes online is an effective way to learn without disrupting your lifestyle.

They say that the easiest way to learn a new language is to speak it regularly. When you enrol in one of our online language courses, you will have access to a personal tutor to help you every step of the way. You can learn to speak, read and write French or Spanish fluently at GCSE or A-level when you study with us.

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What will you learn on this English Language IGCSE course?

You’ll examine both contemporary and classic texts including novel excerpts from the 20th and 21st centuries, and analyse the author’s style and intent. You’ll discover how various forms of writing are constructed, including persuasive and descriptive texts. As you progress, you’ll be able to write confidently and concisely in a range of formats such as letters, reports, and interviews.

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Why study English Language IGCSE online?

This course has been designed to provide learners with an appropriate challenge whilst ensuring that the assessment and texts are, as far as possible, accessible to all students. It’s designed specifically to be studied online in your own time and space, and you’ll have unlimited tutor support, a clear induction, and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for the exam.

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Courses Taught by Experts

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor
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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.