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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Awarding Body
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.