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English Language IGCSE

CAIE IGCSE
The English Language is a key asset if you're interested in any career that involves written and spoken communication and requires a comprehensive grasp of the English language.
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Overview

The 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 opens the door to a career in numerous professions such as journalism, proofreading and more.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Persuasive Texts

    • Reading persuasive texts (Topic 01 Travel)
    • Persuasive writing (Topic 02 Environment)
    • Preparing to write
    • Developing a persuasive voice
    • Supporting your ideas
    • Proofreading

  2. Unit 2 - Descriptive Texts

    • Reading descriptive texts
    • Explicit and implicit understanding
    • Inferring attitudes
    • Descriptive writing
    • Creating atmosphere
    • Sequencing your description
    • Proofreading

  3. Unit 3 - Discursive Texts

    • Reading discursive texts
    • Recognising bias
    • Identifying fact and opinion
    • Analysing the writer’s methods
    • Understanding perspective

  4. Unit 4 - Narrative texts

    • Reading narrative texts
    • Defining a character
    • Identifying a voice
    • The importance of setting
    • Exploring structural techniques
    • Analysis of language techniques
    • Writing a journal
    • Structuring a narrative
    • Planning your story
    • Enhancing your vocabulary

  5. Unit 5 - Argument Texts

    • Degrees of formality
    • Counter argument
    • Revising persuasive features
    • The importance of anecdote
    • The structure of an argument
    • Writing an argument
    • Using the correct style

  6. Unit 6 - Comprehension 1

    • What is comprehension?
    • Explaining implicit meanings
    • Writing an informative speech
    • Genre transformation
    • Descriptive features
    • Sentence structures
    • Paragraphing and text organisation
    • Features of informative writing

  7. Unit 7 - Creative Writing Skills

    • Language features
    • Explaining imagery
    • Noun phrases
    • Paraphrasing
    • How to analyse non-fiction

  8. Unit 8 - Comprehension 2

    • Defining words and explaining connotations
    • Writing a formal report
    • Synthesis of information from two texts
    • Identifying relevant material
    • Revising commas
    • Linking paragraphs

  9. Unit 9 - Revision for Paper 1

    • Exam revision and tips
    • Exam Tips for Reading Paper 1 (Core)

  10. Unit 10 - Revision for Paper 2

    • Letter writing
    • Article writing

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.

View our other Cambridge Assessment International Education qualifications.

Awarding Body

cambridge-assessment-caieCambridge 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 an 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’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.

Course code: X803

English Language IGCSE

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Include exams (+£460)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Are adult IGCSE courses free?

Fees for IGCSE courses will vary depending on the exams. We offer flexible payment plans that can help you enrol in one of our courses. 

What is the difference between IGCSE English and GCSE English?

The English IGCSE qualification is an English GCSE that's examined and examinable anywhere in the world. The standard English GCSE, on the other hand, is rarely examined outside the UK. IGCSE English is an international qualification recognised all around the world.

Is IGCSE English Language worth doing?

Yes. If you are interested in writing, analysing and interpreting, IGCSE English Language can be your ideal course.

Do universities prefer IGCSE or GCSE?

Generally, universities do not prefer one qualification over the other. Both types of qualifications are held in high regard.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

IGCSEs are more challenging than GCSEs as they cover a wider range of topics. IGCSEs are internationally recognised so they will differ from GCSEs in this respect.

What is IGCSE English equivalent to?

IGCSE English is equivalent to the GCSE qualification in the same subject. 

What is IGCSE English language?

This course teaches you the technicalities of the English language and allows you to analyse various texts. You will discover the art of English and how to convey it clearly and concisely. When studying IGCSE English Language, you can expect to cover topics such as: 
  • Persuasive Texts 
  • Descriptive Texts 
  • Discursive Texts 
  • Narrative Texts 
  • Argument Texts 
  • Creative Writing Skills 
English has approximately 400 million native speakers worldwide, and it is genuinely a fascinating language that can be explored in many ways. 

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.

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.

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.

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.