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English Language 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.
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9-24 months
-
150
-
Level 2
-
CAIE IGCSE
-
990
-
10 units (view units)
Awarding Body: CAIE
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.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
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
Unit 2: Descriptive Texts
- Reading descriptive texts
- Explicit and implicit understanding
- Inferring attitudes
- Descriptive writing
- Creating atmosphere
- Sequencing your description
- Proofreading
Unit 3: Discursive Texts
- Reading discursive texts
- Recognising bias
- Identifying fact and opinion
- Analysing the writer’s methods
- Understanding perspective
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
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
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
Unit 7: Creative Writing Skills
- Language features
- Explaining imagery
- Noun phrases
- Paraphrasing
- How to analyse non-fiction
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
Unit 9: Revision for Paper 1
- Exam revision and tips
- Exam Tips for Reading Paper 1 (Core)
Unit 10: Revision for Paper 2
- Letter writing
- Article writing
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.
Progression Routes
The English Language is a key subject that is respected by all educational institutions. On this course, you must demonstrate the ability to read and write coherently, which is useful in any field of work. After gaining this qualification, you can progress onto A-level courses, using the transferable skills gained to help you with your studies.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.