Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE English As A Second Language (Speaking Endorsement)
Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE English As A Second Language (Speaking Endorsement)
Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE English As A Second Language (Speaking Endorsement)
Cambridge IGCSE®
English as a Second Language
* This syllabus is approved for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a Cambridge
International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate (QN: 500/5653/0).
This syllabus has been updated. This is version 3 of the syllabus, published September 2016.
Syllabus 0510 is available in the March examination series for India only.
We have added guidance on Total Qualification Time value (TQT) to page 3. TQT includes both
guided learning hours and independent learning activities. The number of hours required to gain the
qualification may vary according to local curricular practice and the learners’ prior experience of the
subject.
Significant changes to the syllabus are indicated by black vertical lines either side of the text.
The amount and demand of the Spoken text in the test is unchanged.
Section 7 paragraphs 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 and 16 and Section 7.1 were updated.
You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching
programme.
Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are
permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission
to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a
Centre.
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?
1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language?
1.4 Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)
1.5 How can I find out more?
2. Teacher support............................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Support materials
2.2 Endorsed resources
2.3 Training
3. Assessment at a glance.................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Syllabus code 0510 (speaking endorsement)
3.2 Syllabus code 0511 (count-in speaking)*
5. Syllabus content............................................................................................................ 13
6. Description of components........................................................................................... 15
6.1 Component 1: Reading and writing (Core)
6.2 Component 2: Reading and writing (Extended)
6.3 Component 3: Listening (Core)
6.4 Component 4: Listening (Extended)
6.5 Component 5: Speaking
6.6 Component 6: Speaking coursework
8. Other information.......................................................................................................... 31
1. Introduction
Our programmes set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts,
are rooted in academic rigour, and provide a strong platform for progression. Over 10 000 schools in 160
countries work with us to prepare nearly a million learners for their future with an international education
from Cambridge.
Cambridge learners
Cambridge programmes and qualifications develop not only subject knowledge but also skills. We
encourage Cambridge learners to be:
• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
Recognition
Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international
passport to progression and success. It provides a solid foundation for moving on to higher level studies.
Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition
Our systems for managing the provision of international qualifications and education programmes
for learners aged 5 to 19 are certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard for quality
management, ISO 9001:2008. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/ISO9001
2 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Introduction
Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our programmes and qualifications to enable
students to become effective learners and to provide a solid foundation for their continuing educational
journey.
Through our professional development courses and our support materials for Cambridge IGCSEs, we
provide the tools to enable teachers to prepare learners to the best of their ability and work with us in the
pursuit of excellence in education.
Cambridge IGCSEs are considered to be an excellent preparation for Cambridge International AS and
A Levels, the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Group Award,
Cambridge Pre-U, and other education programmes, such as the US Advanced Placement program
and the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. Learn more about Cambridge IGCSEs at
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 3
Introduction
Prior learning
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed for learners whose first language is not
English but who use it as a lingua franca or language of study.
Progression
Cambridge IGCSEs are general qualifications that enable learners to progress directly to employment or to
proceed to further study.
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language are well
prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English or the equivalent.
4 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Teacher support
2. Teacher support
You can also go to our public website at www.cie.org.uk/igcse to download current and future syllabuses
together with specimen papers or past question papers and examiner reports from one series.
For teachers at registered Cambridge schools a range of additional support materials for specific
syllabuses is available from Teacher Support, our secure online support for Cambridge teachers. Go to
http://teachers.cie.org.uk (username and password required).
We have resource lists which can be filtered to show all resources, or just those which are endorsed by
Cambridge. The resource lists include further suggestions for resources to support teaching.
2.3 Training
We offer a range of support activities for teachers to ensure they have the relevant knowledge and skills to
deliver our qualifications. See www.cie.org.uk/events for further information.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 5
Assessment at a glance
3. Assessment at a glance
Candidates who study the Core curriculum take Components 1 and 3, and candidates who study the
Extended curriculum take Components 2 and 4. It is not possible for candidates to combine Component 1
with Component 4 or Component 2 with Component 3.
Components Weighting
Candidates take either: or:
Component 1 Reading and writing Component 2 Reading and writing 70%
(Core) (Extended)
Written paper Written paper
1 hour 30 minutes 2 hours
There are seven tasks in the paper, testing There are seven tasks in the paper,
a range of reading and writing skills. testing a range of reading and writing
skills.
Candidates who take this component are
eligible for grades C–G. Candidates who take this component are
eligible for grades A*–E.
70 marks
Externally marked 90 marks
Externally marked
and either: or:
Component 3 Listening (Core) Component 4 Listening (Extended) 30%
Written paper Written paper
Approximately 40 minutes Approximately 50 minutes
Candidates listen to several short extracts Candidates listen to several short extracts
and longer texts, and complete a range and longer texts, and complete a range
of task types, including short-answer of task types, including short-answer
questions, gap filling, matching and questions, gap filling, matching, multiple
multiple choice. choice and note taking.
Candidates who take this component are Candidates who take this component are
eligible for grades C–G. eligible for grades A*–E.
30 marks 40 marks
Externally marked Externally marked
6 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Assessment at a glance
30 marks 30 marks
Internally marked and Internally marked and
externally moderated externally moderated
Speaking endorsement
In syllabus 0510, marks for the Speaking component do not contribute to the overall grade candidates
receive for the written components. Instead, where candidates perform to an appropriate standard,
certificates record separately the achievements of grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) for speaking.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 7
Assessment at a glance
There are seven tasks in the paper testing There are seven tasks in the paper testing
a range of reading and writing skills. a range of reading and writing skills.
Candidates who take this component are Candidates who take this component are
eligible for grades C–G. eligible for grades A*–E.
70 marks 90 marks
Externally marked Externally marked
and either: or:
Component 3 Listening (Core) Component 4 Listening (Extended) 15%
Approximately 40 minutes Approximately 50 minutes
Candidates listen to several short extracts Candidates listen to several short extracts
and longer texts, and complete a range and longer texts, and complete a range
of task types, including short-answer of task types, including short-answer
questions, gap filling, matching and questions, gap filling, matching, multiple
multiple choice. choice and note taking.
Candidates who take this component are Candidates who take this component are
eligible for grades C–G. eligible for grades A*–E.
30 marks 40 marks
Externally marked Externally marked
and either: or:
Component 5 Speaking Component 6 Speaking coursework 15%
Approximately 10–15 minutes n/a
30 marks 30 marks
Internally marked and Internally marked and
externally moderated externally moderated
* Candidates who enter for the regulated version of this syllabus must enter for 0511 (count-in speaking).
8 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Assessment at a glance
Availability
0510 is examined in the June and November examination series. This syllabus is also available for
examination in the March examination series for India only.
Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach these syllabuses.
Candidates can combine syllabus 0511 in an examinaton series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except:
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level
• 0500 Cambridge IGCSE First Language English
• 0522 Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate First Language English
• 1119 Cambridge O Level English Language (Malaysia)
• 1120 Cambridge O Level English Language (Brunei)
• 1123 Cambridge O Level English Language.
Please note that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates and Cambridge
O Level syllabuses are at the same level.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 9
Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
AO2: Writing
W1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
W2 convey information and express opinions effectively
W3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
W4 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of appropriate vocabulary
W5 observe conventions of paragraphing, punctuation and spelling
W6 employ appropriate register/style
AO3: Listening
L1 identify and retrieve facts and details
L2 understand and select relevant information
L3 recognise and understand ideas, opinions and attitudes and the connections between related ideas
L4 understand what is implied but not actually stated, e.g. gist, relationships between speakers, speaker’s
purpose/intention, speaker’s feelings, situation or place
10 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
AO4: Speaking
S1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
S2 convey information and express opinions effectively
S3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
S4 demonstrate knowledge of a range of appropriate vocabulary
S5 engage in and influence the direction of conversation
S6 employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns
Syllabus 0510
Syllabus 0511
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 11
Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
12 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Syllabus content
5. Syllabus content
Candidates may follow either the Core curriculum only or the Extended curriculum which includes both the
Core and Extended. Candidates aiming for grades A* to B must follow the Extended curriculum.
Core Extended
• understand simple texts, e.g. public • understand and select from a range of
notices and signs (including timetables and texts in a variety of forms, including
advertisements) public notices, signs, and magazines and
• identify and retrieve some facts from newspapers
simple texts, e.g. to complete a form • identify and retrieve facts, details,
• select and organise some relevant important points and themes from a range
information from a range of texts including of texts, including extended pieces of
letters, brochures, forms and imaginative writing, e.g. to complete a form
writing within the experience of young • select and organise relevant information
people and reflecting the interests of from a range of texts including letters,
people from varied cultural backgrounds brochures, forms, extended texts and
• recognise some ideas, opinions and imaginative writing within the experience
attitudes in a range of texts of young people and reflecting the interests
of people from varied cultural backgrounds
• begin to understand what is implied but
not actually written, e.g. gist, purpose and • recognise and understand ideas, opinions
intention and attitudes within extended texts and
explore the connections between them
• understand what is implied but not actually
written, e.g. gist, purpose and intention
Core Extended
• carry out simple writing tasks in response • carry out a range of writing tasks in
to a written stimulus, such as completing response to a written stimulus, on a range
a form, writing a postcard, a short letter, of topics, including completing a form,
a basic summary or an extended piece of writing a postcard, a letter, a summary or
writing (100–150 words) in an appropriate extended piece of writing in an appropriate,
and accurate form of English accurate and clear form of English
• describe, report and give personal • describe, report and give a wide range of
information information
• identify, organise and present material in a • identify, organise, structure and present
particular format for a particular audience material in an appropriate format and
or purpose, e.g. an article for a school register for a particular audience or
newspaper purpose, e.g. an article for a school
newspaper
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 13
Syllabus content
Core Extended
Core Extended
14 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
6. Description of components
There are seven exercises in the question paper. The exercises have different mark allocations, and some
exercises consist of a series of sub-questions. Candidates must answer all questions and sub-questions in
each exercise.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 15
Description of components
Assessment R1, R2
objective
Task Reading exercise. Candidates read a short text and answer a series of questions testing
skim-reading skills. Candidates write short (single word/phrase) answers.
Text type One of the following: advertisement, brochure, leaflet, guide, report, manual,
instructions.
Total marks 7
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
16 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
Exercise 6
Exercise 7
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 17
Description of components
There are seven exercises in the question paper. The exercises have different mark allocations, and some
exercises consist of a series of sub-questions. Candidates must answer all questions and sub-questions in
each exercise.
18 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
Assessment R1, R2
objective
Task Reading exercise. Candidates read a short text and answer a series of questions testing
skim-reading skills. Candidates write short (single word/phrase) answers.
Text type One of the following: advertisement, brochure, leaflet, guide, report, manual, instructions.
Total marks 9
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 19
Description of components
Exercise 5
Exercise 6
Exercise 7
20 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
Candidates write all their answers in spaces provided in a question paper booklet. Candidates should
attempt all questions.
Each question tests listening comprehension of recorded texts (e.g. dialogues, announcements,
conversations, talks) on a compact disc (CD) played in the examination room. Candidates hear each text
twice.
An invigilator, not the candidate(s), controls the CD. Teachers/invigilators should consult the relevant
sections of the Cambridge Handbook about the conduct of listening tests and for details about rooms,
equipment, guidance on acoustics and checking the CDs in advance.
Assessment L1
objective
Task Candidates listen to four short extracts and answer questions on each. Questions
require short answers, no longer than three words each.
Text types Answerphone messages or brief dialogues (formal or informal).
Total marks 8 (2 marks per extract)
Question 5
Assessment L1, L2
objectives
Task Candidates listen to a talk and complete gaps in notes/sentences.
Text types A formal talk.
Total marks 8
Question 6
Assessment L3, L4
objectives
Task Candidates listen to six short extracts and match each speaker to appropriate content.
Text types Short, informal monologues.
Total marks 6
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 21
Description of components
Question 7
Assessment L3, L4
objectives
Task Candidates listen to a discussion between two speakers and answer 3-option
multiple-choice questions.
Text types An informal discussion between two speakers, with a host to introduce the
discussion.
Total marks 8
Candidates write all their answers in spaces provided in a question paper booklet.
Each question tests listening comprehension of recorded texts (e.g. dialogues, announcements,
conversations, talks) on a compact disc (CD) played in the examination room. Candidates hear each text
twice.
An invigilator, not the candidate(s), controls the CD. Teachers/invigilators should consult the relevant
sections of the Cambridge Handbook about the conduct of listening tests and for details about rooms,
equipment, guidance on acoustics and checking the CDs in advance.
Assessment L1
objective
Task Candidates listen to four short extracts and answer questions on each. Questions
require short answers, no longer than three words each.
Text types Answerphone messages or brief dialogues (formal or informal).
Total marks 8 (2 marks per extract)
22 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
Question 5
Assessment L1, L2
objectives
Task Candidates listen to a talk and complete gaps in notes/sentences.
Text types A formal talk.
Total marks 8
Question 6
Assessment L3, L4
objectives
Task Candidates listen to six short extracts and match each speaker to appropriate content.
Text types Short, informal monologues.
Total marks 6
Question 7
Assessment L3, L4
objectives
Task Candidates listen to a discussion between two speakers and answer multiple-choice
questions.
Text types A semi-formal discussion between two speakers, with a host to introduce the
discussion.
Total marks 8
Question 8
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 23
Description of components
Centres receive a range of speaking test cards, with an accompanying set of teacher’s notes. Each card
introduces a topic for discussion between the teacher/examiner and the candidate, together with prompts
for the development of the conversation.
The teacher/examiner selects one speaking test card from the range provided for each candidate.
A teacher/examiner at the Centre assesses the tests using the speaking assessment criteria grid (see
Section 7 Speaking tests: guidance for Centres).
The teacher/examiner will usually be someone from the Centre’s English Language department, but could
be someone local from outside the Centre.
The teacher/examiner will conduct and internally assess the tests, and will submit a recorded sample of
candidate’s performances for external moderation by Cambridge. Centres will receive a brief report on the
outcome of moderation.
The internally moderated marks for all candidates must be recorded on the Coursework Assessment
Summary Form. These forms, and the instructions for completing them, may be downloaded from
www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0510 or 0511) and your
Centre number, after which it will take you to the correct form. Follow the instructions when completing
the form.
The notes accompanying the speaking test cards contain full instructions on the administration
of the speaking test. There is a summary in Section 7 of this syllabus to read in conjunction with
general advice on submission of samples for moderation in the Cambridge Handbook.
24 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Description of components
Centres devise their own speaking tasks. Examples of suitable tasks include:
• role-play situations
• interviews
• telephone conversations
• paired or group discussions
• debates.
Centres may devise other appropriate tasks which will help candidates demonstrate the skills outlined in the
speaking assessment criteria grid in Section 7.1 of this syllabus.
Candidates can complete these tasks at any time during the year before the main examination series, to suit
the Centre. After this, the Centre must submit a recorded sample and the relevant documentation to Cambridge
for external moderation before the advertised deadline (which is the same as that for Component 5).
Candidates must complete three speaking tasks, and a teacher/examiner at the Centre assesses them
using the speaking assessment criteria grid (see Section 7 Speaking tests: guidance for Centres).
Candidates’ marks for Component 6: Speaking Coursework, must be recorded on the Individual Candidate
Record Card produced by Cambridge. These forms, and the instructions for completing them, may be
downloaded from www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e 0510
or 0511) and your Centre number, after which it will take you to the correct forms. Follow the instructions
when completing each form.
The teacher/examiner will usually be someone from the Centre’s English Language department, but could
be someone local from outside the Centre.
The teacher/examiner will conduct and internally assess the tests, and will submit a recorded sample of
candidate performances for external moderation by Cambridge. Centres will receive a brief report on the
outcome of moderation.
The internally moderated marks for all candidates must be recorded on the Coursework Assessment
Summary Form. These forms, and the instructions for completing them, may be downloaded from
www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0510 or 0511) and your
Centre number, after which it will take you to the correct form. Follow the instructions when completing
the form.
The teacher/examiner must conduct internal assessment and submit samples for moderation in
accordance with the instructions in the Cambridge Handbook.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 25
Speaking tests: guidance for Centres
General information
1. The speaking tests take place in the period before the main examination series, as notified on the
timetable. Each Centre decides on a convenient period within these dates for its speaking tests. It
is recommended that the tests are conducted within one week to allow sufficient time for a single
examiner to conduct all of the tests. See Section 4 below.
2. Centres must ensure well in advance of the tests that a suitably quiet room is available and that
recording equipment is in good order.
3. Centres must adhere to dates for completion of the speaking tests and for the receipt of mark sheets
and recordings at Cambridge to allow sufficient time for external moderation. It is vital that material does
not arrive late.
4. For Centres with 30 or fewer candidates, there should normally be just one examiner. Each Centre will
select its own examiner. This is normally a teacher within the English Language Department, but could
be someone local from outside the Centre. A group of neighbouring Centres might choose the same
teacher to conduct all their tests; in such a case each Centre is still responsible for submitting properly
completed forms and samples. Cambridge is not responsible for any fees agreed.
Centres with more than 30 candidates may use more than one examiner (applying the ratio of an
additional examiner for each 30 candidates). If using more than one examiner, internal moderation must
be carried out by the Centre so that a common standard is applied to all candidates.
5. Centres entering candidates for the examination receive a set of speaking assessment cards, notes
about administration and forms for entering marks. The speaking assessment cards must not
be opened until one working day before the test. Please note this is a change from previous
instructions. These materials must remain confidential and must be kept in a secure place by the
Centre until the end of the examination period.
6. Each Centre must send to Cambridge the following: (a) recorded sample on CD; (b) completed MS1
Forms (or printout of marks submitted electronically); (c) completed Speaking Examination Summary
Form(s):
(a) Recorded sample
Each Centre must provide a sample of speaking tests, to be recorded on CD. The size of the sample
required is given in the instructions on the back of the Speaking Examination Summary Form.
Please ensure that you do not send the recordings of all the candidates (unless there are 10 or fewer).
Ideally the sample should be transferred to one or two CDs. You should keep a copy of the recorded
sample in case of loss or damage to the original. If the sample sent to Cambridge is inaudible or faulty in
any way, you may be asked to provide a replacement.
The teacher responsible for internal moderation at the Centre must ensure that the sample covers the
whole mark range of the candidates at the Centre, with marks spaced as evenly as possible from the
top mark to the lowest mark. Where there is more than one teacher involved, the sample must include,
in equal number, candidates tested by all teachers.
For instructions on recording the samples, see Section 14 below. CDs must be sent to Cambridge
together with completed documents. CDs must be clearly labelled with details of the candidates whose
speaking tests have been submitted.
26 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Speaking tests: guidance for Centres
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 27
Speaking tests: guidance for Centres
9. Examination conditions must prevail in the area where the speaking tests take place. Adequate
supervision must be provided to ensure that candidates leaving the examination room do not
communicate with those waiting to enter.
10. No other person should be present during the speaking test, with the exception of another teacher/
examiner, moderator or representative of Cambridge.
11. Candidates cannot bring any notes into the examination room. They are not allowed to consult
dictionaries.
12. A range of speaking assessment cards is provided, and the examiner (not the candidate) chooses the
card to be used for each candidate. As wide a variety as possible of the cards should be used during the
speaking tests at the Centre. In order that candidates are given every chance to do themselves justice,
the speaking assessment card should be selected with care. The warm-up may give the examiner an
indication of the best card to select but the examiner must not allow the candidate to lead the
choice of topic.
13. The examiner should be positioned so that he/she is facing the candidate, with a table or desk in
between, and not allow candidates to see notes made on Speaking Examination Summary Forms or
similar paperwork.
At the end of the sample the examiner should state clearly ‘end of sample’.
Before the CD is despatched, spot checks must be made to ensure that every candidate is clearly
audible. The contents of each CD must be clearly labelled. Each track on the CD should be re-named,
giving the candidate name and number, rather than ‘track 1’, ‘track 2’, etc.
28 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Speaking tests: guidance for Centres
General advice
15. Please bear the following in mind when marking:
Be objective. Do not allow any knowledge of a candidate’s personality and attributes to influence
objective assessment. For example, knowledge that a candidate is very conscientious in his/her
homework is irrelevant in assessing his/her speaking test. If the candidate’s performance is affected
because he/she faces difficult circumstances or personal problems at the time of the test, this is a
matter to be dealt with via special considerations procedures, for which exams officers at Centres
complete separate documentation. Examiners must not make any separate allowance themselves.
Be realistic. Remember that it is not necessary for a candidate to be of native speaker standard to be
given maximum marks within any single category. But knowledge of a candidate’s first language must
not lead an examiner to ignore particular habitual errors and overlook inaccuracy.
Be consistent. It is important that the marking criteria are applied in the same way for all the candidates
at the Centre, so that a reliable rank order for the Centre is obtained.
Be positive. Marking the test should be seen as giving credit for what candidates can do, not penalising
them for what they cannot do. This does not mean that matters of inaccuracy in, for example, grammar
and pronunciation are to be overlooked, but is a reminder that a speaking test is intended to credit
positive achievement.
16. To conduct speaking tests effectively:
• try to put the candidate at their ease from the outset (smiling as they enter the room, indicating
where they should sit) while maintaining a clear sense that the speaking test is being conducted in a
formal examination situation
• show interest, even in mundane matters
• use ‘open’ questions which allow candidates to respond at length, not ‘closed’ questions which
prompt yes/no answers.
Please avoid:
• walking about or distracting candidates
• interrupting with your own views or correcting mistakes
• showing undue surprise or impatience
• giving the impression that there are ‘right’ answers to questions or that the test is a test of
knowledge
• making written notes during the test
• indicating how well the candidate has performed during or after the test.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 29
Speaking tests: guidance for Centres
30 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Other information
8. Other information
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities
or learning difficulties. Arrangements can be put in place for these candidates to enable them to access the
assessments and receive recognition of their attainment. Access arrangements will not be agreed if they
give candidates an unfair advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who are unable to access the assessment may be eligible to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have taken.
Information on access arrangements is found in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from
the website www.cie.org.uk/examsofficer
Language
This syllabus and the associated assessment materials are available in English only.
Entry codes
To maintain the security of our examinations, we produce question papers for different areas of the world,
known as ‘administrative zones’. Where the component entry code has two digits, the first digit is the
component number given in the syllabus. The second digit is the location code, specific to an administrative
zone. Information about entry codes can be found in the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 31
Additional information for regulated syllabuses
Candidates who are awarded grades D to G will have achieved an award at Level 1 of the National
Qualifications Framework. Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C will have achieved an award at
Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.
Prior learning
Candidates in England who are beginning this course should normally have followed the Key Stage 3
programme of study within the National Curriculum for England.
Other candidates beginning this course should have achieved an equivalent level of general education.
Progression
Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates are general qualifications that enable learners to
progress directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.
This syllabus provides a foundation for further study at Levels 2 and 3 of the National Qualifications
Framework, including GCSE, Cambridge International AS and A Level GCE, and Cambridge Pre-U
qualifications.
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C are well prepared to follow courses leading to Level 3 AS and
A Level GCE English Language, or the Cambridge International AS and A Level English.
Overlapping qualifications
Every qualification is assigned to a discount code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. Candidates
who enter for more than one qualification with the same discount code will only have one grade (the
highest) counted for the purpose of the school and college performance tables.
Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two qualifications with the same discount
code, colleges are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two qualifications.
Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should seek advice, either from their
Centre or the institution to which they wish to progress.
For the latest information on discount codes and performance tables, please see the Department for
Education website.
32 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018.
Additional information for regulated syllabuses
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510/0511. Syllabus for examination in 2017 and 2018. 33
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