The Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) First Language Arabic syllabus is designed for students whose first language is Arabic. This First Language syllabus develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. The syllabus also complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic (0508). You will find past papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic (0508); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) First Language Arabic (7184).

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.

The aims are to enable students to:

• communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in writing
• understand and respond appropriately to what they read
• enjoy and appreciate the variety of language
• complement their other areas of study by developing skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, synthesis, drawing of inferences)
• promote their personal development and an understanding of themselves and others.

Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) First Language Arabic offers candidates the opportunity to respond knowledgeably to a rich array of reading passages. Candidates will use some of these passages to inform and inspire their own writing, and write in a range of text types for different audiences.

The passages cover a range of genres and types, including fiction and non-fiction, and may also include other forms of writing, such as essays, reviews and articles.

Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers and writers in Arabic.

Paper 1 (2 hours)

• Reading 50%
• 50 marks
• Structured and extended writing questions
• Questions will be based on Arabic passages
• Externally assessed

Paper 2 (2 hours)

• Writing 50%
• 50 marks
• Two composition tasks
• Externally assessed

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At Pearson Edexcel we offer both Specification A and Specification B International GCSE qualifications for English Language – these have been designed to meet different student needs. The content and assessment approach for this Specification A qualification has been designed to meet student needs in the following ways:

Text types and text choices – we have ensured that the texts studied are engaging, suitable for all students, and that they include a diverse range of writers. The texts include poetry and prose as well as literary non-fiction. Choice of non-examined and examined assessment – we have provided alternative assessment routes to suit different centre and student needs across the world. Clear and straightforward question papers – our question papers are clear and accessible for all students of all ability ranges and learning styles. Our mark schemes are straightforward, so that the assessment requirements are clear.

Broad and deep development of students’ skills – the design of the revised International GCSE aims to extend students’ knowledge by broadening and deepening skills, for example:

Students develop the ability to:

• read and respond to material from a variety of sources
• make comparisons between texts and analyse the ways in which writers achieve their effects
• construct and convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose.

Development of spoken language skills – students are able to develop their understanding of the spoken word through an optional speaking and listening endorsement. Progression to A Level – International GCSEs enable successful progression onto A level and beyond. Through our world class qualification development process we have consulted with International A level and GCE A level teachers as well as university professors to validate the appropriateness of this qualification, including its content, skills development and assessment structure.

Centres wishing to teach English Language using a different approach to meet their students’ needs can use our Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Language (Specification B). We also offer International GCSE qualifications in English Literature and English as a Second Language within our overall English offer. More information about all of our qualifications can be found on our Pearson Edexcel International GCSE pages at: qualifications.pearson.com

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
• read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of
• grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.
• Spoken language will be reported as a separate grade on the student’s certificate.

• Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing
• The contemporary non-fiction texts from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
• Develop skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
• Explore links and connections between writers’ ideas and perspectives.
• Develop transactional writing skills for a variety of purposes and audiences.
• Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.
• Component: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
• The poetry and prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
• Develop skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
• Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader.
• Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.
• Component 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
• The poetry and prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
• Develop skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
• Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader.
• Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.
• Spoken language endorsement (optional)

• Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing
• Section A: Reading – a mixture of short- and long-answer questions related to a nonfiction text from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology and one previously unseen extract. Total of 45 marks.
• Section B: Transactional Writing – one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two involving a given audience, form or purpose.
• The total number of marks available is 90.
• The assessment duration is 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Students will be provided with the anthology text in the examination
• Component: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
• Section A: Reading: one 30-mark essay question on a poetry or prose text from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
• Section B: Imaginative Writing – one 30-mark imaginative writing task from a choice of three.
• The total number of marks available is 60.
• The assessment duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Students will be provided with the anthology text in the examination
• Component 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
• Assignment A: Poetry and prose texts – one 30-mark essay question based on any two poetry or prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology, including a 6-mark commentary on why these texts were selected.
• Assignment B: Imaginative writing – one 30-mark imaginative writing task.
• Spoken language endorsement (optional)
• The spoken language presentation may take a variety of forms, including:
• a speech or talk by a student, followed by questions from the audience.
• a formal debate or dialogue, such as an interview where the student is able to prepare extended responses to questions or prompts, which have been shared in advance, followed by questions from the audience.
• In all cases, the presentation should be prepared and last no longer than 10 minutes.

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Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language.   The syllabus is suitable for learners whose first language is not English develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking focuses on practical communication or everyday use, which can also form the basis for more in-depth language study develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.  

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.   The aims are to develop learners’ ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication form a solid foundation for the skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium develop learners’ awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills promote learners’ personal development.  

Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.   Learners will be presented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing. They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference between what is directly stated and implied, and practice writing for different purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spoken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics, and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity.   Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) English as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of English, and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.

Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Reading and Writing 70%
• 60 marks
• Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills
• Externally assessed

Paper 2 (2 hours)

• Reading and Writing 70%
• 80 marks
• Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills
• Externally assessed

Paper 3 (Approximately 40 minutes)

• Listening 30%
• 30 marks
• Candidates listen to several short extracts and longer texts, and complete a range of task types, including short-answer questions, gap filling, matching, multiple choice and notetaking.
• Externally assessed

Paper 4 (Approximately 50 minutes)

• Listening 30%
• 40 marks
• Candidates listen to several short extracts and longer texts, and complete a range of task types, including short-answer questions, gap filling, matching, multiple choice and notetaking.
• Externally assessed

Component 5 (Approximately 10–15 minutes)

• Speaking Separately endorsed
• 30 marks
• Following a 2–3-minute warm-up conversation, candidates engage in a 6–9 minute discussion with the examiner on a given topic.
• Internally assessed/externally moderated

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The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Literature is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson.   This specification includes the following key features:   Structure: the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Literature is a linear qualification. All components must be taken at the end of the course of study.   Content: features a relevant, updated and engaging selection of texts ranging from British heritage to modern international. Assessment: choice of a 100% external assessment, or a 60% external examination and 40% internal coursework option. Approach: building a foundation for students wishing to progress to Pearson Edexcel AS and Advanced Level in English Literature, or equivalent qualifications.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world
• develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers achieve their literary effects
• to develop the skills needed for literary study
• explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies
• find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies.

Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose   Content summary

• The poetry collection from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
• One modern prose text from the list of set texts
• Develop skills to analyse unseen poetry.
• Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meanings and effects.
• Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.
• Develop comparison skills
• Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
• Content summary
• One modern drama text from the list of set texts
• One literary heritage text from the list of set texts
• Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meaning and effect.
• Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.

  Paper 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts   One modern drama text from the list of set texts

• One literary heritage text from the list of set texts
• Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors are used to create meaning and effect.
• Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.

Component 1 Poetry and Modern Prose (examination) <

• Two-hour examination comprising three sections.
• Essay-based questions.
• Candidates may not bring texts to the examination, but are provided with the relevant poems.
• 90 marks

  Component 2 Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (examination)

• One-hour and 30-minute examination comprising two sections.
• Essay-based questions.
• This paper is an open book; candidates may bring prescribed texts to the examination.
• 60 marks

  OR
Component 3 Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (coursework)

• Two assignments, internally set and assessed
• Externally moderated by Pearson
• 60 marks

 

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