IGCSE English as a Second Language

IGCSE English as a Second Language

Board Cambridge Assessment International Education Specification 0991/0993

This is a high-level IGCSE English examination for international students whose first language is not English. It involves 2 examination papers at the end of Year 11 focusing on reading, writing and listening.

Paper one is 2 hours and covers a range of reading texts and comprehension exercises and three writing tasks, demonstrating their ability to write clearly and effectively to a specific audience.

Paper 2 is 45 minutes and is a listening paper focusing on real-life radio broadcasts and podcasts. There is also a 20-minute oral examination which is taken in March or April. There is no coursework for this paper, the grades are awarded solely on the basis of the examination.

This qualification is widely recognised by English universities (e.g. UCL, Bristol University, Bath University) as an acceptable English language requirement.