ISS Virtual Secondary Library Learning Center: Overview: Format and Content of the Exam

The IGCSE First Language Exam is concerned with testing students' reading and writing and is based on the following Assessment Objectives (AOs): 

AO1:  Reading

• Demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings. 
• Demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes. 
• Analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text. 
• Demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers. 
• Select and use information for specific purposes. 

AO2: Writing 

• Articulate experience and express what is thought,  felt and imagined. 
• Organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect. 
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context. 
• Use register appropriate to context. 
• Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 

AO3:  Speaking and Listening 

• Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined. 
• Present facts, ideas and opinions in a cohesive order which sustains the audience's interest. 
• Communicate clearly and purposefully using fluent language.  
• Use register appropriate to context. 
• Listen and respond appropriately in conversation. 

Content of the Examination: 

Paper 1:  Reading - 2 Hours (50%) 

• Students answer 3 compulsory questions based on three unseen texts.

• Question 1:

Comprehension and Summary Task (30 marks: Comprehension 15 marks, Summary 10 marks for reading and 5 marks for writing) 

• Question 2:

Short Answer Questions and Language Task (25 marks: Short Answers totalling 10 marks and Language Task 15 marks) 

• Question 3:

Extended Response to Reading (25 marks:  15 marks for reading and 10 marks for writing) 

• This component is externally assessed. 
• 80 marks possible.

Paper 2:  Directed Writing and Composition - 2 Hours (50%) 

• Students can take either Paper 2 or Component 3 (Coursework).  In Paper 2, students answer 2 questions, one in Section A, and one in Section B. 
  • Section A:  Directed Writing (40 marks: 15 marks for Reading and 25 for Writing) 
  • Students answer one question on two texts. 
  • Section B:  Composition (40 marks: 40 marks for Writing). 
  • Students complete one task from a choice of four. 
  • This component is externally assessed. 
  • 80 marks possible.