Cambridge IGCSE English – First Language: Exam Structure
Teacher Information Pack: how Cambridge IGCSE English – First Language is assessed, with links to the official documents.
- Qualification
- Cambridge IGCSE
- Ages
- 14–16
- Last checked
- 2026-10-20
Cambridge does not publish entry numbers per IGCSE syllabus (its June 2026 results statistics give only % of candidates at each grade, no counts), so the 15 subjects are the most commonly offered core, science, humanities and business/computing syllabuses (our choice).
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Papers and routes
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500)
exams 2027, 2028 and 2029
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Reading | 2 h | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 2: Directed Writing and Composition | 2 h | 80 | 50% |
| Component 3: Coursework Portfolio Non-exam assessment | not stated | 80 | 50% |
| Component 4: Speaking and Listening Test Endorsement (option) | 12 min | 40 | Reported separately |
Routes (2): Exam only: Paper 1 + Paper 2; With coursework: Paper 1 + Component 3. Each route adds up to 100%.
Official documents
- Cambridge International: syllabus / specification page
- Cambridge International: syllabus / specification (PDF)
- Cambridge International: past papers
- Cambridge International: grade thresholds / boundaries
More packs
IGCSE Mathematics · IGCSE English as a Second Language · IGCSE Literature in English · IGCSE Biology · IGCSE Chemistry · IGCSE Physics · IGCSE Combined Science · IGCSE Business · IGCSE Economics · IGCSE Computer Science · IGCSE Information and Communication Technology · IGCSE Accounting · IGCSE History · IGCSE Geography · All international packs
Facts taken from Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses published by Cambridge International Education. Summaries are Classfern's own words. Always check the current syllabus. Cambridge IGCSE is a trademark of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Exam details checked against the syllabus or specification on 2026-10-20. Always check the current version on the board's website. We store facts only (codes, papers, times, marks, weightings) with summaries in our own words; no syllabus, guide or paper text is reproduced, and past papers are linked, never re-hosted.
Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Cambridge International Education.
IB is named here only to link to our IB packs. This work has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization.