IGCSE English — First Language
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English develops reading comprehension, directed writing, and composition skills for students who speak English as their first language.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
80%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~4 hours across 2 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Reading | 2 hours | 3 reading questions | 50% |
| Paper 2 — Directed Writing & Composition | 2 hours | Directed writing + 1 composition | 50% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Plan before you write: a clear, debatable thesis and 3–4 organized arguments beat unstructured brilliance.
- 2
Read examiner reports and high-scoring sample answers to internalize what top marks look like.
- 3
Build a quote bank for each text you study, organized by theme and character.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Explain what is meant by Reading Comprehension and identify the techniques a writer typically uses to convey it.
Analyse how a writer uses language, structure, and form in relation to Summary Writing. Quote specific evidence and explain its effect on the reader.
"A writer's treatment of Directed Writing reveals their deeper purpose." Discuss this view, developing a clear argument supported by close textual analysis.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Retelling the plot instead of analyzing the writer's choices and their effects.
- ✕
Quoting without commenting — evidence only earns marks when it is analyzed.
- ✕
Writing without a clear, arguable thesis, so the essay drifts.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE English — First Language — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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