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CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers

Welcome to our CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers page, where you can access a comprehensive collection of past papers to help you prepare for your exams. Our collection includes specimen papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, all designed to improve your skills and achieve academic success. Whether you're a student or a teacher, our easy-to-use platform allows you to access all the resources you need to improve your skills and achieve academic success. So why wait? Start exploring now and prepare for your exams with confidence!

2020 Specimen papers (0500) (9-1) – English – First Language

• | Paper 1 (Core): 0500/01 Reading Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 3: 0500/02 - Directed Writing and Composition Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2019 (0627) (9-1) and (0500) – English – First Language

• | Paper 1 (Core): 0500/11 Reading Passages (also 0627 9-1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 2 (Extended): 0500/21 Reading Passages (also 0627 9-1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 3: 0500/31 Directed Writing and Composition (also 0627 9-1) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2019 (0990) (9-1) – English – First Language

• | Paper 1 (Core): 0990/11 Reading Passages Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 2 (Extended): 0990/21 Reading Passages Extended Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 3: 0990/31 Directed Writing and Composition Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2018 (0627) – (9-1) (UK Only)

• | Paper 1 (Core): 0627/01 Reading Passages Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2018 (0500) – English – First Language

• | Paper 1 (Core): 0500/11 Reading Passages Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 2 (Extended): 0500/21 Reading Passages Question Paper Mark Scheme
• | Paper 3: 0500/31 Directed Writing and Composition Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2017 – English – First Language

June 2017 – english – first language 0627 (igcse 9-1).

• | Paper 1: 0627/01 Reading Passages Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2016 – English – First Language

1-to-1 lessons tailored to cie igcse english language past papers, ➞what are cie igcse english language past papers.

CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers are previous exam papers for the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) IGCSE English Language qualification. These papers are used by students to practice and prepare for their exams.

➞Where can I find CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers?

CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers can be found on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website or other educational websites that provide past papers for students to use for practice.

➞Why are CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers important?

CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers are important because they provide students with an opportunity to practice answering exam-style questions and to become familiar with the format and structure of the exam. This helps students to feel more confident and prepared for their actual exam.

➞How do I use CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers to prepare for my exam?

To use CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers to prepare for your exam, start by selecting a past paper from a reliable source. Set yourself a time limit to complete the paper, and then answer the questions to the best of your ability. Once you have finished, check your answers and identify areas where you need to improve. Use this feedback to guide your future study and revision.

➞Can CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers help me to achieve a higher grade in my exam?

Yes, CIE IGCSE English Language Past Papers can help you to achieve a higher grade in your exam. By practicing exam-style questions, you can become more confident and familiar with the format and structure of the exam. This can help you to perform better on the day of your actual exam.

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Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language Past Papers

This section includes recent IGCSE English Language A (9-1) past papers from Pearson Edexcel (4EA1) and IGCSE English Language B (4EB1). You can download each of the Pearson International GCSE English Language past papers and marking schemes by clicking the links below. Scroll down for papers from previous years.

June 2023 Pearson IGCSE English Language A Past Exam Papers (4EA1)

June 2023 Paper 1: 4EA1/01  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2023 Paper 1: 4EA1/01R  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2023 Paper 2: 4EA1/02  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2023 Paper 2: 4EA1/02R  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2023 Pearson IGCSE English Language B Past Exam Papers (4EB1)

June 2023 Paper 1: 4EB1/01 Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2023 Paper 1: 4EB1/01R Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Pearson IGCSE English Language A Past Exam Papers (4EA1)

June 2022 Paper 1: 4EA1/01  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Paper 1: 4EA1/01R  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Paper 2: 4EA1/02  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Paper 2: 4EA1/02R  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Pearson IGCSE English Language B Past Exam Papers (4EB1)

June 2022 Paper 1: 4EB1/01 Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 Paper 1: 4EB1/01R Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 Pearson IGCSE English Language A Past Exam Papers (4EA1)

June 2019 Paper 1: 4EA1/01  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 Paper 1: 4EA1/01R  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 Paper 2: 4EA1/02  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 Paper 2: 4EA1/02R  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

January 2019 Pearson IGCSE English Language A Past Exam Papers (4EA1)

January 2019 Paper 1: 4EA1/01  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

January 2019 Paper 1: 4EA1/01R  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

January 2019 Paper 2: 4EA1/02  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

January 2019 Paper 2: 4EA1/02R  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 Pearson IGCSE English Language A Past Exam Papers (4EA1)

June 2018 Paper 1: 4EA1/01  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 Paper 1: 4EA1/01R  Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018  Paper 2: 4EA1/02  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 Paper 2: 4EA1/02R  Poetry & Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

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CIE IGCSE English Language : Past Papers

Concise resources for the IGCSE CIE English Language course.

English Language (0500)

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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GCSE grade boundaries 2024 - full list for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA

Millions of young Brits who left school this year are set to discover their GCSE results this morning as they consider continuing their education or a move into the workforce

• 09:02, 22 Aug 2024
• Updated 10:22, 22 Aug 2024

Fretting teenagers are about to learn their GCSE results this morning after years of hard work.

Pupils across the UK sat various examinations through to June 19, with their grades used to determine the college and studies they will take as they transition to further education or into the world of work.

Students taking GCSEs in England will receive grades from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade. Grade 4 is the new equivalent to a C with Grade 9 equivalent to an A*. Grade boundaries - the minimum number of marks to qualify for each grade - are decided after GCSE exams are marked and are usually released on results day.

For the latest on today's GCSE results, follow our live blog here

Grade boundaries for different UK awarding bodies

AQA GCSE grade boundaries for 2024 here.

Edexcel GCSE grade boundaries for 2024 here.

OCR GCSE grade boundaries for 2024 here.

WJEC GCSE grade boundaries for 2024 here.

CCEA GCSE grade boundaries for 2024 here.

GCSE 2024 grading system

9 = High A*

8 = Low A* or high Grade A

7 = Low Grade A

6 = High Grade B

5 = Low Grade B or high C

4 = Low Grade C

3 = Grade D or high E

2 = Low Grade E or high F

For many, the results will be good enough to send them to college as they continue their education, while others may opt to go into work and get a start on their careers. For others however, they may not have done quite as well as they were hoping. Happily, this is not the end as it is possible to retake exams up to a year after.

Resists in maths and English are held in November and May of each year. Others, such as science, can only be done in the summer time during the usual exam period. They can also be taken during gap years.

Did your GCSEs help you get your dream job? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Students can usually retake any exams. Those wanting to do their GCSE maths and English have to be under the age of 18 and have not got at least a grade 4. The Government’s website reads: “Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible to take a functional skills qualification in English or maths instead.

“This is equivalent to a GCSE and allows you to apply English or maths in real life. You can check with your school or college if this option is available to you.”

MORE ON GCSEs GCSE results Schools Education Teenagers Exams

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GCSE results 2024: how did each subject perform?

GCSE results released today show that overall grades were broadly similar to 2023 , including when broken down by subject.

This year’s exams maintained standards from last year, which was the final step in Ofqual’s return to normal exams and grading after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Examiners were asked to ensure the standard of work this year was “broadly similar” to 2023, though to “bear in mind any residual impact of disruption on performance”.

While almost all mitigations have been removed, GCSE students in some subjects were still provided with formulae sheets this year.

Top grades fell between 2022 and 2023 as grading was brought in line with pre-pandemic standards. Some variation in results in subjects between years is always expected.

Here are the headline takeaways from today’s GCSE results, broken down by subject (scroll down or click the links below to go straight to each subject):

• Arts and D&T

The proportion of overall entries receiving a pass or higher (grade 4/C) in maths this year was down slightly from 61 per cent last year to 59.6 per cent in 2024.

This year was the same as the 59.6 per cent who got a grade 4/C or above in 2019.

Meanwhile, 16.7 per cent received a grade 7/A or higher in maths GCSE this year - a decrease from 17.2 per cent who got the top grades in 2023 but above 15.9 per cent in 2019.

The 2023 GCSE results saw an uptick in the number of students failing to achieve grade 4 for English and maths and therefore an increase in those having to resit in November.

However, less than a quarter of the students who took GCSE maths in November 2023 passed - meaning the majority failed their resits .

Only 17.4 per cent of entries from students aged 17 or over achieved a grade 4/C in maths in England this year - slightly up from 16.4 per cent in 2023.  

• GCSE results: English and maths pass rate down
• Why grades 1-3 are not a fail
• How much does attendance affect exam results?
• GCSE resits: everything you need to know  

GCSE English language and literature

Like in maths, achieving that grade 4/C needed to pass English language is key for GCSE students.

This year, 61.6 per cent of entries managed to achieve a passing grade or higher in English language, a fall from last year when 64.2 per cent were awarded grade 4/C or above.

The English language overall pass rate was also slightly below 2019, when 61.8 per cent of entries passed English language.

However, much of this is driven by entries from students aged 17 or over who are likely resitting. In England, 20.9 per cent of entries from these students were awarded a grade 4/C - a drop from 25.9 per cent last year.

Speaking in a Joint Council for Qualifications briefing this morning, Claire Thomson, AQA’s director of regulation and compliance, said the drop in pass rates was “largely around the 17-year-olds and over who are skewing the distributions. If you look at just the 16-year-olds, they are very stable with minimal movement over the years”.

“The 17 and over cohort has grown and come back over pre-pandemic levels, which is altering the results,” she added.

For English literature, 73.7 per cent of overall entries achieved a grade 4/C or higher - down slightly from 73.9 per cent in 2023 but up slightly from 73.4 per cent in 2019.

In literature, 20.1 per cent achieved a grade 7/A or above, and 15.6 per cent in language. This compares with the 20.6 per cent who achieved grade 7/A in literature in 2023 and 16 per cent in language.

This year, teachers with students doing the Romeo and Juliet option in AQA’s English literature paper warned the extract students received was “difficult” and could leave some young people disadvantaged.

GCSE double science, biology, chemistry and physics

In the double science GCSE, the proportion of entries getting top grades (7/A and above) rose to 8.8 per cent from 8.5 per cent in 2023.

Meanwhile, 57.1 per cent of entries received a pass or higher in double science, compared with 56.6 per cent last year.

In the three sciences, the proportion getting the top grades increased slightly for physics and chemistry and remained the same for biology.

Along with GCSE maths, physics and combined science students were allowed to have formulae and equation sheets for another year.

This was to recognise the cohort had “experienced two years of national closures during secondary school”.

In biology, 42 per cent achieved the top grades - compared with 42 per cent in 2023 and 42.3 per cent in 2019.

Meanwhile in physics, 44 per cent achieved the top grades - higher than the 43 per cent in 2023 and 43.8 per cent in 2019.

In chemistry, 44.7 per cent achieved the top grades - higher than the 43.6 per cent in 2023 and 43.9 per cent in 2019.

GCSE Spanish, French and German

The proportion of entries receiving top grades in modern foreign languages rose this year.

In Spanish, 26.7 per cent received a grade 7/A or higher and 69.8 per cent passed with a grade 4/C or higher. These are compared with 26.1 per cent that got the top grades in 2023 and 69.2 per cent that passed.

Adjustments were made to grading standards for French and German GCSEs again this year to better align results with Spanish.

Last year, exam boards were required by Ofqual to award more generously at grades 9, 7 and 4. This year, exam boards were asked to make further positive adjustments at the same grades for GCSE German, and grades 7 and 4 for French.

Considering this, 32.1 per cent achieved a grade 7/A above in German, compared with 27.6 per cent last year, and 28 per cent in French, up from 26 per cent in 2023.

The pass rate also increased. In French, 71.2 per cent were awarded a grade 4/C or higher - up from 70.5 per cent last year and 69.7 in 2019.

In German, 77.5 per cent passed - up from 76.9 per cent in 2023 and 75.8 per cent in 2019.

Just 9.3 per cent achieved a grade 9 in German GCSE last year, though this was up from 5.8 per cent in 2019. This has continued to rise to 10.4 per cent in 2024.

GCSE history and geography

This year, 25.8 per cent of entries scored the top grades (grade 7/A or above) in GCSE history.

This is an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 25.3 per cent in 2023.

In geography, a similar proportion of entries achieved a grade 7/A or above at 24.5 per cent, the same as 24.5 per cent in both 2023 and 2019.

The pass rate in both GCSEs increased very slightly to 63.9 per cent in history and 65 per cent in geography.

GCSE computing

Computing GCSE saw an increase in both the proportion of top grades and the pass rate for 2024.

This year, 28.3 per cent of entries were awarded a grade 7/A or above, and 68.3 per cent a grade 4/C or above.

This is compared with last year when 24.4 per cent of entries received a grade 7/A or higher in computing, and 64.6 per cent made grade 4/C or higher.

These were still slightly above 2019 levels when 21.6 per cent got at least a grade 7/A and 62.6 per cent achieved a grade 4/C or above.

After research into grading standards, Ofqual asked exam boards to award more generously at grades 9, 7 and 4 for computer science this year.

GCSE art and design, drama, music and design and technology

There was a mixed picture for the arts in terms of increases and decreases for 2024 compared with last year.

For art and design, 23.6 per cent got a grade 7/A or above and 76.3 per cent a grade 4/C or above. In 2023, 23.9 per cent of entries achieved a grade 7/A or above and 76.1 per cent got at least a grade 4/C.

Last year in design and technology, 64.8 per cent achieved a grade 4/C or higher, and 21 per cent got the top grades. This year saw some increases, with 22.4 per cent getting the top grades and 65.6 per cent achieving a pass of grade 4/C or better.

Meanwhile, music top grades decreased slightly from 33.3 per cent in 2023 to 32.9 per cent this year. Last year, 76.4 per cent of students received a grade 4/C or higher, and this only decreased slightly to 75.9 per cent this year.

Similarly, in drama for 2024, 76.7 per cent achieved a passing grade. In 2023, 75.9 per cent achieved a grade 4/C and up.

In the top grades, 26.9 per cent of students got at least a grade 7/A this year, a small increase on 2023 when the figure was 25.8 per cent.

GCSE PE saw 23 per cent of entries awarded a grade 7/A or above and 72.1 per cent getting a grade 4/C or above.

This is relatively similar compared to 2023, when 22.7 per cent of entries received the top grades and 72.4 per cent achieved a grade 4/C or higher.

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Guide to GCSE results for England, summer 2024

Grading has continued as normal in summer 2024, following the return to pre-pandemic standards last year. Overall GCSE results are similar to summer 2023.

Today, students in England are receiving more than 5.6 million GCSE results. Students’ grades have been determined by their performance in their exams and assessments. These qualifications provide students with trustworthy evidence of their achievements so they can move forward in their education or training.  

Grading has continued as normal this summer, following the return to pre-pandemic standards last year. It is important that grades reflect what students know, understand and can do, to support students in making the right choices about their next steps. 

The Chief Regulator at Ofqual, Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, said: “Consistent, rigorous standards of grading are producing consistent results.   

“It is evidence that we have settled back into a pattern of dependable and trustworthy results.”

Key points 

Grading has continued as normal this summer and standards have been maintained from summer 2023.   

GCSE entries have increased by more than 250,000 compared with summer 2023. There has been an increase in the 16-year-old population since 2023, and there are more entries from post-16 students this summer for GCSE English language and maths. The changes to the post-16 cohort are reflected in the GCSE English language and maths results published today. 

Overall GCSE results are similar to 2023. Outcomes at grade 7 and above are 21.7% compared with 21.6% in 2023, and outcomes at grade 4 and above are 67.4% compared with 67.8% in 2023. 

The results for GCSE French, German and computer science reflect the small adjustments we required exam boards to make this summer.

Today (22 August 2024) we are publishing: 

a summary of results (below) 

infographics about this year’s GCSE results  

interactive visualisations of outcomes by centre type, variability in school and college GCSE results, GCSE outcomes in England, an interactive map of England showing GCSE results in different subjects by grade and county and GCSE grade combinations 

results of the 2024 National Reference Test

As normal, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has  published results in England for GCSE , overall and by subject. These results are also shown in our  interactive visualisation .

Centre type results 

Ofqual has updated its interactive visualisation to show GCSE results for different types of school and college compared with previous years, overall and by subject. The centre type categories are based on the  national centre number (NCN) register  and are self-reported by schools and colleges. Our interactive visualisations only include those schools or colleges that have entries for a particular subject in every year from 2018 to 2024. 

Overall results for all types of school and college are broadly similar to 2023 at grade 7 and above and grade 4 and above. When students take exams, the same assessment arrangements apply to everyone. Differences in outcomes are therefore likely to reflect longstanding trends in the pattern of results for different centre types. Changes compared with 2023 will reflect changes in attainment or changes in the cohort of students taking qualifications across different types of centre. For example, more post-16 students took GCSEs this summer compared with 2023, and these students typically make up the majority of GCSE entries in further education establishments and colleges.

Cumulative percentage outcomes by centre type – grade 7 and above

Cumulative percentage outcomes by centre type – grade 4 and above

Centre variability 

Ofqual’s interactive visualisation shows the level of variation in schools’ and colleges’ GCSE results compared with 2023. We know that, in any year, individual schools and colleges may see variation in the proportion of students achieving particular grades compared with previous years. This can be due to many different factors, including differences in the mix of students entered for particular qualifications, different teaching approaches, changes in teaching staff or teaching time, and changes to qualifications.   

Our interactive visualisation allows users to explore variation in centres’ results for different age groups and sizes of centres.

GCSE French, German and computer science 

This summer we required exam boards to award GCSE French, German and computer science more generously .  

The positive adjustments in French and German follow our detailed review of an extensive evidence base as part of our work on inter-subject comparability, and subsequent announcement in 2019, that we would seek  to align grade standards in GCSE French and German with Spanish . Exam boards were required to make small positive adjustments in French at grades 7 and 4, and in German at grades 9, 7 and 4. This follows adjustments in both subjects at grades 9, 7 and 4 in summer 2023. The adjustments were taken into account during awarding and are reflected in results. We did not require exam boards to make a further adjustment at grade 9 in French this summer, as the evidence suggests that there was broad alignment with Spanish in summer 2023.

For GCSE computer science we conducted an extensive programme of research considering grading standards over time , given the changes that have been made to the qualification in the short time that it has been available (the first awards were in 2012). Our research suggests that standards may have become slightly more stringent through the period from 2014 to 2019, likely due to the changes to the qualification and the context during this period. We therefore required exam boards to award more generously this summer at grades 9, 7 and 4, to reflect the findings of the research. These small adjustments were taken into account during awarding and are reflected in results.

Equalities analyses 

As well as the results breakdowns published today, Ofqual will be repeating the equalities analyses that we have published since 2020 . Ofqual makes this information available so that the whole sector can understand qualification results and use this to inform policy making and practice. These detailed analyses consider whether the gaps between results for different groups of students have changed compared with previous years, while controlling for a range of student characteristics. It is important that these analyses control for as many student characteristics as possible, so that meaningful conclusions can be drawn from the results. This does mean, however, that it is not possible for us to complete these analyses ahead of results being issued, because final data from exams is only available very close to results days. We will publish our equalities analyses as soon as we can, in the autumn. 

When students take exams, the same assessment arrangements apply to everyone – students’ grades are solely determined by the number of marks they achieve in the assessments, and the same rules apply to everyone taking the same qualification. The gaps between results for different groups of students are therefore likely to reflect long-standing trends in attainment, and any changes this year will reflect changes in attainment. Differential patterns of achievement in qualifications reveal, rather than create, educational disparities. They are an important part of the evidence needed for addressing those disparities.

Grade boundaries 

Exam boards have set grade boundaries this summer based on a combination of data and qualitative evidence. As in any year, there has been an important role for examiner judgement. Expert examiners have reviewed the quality of students’ work compared with previous years.  

Grade boundaries typically change each exam series and are often different between exam boards. This reflects any differences in the difficulty of the assessments. If an exam paper is harder the grade boundaries will be lower, and if an exam paper is easier the grade boundaries will be higher. This is important to ensure that students are not advantaged or disadvantaged based on the exam paper that they sit. This means that some grade boundaries are lower than 2023, while others are higher. 

Grading has taken place as normal this summer and standards have been maintained from summer 2023. Students can therefore be confident in the grades they receive, irrespective of the grade boundaries or how they compare with last year.

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English 0511 IGCSE Past Papers

20/10/2022 :  English 2022 May June Past Papers of  IGCSE  are Updated.

15/08/2022 :  English 0511  Past Papers of Feb March 2022 are now Available. 

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511

PapaCambridge provides  Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 latest past   papers  and resources that includes  syllabus, specimens, question papers, marking schemes, resource booklet, FAQ’s , Teacher’s resources and a lot more. Past papers of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 are available from 2002 up to the latest session. It’s the guarantee of PapaCambridge that you will find the latest past papers and other resources of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 before any other website. All the content offered here is absolutely for free and is provided in the most convenient way so that you don’t face any issue.

Moreover, we have taken convenience to another level now. Just login and you will be able to browse content faster and in a convenient way. You can now favourite, share, download entire session papers together and do much more by simply registering. It is absolutely free. 

Not only do you get yearly unsolved past papers of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) but there is a lot more at PapaCambridge now  Click on the links below to find more stuff of CAIE Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) .

05 October 2019  : Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 past papers and other resources are now available. 

22 April 2020 :  All content for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 has been updated.

20 May/June 2020  : All Content for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 has been updated.

20 Oct/Nov 2020  : All Content for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 has been updated.

25 August 2020 :   Feb / March   2020  and  May / June  English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 Past Papers are updated.

20 August 2021 :   Feb / March   2021  and  May / June   2021  English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 Past Papers are updated.

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) - 0511 Yearly Past Papers

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0511 is the same as Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510 with the exception of the speaking component. In Syllabus 0511, the marks for the speaking component contribute to the overall grade.

For information about syllabus content, resource materials, and past papers, please refer to the website listing for IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510.

You may find the part useful :p  

If you don’t want to mess around here between notes, slides, ebooks etc and just want to have past papers of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking). Check out : Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) Past Papers. PastPapers.Co only has past papers available to give you clean and smooth experience for browsing past papers.  Get English 0511 Past Papers  here.

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3.    Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Count-in speaking marking schemes

4.    Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Count-in speaking syllabus

5.    Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Count-in speaking grade thresholds

6.    CAIE Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Count-in speaking 

7.    Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Count-in speaking resource material

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• IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510 (speaking endorsement):

The speaking component for Cambridge IGCSE English Second Language 0510 is a 'speaking endorsement' - in other words, it is certificated separately from the main grade awarded for the written papers, on a scale of 1-5 (as opposed to the standard IGCSE grade scale of A*-U). Performance in this component does not affect the syllabus grade for the written papers. The speaking component is a compulsory component of the IGCSE English Second Language syllabus which is recognised by many UK and international universities. For full details of how the 0510 Speaking test (component 5) should be conducted, please refer to the current syllabus.

• IGCSE English as a Second Language 0511 (count-in speaking):

The speaking component of 0511/05 contributes 20% to the final syllabus grade. It is reported on a standard IGCSE grade scale of A* to G. The other components are weighted as follows: Reading/Writing 60%, Listening 20%.

What is the difference between the Speaking Test (component 5) for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 and 0511) and the Speaking and Listening Test (component 5) for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500)?

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

The Speaking Test for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 and 0511) requires candidates to respond to a speaking assessment card. Before the test period, we send Centres a range of speaking assessment cards. Each card introduces a topic for discussion between the teacher/examiner and the candidate, and includes prompts for the development of the conversation. The examiner, and not the candidate, selects an appropriate topic for discussion from the speaking assessment cards available. We also send Centres an accompanying set of teacher's notes.

The test consists of:

• a welcome and an explanation of the format of the test
• a non-assessed 'warm-up' conversation (approximately 2-3 minutes)
• time for the candidate to read the test card and prepare a response (approximately 2-3 minutes) the assessed conversation lasting approximately 6-9 minutes.

The candidates' performance is assessed using the speaking assessment criteria in the syllabus. There are ten marks available for each of the following strands:

• development and fluency. 

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English

The Speaking and Listening Test for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) requires candidates to prepare an individual task in advance of the test (for example, a presentation, a talk, a speech, a monologue) on a topic of their own choice.

• the candidate talking for about 3-4 minutes on this single topic or theme
• a conversation between the teacher/examiner and the candidate about the candidate's topic or theme for about 6-7 minutes.

We do not send any materials to Centres before the test. All the materials the Centre requires are in the syllabus. The test is assessed using the oral assessment criteria in the syllabus. There are ten marks available for each of the following strands:

• the individual task
• speaking in the discussion
• listening in the discussion.

Do I need to record all the candidates for IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 and 0511) component 5, Speaking test?

Yes, the tests of all candidates must be recorded, regardless of the size of the sample required. This is in the interests of fairness to all candidates. In addition, it may be necessary for Cambridge to request a second sample from the school in the event that the sample received is unsatisfactory, or that the process of internal moderation conducted at the school has not produced a reliable rank order of candidates.

We have received two sets of teacher’s notes and topic cards, should they be reused?

The subject specialist has advised that for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language component 5, teachers retain the cards throughout the series (that is to say, until the end of the speaking test window) and reuse the same set. There is one set for teachers with the notes, and one set to be used with candidates during the test. Candidates should be given the card at the start of the warm-up (Part C) and refer to the card during part D of the exam. Candidates are not allowed to make written notes at any time, so the cards should be unmarked throughout, and therefore reusable. Candidates must not leave the examination room with any speaking test cards as this would be a breach of security.

In what format should I submit the recorded sample for IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 and 0511) component 5, Speaking test?

Samples must be submitted as an audio recording on CD or USB stick. Recordings must be saved as MPEG Audio Layer 3 (.mp3). Each candidate's recording must be saved as a separate file. For full details please look at the Samples Database, here. 

For more information and materials on this syllabus, please visit our School Support Hub on either of the following links (0510 or 0511).

📑 Update(s):

11/01/2024 :, may / june 2023 and oct / nov 2023 past papers are updated., 24/08/2023 :, caie a levels, o levels and igcse 2023 past papers of march and may /june are updated, 24/03/2023 :, caie a levels have new 2022 updated topical past papers with answers. exclusively available on papacambridge, 12/01/2023 :, october and november 2023 past papers of caie are updated., 2022 and 2023 updates :, 17/10/2022 past papers section is upgraded., may june 2022 and feb march 2022 past papers are updated..

if any paper paper is still missing, please report using the Contact Us! tab.

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GCSE results day: What to do if you didn’t get the grades you wanted

There are many options available to you if you didn’t get the gcse grades you were hoping for, article bookmarked.

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Pupils across the UK will be finding out their GCSE grades today as results day 2024 arrives. These grades will have an impact on what options are available to school leavers next , although all are required to stay in education for two more years.

It can be an emotional and stressful day , with some elated at acheiving the results they had hoped for, and others inevitably disappointed at their grades.

If you did not what you wanted at this GCSE results day, it’s important to know what choices are open to you. There are lots of things you can do, and lots of options to choose from.

Remember that your school, friends and family are all there to support and advise you as you decide your next step.

Here are all the options available to you if you haven’t got the GCSE grades you were hoping for:

If you want to study A-Levels or go to college

If you want to go on to sixth-form to study A-Levels or enrol on a college course but didn’t quite meet the entry requirements, there are a few things you can do.

Firstly, it’s worth talking to your school or college to see if they will be flexible with the entry requirements. Many will, especially if you only missed your target by a few marks or one grade.

For A-Levels, most schools require four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths, and often a higher grade in your chosen subjects. This will generally be quite similar for college courses, but they may be a bit more flexible.

However, some more selective institutions will ask for higher than this. If you were aiming to study at one of these but have not met the grade requirements, it’s worth looking around for the many great sixth-forms and colleges which will accept your grades.

For those who think they could acheive a better result on some or all of their exams, it is possible to resit them. For all subjects except English and Maths, this will need to be done during next years’ exam period. If you do not acheive a grade 4 in Maths or English, you will need to resit them until you have passed both or you turn 18.

You can speak to your school or college to arrange this, and they may allow you to progress to A-Levels or a course while you prepare to resit some GCSEs. For the most part, these resits will be offered for free, but could cost around £30 per resit depending on your school.

You can also ask your school to submit any of your exam papers for a remark if you feel the grade is not accurate. However, grades can go up as well as down, and this may also incur a cost.

If you want to consider other options

If you’ve decided studying A-Levels or going to college isn’t for you, there are several other options available. You may want to consider a T-Level or vocational technical qualification (VTQ), which are more career-focused options.

These qualifications generally have different entry requirements to A-Levels, and will be centred around key skills that will be useful for a future career. They are an especially good choice for those who those who have a good idea of what job they’d like to do in the future.

Another choice could be to undertake an apprenticeship, which gives you paid on-the-job experience while you receive training at a university or college.

There are over 670 apprenticeships available in a wide variety of roles. The government has a handy tool that allows you to search through what’s available , marking out ‘career starter apprenticeships’ as good first jobs.

Entry requirements for apprentices vary depending on the provider. Many will allow you to join without a pass in English and Maths, and can offer support as you work to pass these.

You can also work or volunteer whilst studying part-time. Many colleges offer qualifications that are offerered part-time, so it’s worth seeing what is available.

If you are still unsure of what you want to do, you can speak to your school, college, or an NCS career advisor about what options are available to you. The breadth of options means there’s very likely to be something available to you that you will find rewarding, so it might just take someone pointing you in the right direction.

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GCSE grades 2024: 1-9 explained and how boundaries are decided

I 's guide to gcse results day.

Hundreds of thousands of GCSE pupils will find out how they fared in their summer exams when results are officially released tomorrow.

GCSE results day 2024 is on Thursday 22 August, with students in most cases able to collect them from their school from 8am.

Pupils have been warned to expect lower grades as a hangover from lost learning over the past four years, with education experts telling i the current cohort has faced “multiple crises” during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

And in England, the grades themselves will look a little different to what parents and older siblings may remember from their own secondary school days.

Here’s how the GCSE numerical grading system works, what it means compared to the old letter grades and what a pass mark is, as well as what to do if you’re not happy with your GCSE results.

What do the 1-9 grades mean?

In 2017, the Government began rolling out a new numerical system that awarded GCSE grades on a scale from 9 to 1 (9 being the top grade and 1 being the lowest).

The new system replaced the old letter grading of A* to G, with a U (for “ungraded”) the only remaining letter grade that can be handed out.

Introduced as part of a complete overhaul of the GCSE system in 2014 by then-education secretary Michael Gove, this numerical system is designed to bring in more differentiation at the top end of the grading scale to allow sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers to better understand what level young people are working to.

It is only used in England, or for exams set by English exam boards, with Wales and Northern Ireland both still using letter grading for GCSEs while Scotland has a separate qualifications system to the rest of the UK.

As per the guide below, issued by exams regulator Ofqual , comparing the old letter grades with the new numerical system generally equates to the following:

• 9 = High A* grade
• 8 = Lower A* or high A
• 7 = Lower A grade
• 6 = High B grade
• 5 = Lower B or high C
• 4 = Lower C grade
• 3 = D or high E
• 2 = Lower E or high F
• 1 = Lower F or G
• U = U remains the same

Under the numerical system, there are also two different grades which are both considered the threshold for a pass.

While a C used to be the grade needed to have passed any particular exam, pupils can now achieve a “standard pass” by earning a 4 or a “strong pass” by getting a 5.

While a 4 is therefore still technically a passing mark, many sixth forms tend to insist on a certain number of 5s as a prerequisite for admission.

How are GCSE grade boundaries decided?

Grade boundaries – thresholds that dictate what the lowest mark is you can get to achieve a particular grade – are set after students have taken their exams and the assessments have been marked by independent examiners using published mark schemes.

The boundaries are decided upon by examiners each year, and are set to ensure that there is consistency in grades from year to year. For example, if a paper is easier compared to the previous year, the grade boundaries will be increased to take this into account.

Grade boundaries are published on the website of each exam board on GCSE results day.

Can I appeal against GCSE grades?

If you have not got the GCSE results you hoped for, there are a few things you should do.

It is possible to appeal against a GCSE result if you or your school believes a mistake has been made in the marking process.

This can be done by contacting your school or college, who can then request that the exam board review the marking of your exam entry.

Private candidates can similarly contact the school or college that submitted their exam, or otherwise choose to contact the exam board directly.

The exam board will then check your work for marking mistakes. If any are found, your mark could change and this may in turn change your overall grade.

However, it is worth noting that your new grade could be either higher or lower than the original, and you may have to pay a fee if you ask for a review and your grade is not changed.

Private schools preparing for GCSE pupils to leave for state schools to avoid VAT

There are two key dates for GCSE grade appeals: the deadline to request a priority copy of the marked paper, and the deadline to request a review of marking.

These deadlines will be specific to each exam board, and your school should be able to advise you on the relevant dates if you are unable to find them online.

Another move should be to check whether your desired school or college will still accept you with your current grade s.

You may be accepted regardless, or you could be asked resit a GCSE.

Students may opt to resit any exam they wish to. Anyone who has a grade lower than a 4 in English or maths must retake the exam .

The deadline for resit applications typically falls sometime in early October, with resits in English and maths taking place in autumn or winter (usually November or January). These dates will also vary based on which awarding body you are sitting your exams with.

For all other subjects, you will need to take resits the following year during the usual exam period in May and June.

In some cases, your current school will be able to contact your intended school or college with extenuating circumstances to explain the lower grade.

If your offer is withdrawn, your school should be able to help you to find another education provider who will accept you.

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