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:
- structure
- vocabulary
- 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 test consists of:
- 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:
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- the individual task
- speaking in the discussion
- listening in the discussion.
