Cambridge International · English as a Second Language
0510 English as a Second Language, explained
See how 0510 is assessed, straight from the official syllabus, and how our teachers help students prepare one-to-one.
What it is and who sits it in Malaysia
Cambridge International 0510 belongs to the English as a Second Language strand of IGCSE / International GCSE English. It is graded on the A*–G scale. Malaysian international schools choose their board and strand to suit their students. Private candidates and homeschoolers can sit it through an authorised centre. If you are unsure which code your child is entered for, the school's examinations office can confirm.
How we teach it
Your child works one-to-one with an experienced English teacher who teaches to this board's papers. Lessons combine reading and writing, timed practice and close work on the mark scheme. Read about English as a Second Language tuition to see how lessons run. The English as a Second Language syllabus pages explain the skills involved.
How Cambridge International 0510 is assessed
All candidates take the same three components. There are no tiers or route options. Paper 1 (Reading and Writing, 70% of the written-paper weighting) and Paper 2 (Listening, 30%) together decide the A*–G grade. Paper 3 (Speaking, 40 marks) must also be taken but is a separate endorsement graded 1 (high) to 5 (low). It is conducted and marked by the centre, moderated by Cambridge, and does not count towards the written-paper grade.
| Component | Time | Marks | Weight | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0510/01: Paper 1: Reading and Writing Six exercises, all compulsory: four reading and two writing. Exercise 1 is short answers on a 400–450 word text (8 marks); Exercise 2 is multiple matching (9); Exercise 3 is completing notes (7); Exercise 4 is six multiple-choice questions (6). The two writing exercises are each 120–160 words and 15 marks: an informal email, then a formal or semi-formal article, report, essay or review. Dictionaries are not allowed. | 2 hours | 60 | 70% | External |
| 0510/02: Paper 2: Listening Five listening exercises with 40 multiple-choice questions on monologues, interviews and conversations. Each recording is heard twice, and candidates transfer their answers to an answer sheet in the six minutes allowed. The questions test specific information, opinions, attitudes, connections between ideas and implied meaning. | Approximately 50 minutes (including 6 minutes' transfer time) | 40 | 30% | External |
| 0510/03: Paper 3: Speaking A recorded test of about 10–15 minutes in total: an unassessed introduction and warm-up, then Part 1 interview (2–3 minutes), Part 2 short talk (3–4 minutes, including 1 minute of preparation) and Part 3 discussion (3–4 minutes). Four criteria, each marked out of 10: grammar, vocabulary, development and pronunciation. It is reported separately as grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) and does not count towards the A*–G grade. | 10-15 minutes | 40 | Endorsement (separately endorsed) | Internal (conducted and marked by the centre/teacher-examiner; externally moderated by Cambridge) |
Who takes each component
- 0510/01: All candidates
- 0510/02: All candidates
- 0510/03: All candidates
Graded on the A*–G scale (2027–2029 syllabus).
What the exam rewards (assessment objectives)
Candidates are assessed on the skills below. We paraphrase them from the board's official syllabus.
Reading
- R1. demonstrate understanding of specific factual information
- R2. demonstrate understanding of the connections between the ideas, opinions and attitudes
- R3. identify and select details for a specific purpose
- R4. demonstrate understanding of implied meaning
Writing
- W1. communicate information, ideas and opinions
- W2. organise ideas into coherent text using a range of linking devices
- W3. use a range of appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary
- W4. use appropriate register and style for the given purpose and audience
Listening
- L1. demonstrate understanding of specific information
- L2. demonstrate understanding of speakers' ideas, opinions and attitudes
- L3. demonstrate understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
- L4. demonstrate understanding of what is implied but not directly stated
Speaking
- S1. communicate a range of ideas, facts and opinions
- S2. demonstrate control of a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
- S3. develop responses and maintain communication
- S4. demonstrate control of pronunciation and intonation
Requirements can change between syllabus versions. Confirm the structure for your child's exam year with the school or the board's syllabus, linked below.
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