Cambridge International · English as a Second Language
0991 English as a Second Language, explained
See how 0991 is assessed and graded 9–1, 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 0991 belongs to the English as a Second Language strand of IGCSE / International GCSE English. It is graded on the 9–1 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.
This is the 9–1-graded version of Cambridge International 0511. The content and the teaching are the same. Schools enter one or the other, and only the grade scale differs.
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 0991 is assessed
There are no tiers and no route options. Every candidate sits Paper 1 (Reading and Writing), Paper 2 (Listening) and Paper 3 (Speaking). All three count towards one A*–G grade. Reading and Writing is worth 50%, Listening 25% and Speaking 25%.
| Component | Time | Marks | Weight | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0511/01: Paper 1: Reading and Writing Six exercises, all compulsory: four reading and two writing, using the same task types as 0510 Paper 1. Reading and writing each make up half of this paper (25% each of the qualification). The writing exercises are each 120–160 words and 15 marks: 6 for content and 9 for language. | 2 hours | 60 | 50% | External (set and marked by Cambridge) |
| 0511/02: Paper 2: Listening A listening exam based on recorded talks, announcements and conversations. Questions test relevant detail, gist, attitudes and opinions. It is the only component that assesses listening. | Approx. 50 minutes | 40 | 25% | External (set and marked by Cambridge) |
| 0511/03: Paper 3: Speaking A recorded test of about 10–15 minutes in total: an unassessed introduction and warm-up, then Part 1 interview, Part 2 short talk (with 1 minute of preparation) and Part 3 discussion. Four criteria, each marked out of 10: grammar, vocabulary, development and pronunciation. In 0511 these marks count towards the grade. In 0510 the same test is reported separately. | 10-15 minutes | 40 | 25% | Conducted and marked internally by the centre (teacher-examiner); externally moderated by Cambridge from submitted audio recordings |
Who takes each component
- 0511/01: All candidates (no tiering or route options)
- 0511/02: All candidates (no tiering or route options)
- 0511/03: All candidates (no tiering or route options)
Graded on the 9–1 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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