Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 / 0511): syllabus, papers and marking

The English paper for most IGCSE candidates in Pakistan. Reading exercises are marked against the points scheme; the two writing tasks in levels for content and language, with the descriptor quoted.

Syllabus for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (2027–2029 structure unchanged) · June and November series · grades A*–G

English as a Second Language 0510 / 0511: where the marks go

English as a Second Language 0510 / 0511 is the English paper for most IGCSE candidates in Pakistan. Paper 1 Reading and Writing is six exercises in 2 hours: four reading exercises (short answers, multiple matching, note-making and a summary) and two writing tasks. Listening is Paper 2 and Speaking is Paper 3.

We can set and mark Paper 1. Reading is marked against the points scheme and the two writing tasks in levels for content and for language, with the descriptor quoted. Listening and Speaking are sat at the centre.

How we mark a real script

Paper structure and what we mark

PaperTimeMarksWeightQuestions
Paper 1 — Reading and Writing2 h6070% (0510) · 50% (0511)Six compulsory exercises: four reading (short answers, multiple matching, note-making, summary) and two writing (functional and extended)
Paper 2 — Listening50 min4030% (0510) · 25% (0511)Five listening exercises on short and longer recordings (sat at the centre)
Paper 3 — Speaking10–15 min40Endorsed separately (0510) · 25% (0511)Interview, short talk and discussion; internally assessed

Syllabus outline

  1. Exercise 1: short-answer reading
  2. Exercise 2: multiple matching and implied meaning
  3. Exercise 3: note-making under headings
  4. Exercise 4: multiple choice on a longer text
  5. Exercise 5: functional writing, an email or similar, covering three bullet points
  6. Exercise 6: extended writing
  7. Paper 2 Listening; Paper 3 Speaking (endorsed 0510 / counted-in 0511)

How each paper is marked here

Where English as a Second Language 0510 / 0511 candidates lose marks

  1. Correct answer with an incorrect extra — Excess detail alongside a right answer can lose the mark.
  2. Implied meaning — Paragraph-level reading was weak; a single key word is not enough.
  3. Notes under the wrong heading — Notes should be brief and sit under the correct heading.
  4. Imprecise answers — Leaving out “World” from a title made the answer too vague.
  5. Bullet points not all covered — Exercise 5 needs every bullet point for the higher marks.

Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for 0510 / 0511

See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.

Questions teachers ask

What is the difference between 0510 and 0511?
0510 endorses speaking separately; in 0511 the speaking mark counts in the grade.
Is Listening marked?
No. It is sat at the centre.
Which syllabus years apply?
2027, 2028 and 2029 are published; the existing entry covers 2024–2026.
Is this official Cambridge marking?
No. Cambridge International Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for 0510 / 0511. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
No. Every 0510 / 0511 paper here is original and written to the syllabus for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (2027–2029 structure unchanged), in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
Which papers are marked?
None yet are marked question by question. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
How is the next paper chosen?
From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
When are the exams?
June and November series. Grades A*–G.

Other Cambridge IGCSE courses

Start marking English as a Second Language scripts · See a real marked script