Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500: online tutoring
One-to-one lessons for Cambridge IGCSE English, planned around your child’s exam date, with homework and examiner-style marking.
The exam at a glance
- Syllabus
- For exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029
- Grades
- A* to G
- Exam series
- June, November, March (India only)
Facts from the board’s own syllabus: official document. Always confirm your child’s entry with the school.
This is the syllabus for exams from 2027; check the 2025-2026 version for earlier exams.
| Paper | Route | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 ReadingQuestions on three reading texts | 2 hours | 80 | 50% | |
| Paper 2 Directed Writing and Composition | Either Paper 2 or Component 3 | 2 hours | 80 | 50% |
| Component 3 Coursework PortfolioThree extended writing assignments | Either Paper 2 or Component 3 | 80 | 50% | |
| Component 4 Speaking and Listening (optional)Does not count towards the grade | About 10 to 12 minutes | 40 | Separately endorsed |
How we teach 0500
Reading skills are built with short, regular practice on unseen texts and model answers.
Writing is planned, drafted and marked against the assessment objectives, with targets after every piece.
Timed practice on full questions so your child finishes the paper with time to check.
Where students usually lose marks
- Analysing language and structure
- Planning extended writing
- Accuracy of punctuation and grammar
- Timing across the paper
“The paper reviews showed exactly where marks were being lost in O Level Maths and Chemistry, and what to do about it. We had a great experience with Apex Academic.”
English on other boards
- Cambridge O Level English Language 1123
- Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language 9093
- Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A 4EA1
- AQA GCSE English Language 8700
- AQA A-level English Language 7702
- OCR GCSE English Language J351
- OCR A Level English Language H470
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language 1EN0
- Pearson Edexcel A Level English Language 9EN0
Questions parents ask
Do you teach the current Cambridge IGCSE First Language English syllabus?
Yes. Lessons follow the board’s current syllabus (2027, 2028 and 2029). We check the specification before planning a course, and we tell you if anything changes.
How many lessons a week does my child need?
Most students do one or two 60-minute lessons a week. In the months before the exam, many add a second lesson for past-paper practice.
Can you help close to the exam?
Yes. Exam-season courses focus on timed practice, the topics that lose the most marks, and marking every paper like the real exam.
Start 0500 lessons with a free demo
Book a free 60-minute one-to-one lesson. You choose the topic; we show you the notes, the practice and how the work is marked.
