Award: O-Level
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Specification Code: 1123
Specification Website: O-Level English Language
The Cambridge O Level English Language syllabus enables learners to communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively and to understand and respond appropriately and imaginatively to what they read and experience. They will employ different forms of writing to suit a range of purposes and will show that they can understand the content and argument of given texts.
The Cambridge O Level English Language qualification is accepted by universities and employers as proof of linguistic ability and understanding. The Cambridge O Level English Language syllabus encourages students to develop lifelong skills, including:
the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively
the use of a wide range of vocabulary and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge O Level English Language study also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
The full range of grades 1-9 are available to all students who sit this exam.
Throughout Year 10 and Year 11 students will work on the skills necessary to succeed in this qualification. They will work towards developing:
communicative competence: the ability to communicate with clarity, relevance, accuracy and variety
creativity: the ability to use language, experience and imagination to respond to new situations, create original ideas and make a positive impact
critical skills: the ability to scan, filter and analyse different forms of information
cross-cultural awareness: the ability to engage with issues inside and outside own community, dealing with the familiar as well as the unfamiliar. (This is not an assessment objective but forms the context of writing tasks and reading passages.)
Paper 1
Directed Writing - Communication of key information is required to achieve a specific purpose for a certain audience in a particular situation.
Creative Writing - Language (as well as content) is tested in here and candidates have an opportunity to display their English language skills in order to express their opinion, experience or imagination.
Paper 2
Reading for Ideas - Scanning for and summarising specific information is required to achieve and convey a global understanding of a text.
Reading for Meaning - In this section language is tested and there is a greater demand for English language skills in order to demonstrate more in-depth understanding of a text.
In this way, it is hoped that candidates will develop strategies to be able to transfer these communication skills to other subjects and to their future careers/studies as they encounter a variety of texts and are required to make a positive impact through the written word.
Year 10 and 11 Mocks
1 Hour 30 Minutes
50% of Award
1 Hour 45 Minutes
50% of Award
Supportive: