IGCSE English as a Second Language
Develop English proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking for non-native speakers.
IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed for students whose first language is not English. It develops all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—to achieve competence for academic and professional purposes.
Why IGCSE English as a Second Language Matters
IGCSE and GCSE grades are usually what sixth forms and IB or A Level programs look at when deciding whether you can take a subject further.
Grades: Cambridge IGCSE A*–G (9–1 in England only); Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and UK GCSE 9–1.
Papers, tiers and coursework differ by board and by subject, so lessons follow your own specification: tell us your board and syllabus code on the intro call.
IGCSE English as a Second Language topics
An outline of the main topics. The exact content and its order follow your own board's specification.
- Skimming and scanning
- Detail extraction
- Inference
- Summary writing
- Email and letter writing
- Article writing
- Summary
- Note-making
- Note completion
- Multiple choice
- Gap filling
- Following instructions
- Presentation
- Discussion
- Role play
- Conversation
How lessons approach ESL
Understanding the content, and answering the questions the way the mark scheme rewards.
- Immerse yourself in English media daily
- Practice speaking with native speakers
- Build vocabulary systematically
- Read English newspapers and magazines
- Practice listening under exam conditions
- Time your reading and writing tasks
- Learn common email and letter formats
- Prepare speaking topics in advance
Past papers
Past ESL papers with audio, worked through in lessons with the mark scheme.