How to get an A* in IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510

Your grade comes from two papers. Component 1 (Reading and Writing) is 60 marks in 2 hours and counts for 70%. Component 2 (Listening) is 40 marks in about 50 minutes and counts for 30%.

The Speaking test (Component 3) is marked separately and gets its own grade from 1 to 5. It does not change your A*–G grade, but it still matters to schools and universities.

• Reading: 30 marks across Exercises 1–4.
• Writing: 30 marks across Exercises 5 and 6 (15 each).
• Listening: 40 one-mark multiple-choice questions.

Tip: Writing is half of Component 1. Two strong pieces of writing are the quickest way to push your grade up.

Free lesson: Timing Component 1

Most lost reading marks come from answers that are true in the text but do not answer the question. Underline the question word (who, when, why, how many) and check that your answer is that kind of thing: a person, a time, a reason, a number.

Short answers in Exercise 1 and notes in Exercise 3 should be brief. Copy only the words you need and keep the spelling exactly as in the text.

Free lessons: Exercise 1: short answers · Exercise 3: note-making · Question words: what is being asked

Each writing task gives you prompts. Missing one is the fastest way to lose content marks. Plan one paragraph per prompt and add a reason or example to each, so your ideas are developed, not just listed.

Exercise 5 is an informal email, usually to a friend. Exercise 6 is more formal: an article, report, essay or review. Match your tone to the reader every time.

Free lessons: Covering every prompt and planning · Developing ideas with reasons and examples · Purpose, audience and register

Language is worth 9 of the 15 marks for each piece of writing. Examiners reward a range of sentence types, linking words and precise vocabulary, but only when it is used correctly. One clear complex sentence beats three muddled ones.

• Use a mix of tenses where they fit, including present perfect and conditionals.
• Link ideas with words such as however, as a result and although.
• Swap general words (good, nice, things) for exact ones (reliable, peaceful, equipment).

Free lessons: Linking: contrast and concession · Synonyms and avoiding repetition · Conditionals

You hear every recording twice. Use the time before each exercise to read the questions and predict what you will hear. On the first listening, pick a likely answer. On the second, check it.

Speakers often mention a wrong option first and then change their mind. The answer is what they finally decide, not the first thing you hear.

Free lessons: Predicting before you listen · Distractors: when speakers change their minds

1. Three times a week: do one reading exercise under time and mark it honestly.
2. Twice a week: write one 120–160 word piece, then check it against the prompts and count the words.
3. Twice a week: do one listening exercise and note why each wrong answer was wrong.
4. Every day: learn ten words or phrases in context, with the words that go with them.
5. Every month: sit a full timed Component 1.

Free lesson: Collocations