Cambridge O Level English Language 1123

Syllabus for examinations in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Course Overview

This two-year course prepares students for the Cambridge O Level English Language examination, developing advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. The syllabus emphasizes analytical reading of diverse texts and effective written communication for different purposes and audiences.

Course Aims:

Develop critical reading skills across a wide range of texts
Enhance writing accuracy and effectiveness in various contexts
Build advanced vocabulary and grammatical understanding
Improve analytical evaluation of language use
Prepare for academic and professional communication

Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Reading (2 hours, 50 marks, 50%)

Section A: Comprehension and Use of Language (25 marks)

Question 1: Comprehension of Text A (narrative, ~900 words)
Question 2: Analysis of language use in Text A

Section B: Summary and Short Response (25 marks)

Question 3a: Summary of Text B (non-fiction, 550-600 words, max 150 words)
Question 3b: Short response to implicit meanings in Text B

Paper 2: Writing (2 hours, 50 marks, 50%)

Section A: Directed Writing (25 marks)

Compulsory question based on stimulus text(s)
Write 250-350 words in specific format (speech, letter, report, etc.)

Section B: Composition (25 marks)

Choice of 4 questions (2 descriptive, 2 narrative)
Write 350-450 words

Course Content

Term	Focus Areas	Key Skills Developed
Term 1	Reading comprehension strategies Narrative text analysis Basic summary writing	Identifying explicit and implicit meanings Understanding narrative techniques Concise writing skills
Term 2	Non-fiction text analysis Advanced summary techniques Directed writing formats	Evaluating facts and opinions Selecting relevant information Adapting writing to purpose and audience
Term 3	Language analysis Descriptive writing Grammar and vocabulary enrichment	Analyzing writers' techniques Creating vivid descriptions Precision in language use
Term 4	Narrative writing Discursive/argumentative writing Exam technique mastery	Structuring engaging narratives Developing logical arguments Time management in exams

Assessment Objectives

Objective	Description	Weighting
AO1 Reading	Understanding explicit and implicit meanings Analyzing writers' techniques Selecting information for specific purposes	50%
AO2 Writing	Expressing thoughts effectively Organizing ideas for impact Using appropriate vocabulary and grammar	50%

Key Dates

June Series: Registration by mid-January | Exams May-June

November Series: Registration by mid-August | Exams October-November

Results released approximately 8-10 weeks after final exam