Syllabus

Cambridge IGCSE™
First Language Arabic 0508
For examination in June and November 2020 and 2021.

Version 2
Please check the syllabus page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse
to see if this syllabus is available in your administrative zone.
Why choose Cambridge?

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Contents

1  Why choose this syllabus? ..................................................................................................... 2

2  Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................................4

Content overview 4
Assessment overview 4
Assessment objectives 5

3  Subject content .........................................................................................................................6

4  Details of the assessment ...................................................................................................... 7

Paper 1 – Reading 7
Paper 2 – Writing 8

5  What else you need to know .................................................................................................9

Before you start 9
Making entries 10
After the exam 11
How students and teachers can use the grades 11
Grade descriptions 12
Changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021 13

Changes to this syllabus

For information about changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021, go to page 13.
The latest syllabus is version 2, published December 2018. There are no significant changes which affect
teaching.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

1  Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits
Cambridge IGCSE™ syllabuses are created especially for international students. For over 25 years, we have worked
with schools and teachers worldwide to develop syllabuses that are suitable for different countries, different types
of schools and for learners with a wide range of abilities.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic is designed for learners whose mother tongue is Arabic. The course allows
learners to:
•• develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when writing
•• learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
•• develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the
ways in which Arabic can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic also develops more general analysis and
communication skills such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Our approach encourages learners to be:

Cambridge
learner

‘The strength of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications is internationally recognised and has provided
an international pathway for our students to continue their studies around the world.’
Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  Why choose this syllabus?

Recognition and progression

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic gives learners a solid
foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of
courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Arabic.

Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of
academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and
Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.

UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and
skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to
the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications
are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition

Supporting teachers
We provide a wide range of practical resources, detailed guidance, and innovative training and professional
development so that you can give your learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE.

Teaching resources Exam preparation resources

• School Support Hub • Question papers
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support • Mark schemes
• Syllabus • Example candidate responses to understand
• Scheme of work what examiners are looking for at key grades
• Learner guide • Examiner reports to improve future teaching
• Discussion forum
• Resource list
• Endorsed textbooks and digital resources Support for
Cambridge
Training IGCSE  Community
• Face-to-face workshops around the world You can find useful information, as well as
• Online self-study training share your ideas and experiences with other
teachers, on our social media channels and
• Online tutor-led training
community forums.
• Cambridge Professional Development
Find out more at
Qualifications
www.cambridgeinternational.org/social-media

‘Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It
is very popular in Egypt because it provides the perfect preparation for success at advanced level
programmes.’
Mrs Omnia Kassabgy, Managing Director of British School in Egypt BSE

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Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

2  Syllabus overview

Aims
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.

The aims are to enable students to:

•• communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in writing
•• understand and respond appropriately to what they read
•• enjoy and appreciate the variety of language
•• complement their other areas of study by developing skills of a more general application
(e.g. analysis, synthesis, drawing of inferences).

Content overview
Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic offers candidates the opportunity to respond knowledgeably to a rich array
of reading passages. Candidates will use some of these passages to inform and inspire their own writing, and write
in a range of text types for different audiences.

The passages cover a range of genres and types, including fiction and non-fiction, and may also include other forms
of writing, such as essays, reviews and articles.

Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers and writers in Arabic.

Assessment overview
All candidates take two papers.

All candidates take: and:

Paper 1 2 hours Paper 2 2 hours

Reading 50% Writing 50%
50 marks 50 marks
Structured and extended writing questions Two composition tasks
Questions will be based on Arabic passages Externally assessed
Externally assessed

Support for Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic

Our School Support Hub www.cambridgeinternational.org/support provides Cambridge schools with a
secure site for downloading specimen and past question papers, mark schemes, grade thresholds and other
curriculum resources specific to this syllabus. The School Support Hub community offers teachers the
opportunity to connect with each other and to ask questions related to the syllabus.

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  Syllabus overview

Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Reading

Candidates are assessed on their ability to:

R1  understand and collate explicit meanings
R2  understand, explain and collate implicit meanings and attitudes
R3  select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specific purposes
R4  understand how writers achieve effects.

AO2 Writing

Candidates are assessed on their ability to:

W1  articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2  order and present facts, ideas and opinions
W3  understand and use a range of appropriate vocabulary
W4  use language and register appropriate to audience and context
W5 make accurate and effective use of paragraphs, grammatical structures, sentences, punctuation and spelling.

Weighting for assessment objectives

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.

Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification

Assessment objective Weighting in IGCSE %

AO1 Reading 35

AO2 Writing 65

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective Weighting in components %

Paper 1 Paper 2

AO1 Reading 70 –

AO2 Writing 30 100

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Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

3  Subject content

All candidates follow the same curriculum.

1 Reading
All candidates should be able to: Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should, in
addition, be able to:
•• demonstrate understanding of words within •• show a more precise understanding of extended
extended texts texts
•• scan for and extract specific information
•• identify main and subordinate topics, summarise, •• recognise the relationship of ideas
paraphrase, re-express
•• evaluate effectiveness, draw inferences, compare,
analyse, synthesise
•• show some sense of how writers achieve their •• show understanding of how writers achieve their
effects effects
•• recognise and respond to simple linguistic devices •• recognise and respond to more sophisticated
including figurative language. linguistic devices.

2 Writing
All candidates should be able to: Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should, in
addition, be able to:
•• express thoughts, feelings and opinions in order •• show a wider and more varied sense of different
to interest, inform or convince the reader styles to interest, inform or convince the reader
•• show some sense of audience •• show a clear sense of audience
•• demonstrate adequate control of vocabulary, •• demonstrate a sophisticated use of vocabulary
syntax and grammar and structures
•• exercise care over punctuation and spelling •• demonstrate accuracy in punctuation and
spelling
•• write accurate simple sentences •• write accurate complex sentences
•• attempt a variety of sentence structures •• employ varied sentence structures
•• recognise the need for paragraphing •• write in well-constructed paragraphs
•• use appropriate vocabulary. •• use imaginative and varied vocabulary.

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

4  Details of the assessment

The question papers are set entirely in Arabic.

Paper 1 – Reading

Written paper, 2 hours, 50 marks

Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.

Questions relate to two passages of approximately 600–700 words each, linked by a common theme. These
passages are printed on the question paper.

Question 1 (25 marks)

This question is divided into a series of sub-questions requiring answers of different lengths.
The sub-questions are based on Passage 1 and test the following reading objectives (20 marks):
R1 understand and collate explicit meanings
R2 understand, explain and collate implicit meanings and attitudes
R3 select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specific purposes
R4 understand how writers achieve effects.

In addition, 5 marks are available for the accuracy of the language in which answers are expressed.

Question 2 (25 marks)

Candidates write a summary of 200–250 words based on Passage 1 and Passage 2.
The question tests the following reading objectives (15 marks):
R1 understand and collate explicit meanings
R2 understand, explain and collate implicit meanings and attitudes
R3 select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specific purposes.

In addition, 10 marks are available for Writing (5 marks for Style and Organisation and 5 marks for Accuracy of
Language).

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Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  Details of the assessment

Paper 2 – Writing

Written paper, 2 hours, 50 marks

Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.

This paper is divided into two sections, as detailed below. Candidates are required to write two compositions, one
from each section.

Section 1 – Discussion and Argument (25 marks)

Four argumentative/discursive titles are set, from which candidates choose one.

Section 2 – Description and Narration (25 marks)

Four titles are set (two descriptive and two narrative), from which candidates choose one.

Candidates are required to write between 350 and 500 words for each of their answers. The questions test the
following writing objectives:
W1 articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2 order and present facts, ideas and opinions
W3 understand and use a range of appropriate vocabulary
W4 use language and register appropriate to audience and context
W5 make accurate and effective use of paragraphs, grammatical structures, sentences, punctuation and
spelling.

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

5  What else you need to know

This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support. Find more
information about our administrative processes at www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers

Before you start

Previous study
We recommend that learners who are beginning this course have a level in Arabic equivalent to first language
competence.

Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses based on learners having about 130 guided learning hours for each subject
during the course but this is for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification
may vary according to local practice and their previous experience of the subject.

Availability and timetables

You can enter candidates in the June and November exam series. You can view the timetable for your administrative
zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables

All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific timetable. From
2020 this syllabus is not available in all administrative zones. To find out about the availability visit the syllabus
page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse

Private candidates can enter for this syllabus.

Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series. The
only exceptions are:
•• Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) First Language Arabic (7184)
•• Cambridge IGCSE Arabic (0544)
•• syllabuses with the same title at the same level.

Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) and Cambridge O Level syllabuses are at the same level.

Group awards: Cambridge ICE

Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award for Cambridge IGCSE. It allows schools
to offer a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of learners who pass examinations in a
range of different subjects.

Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cambridgeinternational.org/cambridgeice

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Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  What else you need to know

Making entries
Exams officers are responsible for submitting entries to Cambridge International. We encourage them to work
closely with you to make sure they enter the right number of candidates for the right combination of syllabus
components. Entry option codes and instructions for submitting entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries. Your exams officer has a copy of this guide.

Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as ‘administrative
zones’. We allocate all Cambridge schools to one administrative zone determined by their location. Each zone has
a specific timetable. Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An entry option code
is used to identify the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone and the available
assessment options.

Support for exams officers

We know how important exams officers are to the successful running of exams. We provide them with the support
they need to make your entries on time. Your exams officer will find this support, and guidance for all other phases
of the Cambridge Exams Cycle, at www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers

Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. This is a linear qualification so
candidates cannot re-sit individual components.

Equality and inclusion

We have taken great care to avoid bias of any kind in the preparation of this syllabus and related assessment
materials. In compliance with the UK Equality Act (2010) we have designed this qualification to avoid any direct
and indirect discrimination.

The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities or learning
difficulties. We can put arrangements in place for these candidates to enable them to access the assessments and
receive recognition of their attainment. We do not agree access arrangements if they give candidates an unfair
advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.

Candidates who cannot access the assessment of any component may be able to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have completed.

Information on access arrangements is in the Cambridge Handbook at

www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers

Language
This syllabus is available in English only. The associated assessment materials are available in Arabic only.

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.

After the exam

Grading and reporting
Grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicate the standard a candidate achieved at Cambridge IGCSE.

A* is the highest and G is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade G. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate. In
specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
•• Q (result pending)
•• X (no result)
•• Y (to be issued)
These letters do not appear on the certificate.

How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge IGCSE has two purposes.
•• To measure learning and achievement.
The assessment:
–– confirms achievement and performance in relation to the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in
the syllabus, to the levels described in the grade descriptions.
•• To show likely future success.
The outcomes:
–– help predict which students are well prepared for a particular course or career and/or which students are
more likely to be successful
–– help students choose the most suitable course or career.

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Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  What else you need to know

Grade descriptions
Grade descriptions are provided to give an indication of the standards of achievement candidates awarded
particular grades are likely to show. Weakness in one aspect of the examination may be balanced by a better
performance in some other aspect.

Grade A
•• Candidates understand and communicate information at both a straightforward and a complex level.
•• Candidates understand facts, ideas and opinions, and order and present in detail what is relevant for specific
purposes.
•• Candidates describe and reflect upon experience and detail, analysing effectively what is felt and what is
imagined.
•• Candidates recognise implicit meanings and attitudes of a writer.
•• Candidates show a clear sense of audience and an understanding of appropriate uses of language.
•• Candidates write in well-constructed paragraphs, using a full range of appropriate sentence structures and
showing accuracy in spelling and punctuation.

Grade C
•• Candidates understand and convey information both at a straightforward level and at a more complex level.
•• Candidates understand basic facts, ideas and opinions, presenting them with a degree of clarity and accuracy.
•• Candidates evaluate material from texts and select what is relevant for specific purposes.
•• Candidates describe and reflect upon experience and express effectively what is felt and what is imagined.
•• Candidates recognise the more obvious implicit meanings and attitudes of a writer.
•• Candidates show a sense of audience and an awareness of appropriate uses of language.
•• Candidates write in paragraphs, using sentences of varied kinds and exercising care over spelling and
punctuation.

Grade F
•• Candidates understand and convey information at a straightforward level.
•• Candidates understand basic facts, ideas and opinions, presenting them with a degree of coherence.
•• Candidates select material from texts and comment upon it at a literal level.
•• Candidates describe experience in concrete terms and express intelligibly what is felt and what is imagined.
•• Candidates recognise clear meanings and explicit attitudes of a writer.
•• Candidates show awareness that language is used in different ways in different circumstances.
•• Candidates write at least in simple sentences – weaknesses in spelling and punctuation and the construction of
complex sentences will be apparent, but will not seriously impair communication.

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 Cambridge IGCSE First Language Arabic 0508 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.  What else you need to know

Changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021

The syllabus has been updated. This is version 2, published December 2018.

This document has been refreshed and rebranded. The subject content remains the same.

Minor changes to the wording of some sections have been made to improve clarity.

Changes to version 2 of the syllabus

Combining this with other syllabuses

•• Candidates cannot take Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) First Language Arabic (7184) with this syllabus

You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.

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‘While studying Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Levels, students broaden their horizons
through a global perspective and develop a lasting passion for learning.’
Zhai Xiaoning, Deputy Principal, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China

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