FLE Syllabus 2027–2029
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English · 0500
Sitting your FLE exams in the October/November 2026 series?
This page covers the 2027–2029 syllabus. If you're taking the October/November 2026 exam series, please refer to the syllabus for your sitting – not the one below!
What is this course?
So, you've signed up for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) – woohoo! It's going to be an exciting two years. FLE (0500) is all about helping you become a sharp reader, a confident writer, and someone who can actually say what they mean (a rarer skill than you'd think... trust me!).
Below, you'll find the nuts and bolts of the course. Before diving in, make sure you understand the different components and what you'll be assessed on – it'll help everything else make much more sense!
How is it assessed?
Paper 1 – Reading
4 compulsory questions on 3 reading texts (~1,400 words total). Spend ~15 minutes reading first. No dictionaries.
Paper 2 or Component 3
Choose: Paper 2 – Directed Writing & Composition (2-hour exam), OR Component 3 – Coursework Portfolio (three internally assessed assignments).
Assessment Objectives
Throughout this roadmap you'll see codes like R3 or W2. These are the official Cambridge Assessment Objectives – the skills examiners are actually testing. Use them to understand exactly what each question wants from you.
Reading Objectives
- R1Understand and respond in writing to explicit meanings
- R2Understand and respond in writing to implicit meanings and attitudes
- R3Analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions
- R4Understand how writers achieve effects and influence readers
- R5Select and use relevant information for specific purposes
Writing Objectives
- W1Express ideas clearly and accurately with appropriate form, register and style
- W2Organise and structure ideas for a deliberate effect
- W3Use a range of appropriate vocabulary
- W4Use a range of sentence structures for variety and effect
- W5Ensure accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar
Paper 1 – Reading Breakdown
Click each question to see exactly what's tested and how many marks are available.
📖 Mr P's Paper 1 Tip
Paper 1 is all about timing, so make sure you give yourself enough time for each question. Keep one eye on the clock throughout the exam – it's just as important as answering the questions themselves!
Paper 2 – Writing Breakdown
Click each section to see the task details and what the examiners are looking for.
✏️ Mr P's Paper 2 Tip
In Section B, don't just tell a story or describe a scene – craft it. Examiners want varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and a real sense of voice.
Component 3 – Coursework Portfolio
An alternative to Paper 2. Candidates submit a portfolio of three written assignments, each around 500–800 words. Work is internally assessed by your teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge. Dictionaries may be used.
A directed writing task in response to one or two texts chosen by the teacher. Write in one of these forms: speech, letter, article or report. This is the only assignment that tests both reading AND writing skills (15 marks each).
A piece of prose descriptive writing. Assessed for writing skills only. Develop vivid ideas and images that create a convincing, well-defined picture with varieties of focus.
A piece of narrative writing. Assessed for writing skills only. Candidates may write in any narrative form. Ensure the plot is well defined and developed with features of fiction writing – description, characterisation and convincing details.
📋 Mr P's Coursework Tip
You must include the first draft of one assignment in your portfolio – it won't affect your mark, but it shows the examiner your writing process. Also make sure all three assignments demonstrate clearly different writing styles and intentions.
What skills will you build?
Reading Skills
- Understand explicit and implicit meanings
- Summarise and select key information
- Analyse how writers achieve effects
- Evaluate facts, ideas and opinions
- Recognise figurative language and imagery
- Understand bias and perspective
Writing Skills
- Express ideas, opinions and imagination
- Write for different audiences and purposes
- Structure writing for deliberate effect
- Use varied vocabulary and sentence types
- Write in different text forms (letter, speech, article…)
- Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar
Text Types You Need to Know
These are the writing forms tested across Papers 1 and 2. You must be able to write in the correct format for each.
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