IGCSE English is one of the core subjects in international education examinations, and for many students, studying this course can be quite challenging. So what does the IGCSE English curriculum actually include? And which is more difficult when comparing IGCSE English with IELTS?

The IGCSE English course is offered by two globally recognized international examination boards: CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) and Edexcel. Both boards provide a wide range of educational curricula and examination services, covering many countries and regions around the world.

CIE offers three types of IGCSE English courses: English as a First Language, English as a Second Language, and English as an Additional Language. These correspond to the syllabuses 0472 and 0772 (9–1).

Which is more difficult: IGCSE English or IELTS?

Based on IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) results, a Grade B (70%) is roughly equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0, while a Grade A (80%) is comparable to an IELTS score of 7.0. Although these requirements may appear demanding, further analysis shows that the ESL course is generally less difficult than IELTS, and the proportion of students achieving high grades in ESL is also higher.

ESL also has two syllabuses, 0510 and 0511, which cover the same examination content. The only difference is that for syllabus 0510, the speaking component does not count toward the final grade, whereas for syllabus 0511, the speaking component is included in the overall assessment. Edexcel's IGCSE English courses are offered in three types: ESL, English Language A, and English Language B.

Below, using CIE as an example, we will examine the differences among the three types of IGCSE English courses.

Looking for IGCSE Home Tuition in Singapore? We offer high-quality teaching, flexibility, and excellent IGCSE tuition service at competitive rates. Our mission is to provide students with expert guidance and effective support, helping them excel in their IGCSE exams.
SMS/WhatsApp IGCSE tutor at +65 8258 7334 to request your IGCSE tuition today.