What is the difference between the Speaking test (Paper 3) for Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language 0991 and 0993 and the Speaking and Listening test (Component 4) for Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) First Language English 0990?

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

The Speaking Test for Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language 0991/0993 requires candidates to respond to a range of speaking tasks. Before the test period, we send Centres a range of Speaking test materials (Speaking Cards and Teacher’s/Examiner’s Notes). The examiner, and not the candidate, selects the assessment material.

The test consists of:

• Introduction: a welcome and an explanation of the format of the test
• Warm-up: a non-assessed 'warm-up' conversation (approximately 1-2 minutes)
• Part 1: an interview (2-3 minutes)
• Part 2: a short talk (3-4 minutes)
• Part 3: a discussion (3-4 minutes)

The total duration of the Speaking test, from the beginning of the introduction to the end of Part 3, should be 10–15 minutes and recorded in full.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English

The Speaking and Listening Test for Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) First Language English 0990 requires candidates to prepare an individual task in advance of the test (for example, a presentation, a talk, a speech, a monologue) on a topic of their own choice.

The test consists of:

• Part 1: Individual Talk - the candidate talking for about 3-4 minutes on this single topic or theme.
• Part 2: Conversation - a conversation between the teacher/examiner and the candidate about the candidate's chosen topic or theme for about 7-8 minutes.