Syllabus

Cambridge IGCSE™
Urdu as a Second Language 0539
Use this syllabus for exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Exams are available in the June series.

Version 1
For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE
refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Why choose Cambridge International?

Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a
lasting passion for learning. We are part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is a department
of the University of Cambridge.

Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can
shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways
to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for
life, so they can achieve at school, university and work.

Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by
subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong
platform for learners to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning
resources.

Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications
for school education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge
learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged – equipped for success in the
modern world.

Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10 000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future
with the Cambridge Pathway.

School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’
Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA

Quality management
Cambridge International is committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, our
quality management system for the provision of international qualifications and education programmes
for students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard,
ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/ISO9001

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2022

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Cambridge University Press &
Assessment is a department of the University of Cambridge.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy
material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre.
Contents

Why choose Cambridge International?......................................................................... 2

1 Why choose this syllabus? ......................................................................................... 4

2 Syllabus overview ........................................................................................................ 7

Aims 7
Content overview 8
Assessment overview 9
Assessment objectives 10

3 Subject content ..........................................................................................................12

4 Details of the assessment .........................................................................................14

Paper 1 Reading and Writing 14
Paper 2 Listening 15
Component 5 Speaking (optional) 16

5 What else you need to know .................................................................................... 23

Before you start 23
Making entries 24
Accessibility and equality 24
After the exam 25
How students and teachers can use the grades 26
Grade descriptions 26
Changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027 27

Important: Changes to this syllabus

For information about changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027, go to page 27.
The latest syllabus is version 1, published September 2022. There are no significant changes which affect
teaching.
 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits
Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international
qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, although it can be taken by
students of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted.

Students can choose from 70 subjects in any combination – it is

taught by over 4500 schools in over 140 countries.
Cambridge
Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and learner
understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language

encourages learners to develop their use of the language for
the purpose of practical communication. The syllabus provides
opportunities for learners to consolidate their language skills
and extend their language range and expression through working with a variety of materials and contemporary
resources. The syllabus is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and language required for further
study or employment using Urdu.

Our approach in Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language encourages learners to be:

confident, understanding and communicating effectively in a range of situations

responsible, through developing language skills to express ideas

reflective, developing an awareness of how to use language effectively for communication

innovative, experimenting with language and applying their skills in different situations

engaged, taking an active interest in the ways language is used.

School feedback: ‘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.’
Feedback from: Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Why choose this syllabus?

International recognition and acceptance

Our expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of our
programmes and qualifications around the world. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge
IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 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 Urdu.

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 the 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.

* Due to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the UK NARIC national recognition agency function was re-titled as UK ENIC
on 1 March 2021, operated and managed by Ecctis Limited. From 1 March 2021, international benchmarking findings are published
under the Ecctis name.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition

School feedback: ‘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.’
Feedback from: Managing Director of British School of Egypt BSE

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Why choose this syllabus?

Supporting teachers
We provide a wide range of resources, detailed guidance, innovative training and professional development
so that you can give your students the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE. To find out which
resources are available for each syllabus go to our School Support Hub.

The School Support Hub is our secure online site for Cambridge teachers where you can find the resources
you need to deliver our programmes. You can also keep up to date with your subject and the global Cambridge
community through our online discussion forums.

Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support

Support for Cambridge IGCSE

Planning and Teaching and Learning and revision Results

preparation assessment • Example candidate • Candidate Results
• Schemes of work • Endorsed resources responses Service
• Specimen papers • Online forums • Past papers and • Principal examiner
• Syllabuses • Support for mark schemes reports for teachers
• Teacher guides coursework and • Specimen paper • Results Analysis
speaking tests answers

Sign up for email notifications about changes to syllabuses, including new and revised products and services at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/syllabusupdates

Professional development
We support teachers through:
• Introductory Training – face-to-face or online
• Extension Training – face-to-face or online
• Enrichment Professional Development – face-to-face or online
Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/events

• Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications

Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/profdev

Supporting exams officers

We provide comprehensive support and guidance for all Cambridge exams officers.
Find out more at: www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

2 Syllabus overview

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

The aims are to:

• develop the ability to use Urdu effectively for the purpose of practical communication
• form a sound base for the skills required for further study or employment using Urdu as the medium
• develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• encourage learners to expand their vocabulary in Urdu
• promote learners’ personal development.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is an education organisation and politically

neutral. The contents of this syllabus, examination papers and associated materials do not endorse
any political view. We endeavour to treat all aspects of the exam process neutrally.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

Content overview
Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical
communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. In both written and spoken Urdu, learners will
be able to follow factual information as well as abstract ideas, select relevant details, and understand what is
directly stated or implied.

Learners will be encouraged to respond effectively to a variety of stimuli. They will be able to express their
viewpoints with a degree of accuracy and clarity, in spoken and written form, in order to meet the needs of the
given purpose and target audience. This will enable learners to become independent users of Urdu in a range
of contexts.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

Assessment overview
All candidates take two components. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

Centres can choose to enter candidates for an optional third component: Component 5 Speaking. Component 5
is internally marked and externally moderated.

Marks for Component 5 do not contribute to the overall qualification grade: this component is separately
endorsed. Where candidates perform to an appropriate standard, certificates record separately a grade from
1 (high) to 5 (low) for Speaking.

All candidates take: and:

Paper 1 2 hours Paper 2 Approximately 35–40 minutes

Reading and Writing 67% Listening 33%
60 marks 30 marks
Written examination consisting of six exercises Written examination consisting of four exercises
that test a range of reading and writing skills. The that test listening skills.
task types are: short answer questions, multiple Candidates listen to recordings of short and
matching, note-making, summary writing, longer spoken texts. The task types are: short
functional writing and extended writing. answer questions, gap-fill sentences, multiple
Externally assessed matching and multiple-choice questions.
Externally assessed

and candidates can choose to take:

Component 5 Approximately 10–12 minutes

Speaking Separately endorsed
60 marks
The Speaking test consists of three parts:
candidates give a two- to three-minute
presentation, followed by a short discussion with
the examiner about the presentation, followed
by a short conversation with the examiner about
general topics.
Internally assessed and externally moderated

Information on availability is in the Before you start section.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:

AO1 Reading
R1 identify and select relevant information
R2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
R3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
R4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, writer’s purpose, intention and feelings

AO2 Writing
W1 communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly, accurately and effectively
W2 organise ideas into coherent paragraphs using a range of appropriate linking devices
W3 use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately and effectively
W4 show control of punctuation and spelling
W5 use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and audience

AO3 Listening
L1 identify and select relevant information
L2 understand ideas, opinions and attitudes
L3 show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions and attitudes
L4 understand what is implied but not directly stated, e.g. gist, speaker’s purpose, intention and feelings

AO3 Speaking
S1 communicate ideas/opinions clearly, accurately and effectively
S2 develop responses and link ideas using a range of appropriate linking devices
S3 use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately and effectively
S4 show control of pronunciation and intonation patterns
S5 engage in a conversation and contribute effectively to help move the conversation forward

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

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 33

AO2 Writing 33

AO3 Listening 33

AO4 Speaking Separately endorsed

Total 100

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective Weighting in components %

Paper 1 Paper 2 Component 5

AO1 Reading 50 0 0

AO2 Writing 50 0 0

AO3 Listening 0 100 0

AO4 Speaking 0 0 100

Total 100 100 100

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

3 Subject content

This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting texts, subject contexts, resources and examples to
support your learners’ study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and
learning context as well as complying with your school policies and local legal requirements.

The skills covered in the syllabus are outlined below.

1 Reading

• understand public notices and signs (including timetables and advertisements)

• identify and select correct details from simple texts
• select and organise relevant information from a range of texts that are likely to be within the experience
of young people and reflecting the interests of people from varied cultural backgrounds, such as blogs,
brochures, emails, forms, imaginative writing, letters, magazines, newspapers and webpages
• identify some ideas, opinions and attitudes in a range of texts
• understand what is implied but not directly stated within a text, such as gist, opinion, writer’s purpose
and intention
• identify the important points or themes within an extended piece of writing
• draw conclusions from an extended text and recognise connections between related ideas within a text

2 Writing

• communicate factual information, ideas and arguments in short and extended writing tasks in
appropriate and accurate Urdu
• respond to a written stimulus and use appropriate register and style/format for the given purpose and
audience, such as a summary, an informal letter/email, an article, a blog, a report or review
• use a range of grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary
• express opinions and use appropriate register/style
• select and organise information and ideas into coherent paragraphs and use a range of linking devices

3 Listening

• understand factual information and ideas from a range of sources, such as a recorded phone message,
news or weather report, travel broadcast, interview, dialogue, memoir or telephone conversation
• identify relevant information and select correct details from a range of sources
• identify ideas, opinions and attitudes from a range of sources and understand the connections between
them
• show some awareness of what is implied but not directly stated, such as gist, purpose and intention

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

4 Speaking (optional)

• communicate factual information, ideas and arguments

• use a range of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures using suitable pronunciation and
intonation
• organise and link ideas with a range of appropriate linking devices
• give a short, clear presentation without a script on a topic of their choice
• demonstrate competence in a range of speech activities, such as respond to questions on topics within
a defined range (for example, past and present schooling, future plans and current affairs)
• take part in a conversation and demonstrate flexibility in dealing with new ideas and other speakers’
responses
• show a sense of audience

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

4 Details of the assessment

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

All questions and responses will be in Urdu.

Written paper, 2 hours, 60 marks

Candidates should attempt all questions.

For all parts of this paper, candidates write their answers in spaces provided in a question paper booklet.
Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.

The question paper has six exercises:

Exercise 1 – Short answer questions: candidates read a short text printed in the question paper and answer
a series of questions that test their skimming and gist-reading skills and require short answers of a single word
or phrase. The text will be one of the following types: advertisement, brochure, leaflet, guide, report, manual,
instructions, newspaper/magazine article.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R3, R4
Total marks: 8

Exercise 2 – Multiple matching: candidates read a series of short paragraphs followed by a series of
sentences, then match each sentence to one of the paragraphs.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R3
Total marks: 9

Exercise 3 – Note-making: candidates read a longer text printed in the question paper and make brief notes
under a number of supplied headings.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R3, R4
Total marks: 9

Exercise 4 – Summary: candidates write a paragraph-length summary (of no more than 100 words) about an
aspect or aspects of the text in exercise 3. Candidates should use their own words as far as possible.
Assessment objectives: R2, R3, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5
Total marks: 10

Exercise 5 – Writing exercise: candidates write a short piece of functional prose such as an email, of
approximately 120 words. A stimulus of short prompts and/or pictures will be printed in the question paper. A
purpose, format and audience for the writing will be specified.
Assessment objectives: W1, W2, W3, W4, W5
Total marks: 8

Exercise 6 – Extended writing exercise: candidates write a longer piece of continuous prose, of approximately
200 words. A stimulus of short prompts will be printed in the question paper. A purpose, format and audience
for the writing will be specified.
Assessment objectives: W1, W2, W3, W4, W5
Total marks: 16

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Paper 2 Listening
All questions and responses will be in Urdu.

Written paper, approximately 35–45 minutes, 30 marks

Candidates should attempt all questions.

For all parts of this paper, candidates write their answers in spaces provided in a question paper booklet.
Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.

Each exercise tests listening comprehension of spoken material (e.g. dialogues, interviews, conversations,
news items, public announcements, talks). Candidates hear the spoken material for each exercise twice and
appropriate pauses are included on the recording to allow candidates time to read the questions and write their
answers.

Centres must check the Cambridge Handbook for the year candidates are taking the assessment. The
Cambridge Handbook tells you when and how to access the audio materials for each examination series.
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

Teachers/invigilators should consult the relevant sections of the Cambridge Handbook for details about rooms,
equipment, guidance on acoustics and checking the audio material in advance.

The question paper has four exercises:

Exercise 1 – Short answer questions: candidates hear a series of short spoken texts (e.g. travel
announcement, recorded phone message, brief dialogue) and write short answers in response to eight
questions.
Assessment objectives: L1, L2
Total marks: 8

Exercise 2 – Gap-fill sentences: candidates hear a longer spoken text (e.g. conversation, interview,
monologue, formal talk) and complete gaps in notes/sentences printed in the question paper.
Assessment objectives: L1, L2
Total marks: 8

Exercise 3 – Multiple matching: Candidates hear six short extracts and match each speaker to appropriate
content.
Assessment objectives: L3, L4
Total marks: 6

Exercise 4 – Multiple-choice questions: candidates hear a discussion between two speakers and answer
multiple-choice comprehension questions.
Assessment objectives: L1, L2, L3, L4
Total marks: 8

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Component 5 Speaking (optional)

Speaking test, approximately 10–12 minutes, 60 marks

The Speaking test is an optional component and is separately endorsed with grades of 1 (high) to 5 (low).
There is no question paper for the Speaking test. The test will be conducted and assessed in Urdu. The
test must be recorded for all candidates.

Dictionaries may not be taken into the test.

Speaking tests take place before the main examination series (see the timetable for the relevant series).
A teacher/examiner at the centre assesses candidates using the Speaking assessment criteria grid (see
pages 20–22). After the tests, the centre must send the final marks, a recorded sample of the candidates’
performances and completed forms for external moderation to Cambridge International before the advertised
deadline.

Using the samples database

The samples database refers you to key information about administering coursework, speaking tests and
examined coursework for each syllabus.

Use the database to find out:

• when and how to submit your marks for moderated coursework and non-coursework tests
• when and how to submit your candidates’ work
• which forms to complete and return with your candidates’ work.

The samples database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples will ask you for:

• your country/territory
• the syllabus code (i.e. 0539 for this syllabus).

The database will then take you to the information you need, including dates and methods of submission of
candidates’ marks and work, as well as any forms you may need to complete.

Internal moderation
If more than one teacher in your centre is marking internal assessments, you must make arrangements to
moderate or standardise your teachers’ marking so that all candidates are assessed to a common standard.
You can find further information on the process of internal moderation in the Cambridge Handbook and on the
samples database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples

You should record the internally moderated marks for all candidates on the Working Mark Sheet and submit
these marks to Cambridge International according to the instructions set out on the samples database at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples

External moderation
Cambridge International will externally moderate all internally assessed components.

• You must submit the marks of all candidates to Cambridge International.

• You must also submit the marked work of a sample of candidates to Cambridge International.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

The sample you submit to Cambridge International should include examples of the marking of each teacher.
The samples database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples explains how the sample will be
selected.

The samples database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples also provides details of how to submit

the marks and work.

External moderators will produce a short report for each centre with feedback on your marking and
administration of the assessment.

Structure of the Speaking test

There are three parts to the test:

Part 1
A two- to three-minute presentation by the candidate on a chosen topic.
The topic of the presentation should be chosen by the candidate and must reflect an aspect, or aspects, of life
in an Urdu-speaking community or Urdu-speaking culture.
Note: A written copy of the presentation is not allowed.
Candidates may prepare a single ‘cue card’ in Urdu to bring into the examination room. This should be no
larger than a postcard, and could contain a maximum of five headings to remind candidates of the points they
wish to make. Candidates may also bring in a limited quantity of illustrative material (no more than three or
four items), which may include maps, diagrams, statistics and pictures but must not provide additional written
support for their presentation.
Assessment objectives: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
20 marks
Teachers/examiners use Speaking assessment criteria – Part 1 Presentation.

Part 2
A three- to four-minute discussion with the examiner, using spontaneous questions about the presentation. The
teacher/examiner should encourage full responses by giving candidates the opportunity to explain and justify
their opinions. Candidates are expected to give natural replies to questions.
Assessment objectives: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
20 marks
Teachers/examiners use Speaking assessment criteria – Part 2 Topic conversation.

Part 3
A three- to four-minute conversation with the teacher/examiner covering two or three general topics (see
pages 18–19). The teacher/examiner should encourage full responses by giving candidates the opportunity to
explain and justify their opinions. Candidates are expected to give natural replies to questions.
Assessment objectives: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
20 marks
Teachers/examiners use Speaking assessment criteria – Part 3 General conversation.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Topics for Part 3 of the Speaking test

At least two topics will be covered in the general conversation: one from Areas A–B and one from Areas C–E.
The candidate will not know in advance which topics will be covered by the teacher/examiner.

Topics must be chosen that do not overlap with the content of the candidate’s presentation.

Area Topics Examples of the depth and scope

in which areas should be covered
in the general conversation

A Everyday Home life and school

activities Home life A1 Examples of possible areas of
School routine A2 discussion are: how you help in
Eating and drinking A3 the house, school discipline, or the
Health and fitness A4 dangers of smoking.

B Personal Self, family and personal

and social relationships
life Self, family and personal relationships B1 Examples of possible areas of
Everyday life B2 discussion are: responsibilities of
Eating out B3 having younger siblings, or the
advantages and disadvantages of
Holidays tourism for your country.
Holidays, school holidays and public B4
holidays

C The world Home town and local area

around us Home town and geographical C1 Examples of possible areas of
surroundings discussion are: the advantages and
Clothes C2 disadvantages of living in the country
Shopping C3 or in a town.
Public services, local customs, etc. C4

Natural and man-made

environment C5
The environment C6
Weather C7
Finding the way

People, places and customs C8

Meeting and greeting phrases C9
Travel and transport C10
Famous sites and famous cities C11
Animals C12
Festivals

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Area Topics Examples of the depth and scope

in which areas should be covered
in the general conversation

D The world of Continuing education

work Further education and training D1 Examples of possible areas of
discussion are: the advantages and
Careers and employment disadvantages of going to university,
Future career plans D2 going to work or having a gap year
Employment D3 straight after school.

E The Tourism at home and abroad

international Holiday travel and transport E1 An example of a possible area of
world (see also C9) discussion is: the value of travel for
Geographical surroundings E2 young people.
(see also C1)

Life in other countries

Weather (see also C6) E3
Places and customs E4
Food and drink (see also A3) E5
Meeting people (see also C8) E6

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Speaking assessment criteria grid

Guidance for examiners
You must award marks positively. In order to ensure that you reward what a candidate can do rather than
penalise mistakes or omissions examiners should start at the bottom of the mark scheme and work upwards
through the descriptors when awarding marks.

You should adopt a ‘best-fit’ approach for each of the assessment criteria. You must select the set of
descriptors provided in the mark scheme that most closely describes the quality of the work being marked.
As you work upwards through the mark scheme, you will eventually arrive at a set of descriptors that fits the
candidate’s performance. When you reach this point, check the descriptors in the level above to confirm
whether or not there is just enough evidence to award a mark in the higher level.

To select the most appropriate mark within each set of descriptors, you should use the following guidance:
• If most of the descriptors fit the work, then award the top mark in the level.
• If there is just enough evidence (and you had perhaps been considering the level below), then the lowest
mark in the level will be awarded.

Part 1: Presentation (Total: 20 marks)

Content and presentation Quality of language
(communication of facts, ability to express (vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation and
opinion and raise issues for discussion) structures)

9–10 marks – Very good 9–10 marks – Very good

• Thorough coverage of the topic • Uses a wide range of precise vocabulary

• Ideas well sequenced and linked generally accurately
Level 5

• Communicates a range of factual information, • Pronunciation and intonation are clear

ideas and opinions • Uses a variety of complex structures generally
• Engaging presentation that sustains interest accurately
fully • Errors do not impede communication

7–8 marks – Good 7–8 marks – Good

• Good coverage of the topic • Uses a good range of vocabulary, which

• Ideas sequenced and mostly linked sometimes lacks precision
• Communicates relevant factual points and • Pronunciation and intonation are generally
Level 4

some ideas and opinions clear

• Clear presentation that sustains interest • Uses some complex structures and a range of
simple structures generally accurately
• Errors rarely impede communication

5–6 marks – Satisfactory 5–6 marks – Satisfactory

• Satisfactory coverage of the topic • Uses a satisfactory range of vocabulary,

• Some attempts to sequence and link ideas though hesitates when going beyond simple
language
• Communicates some factual points with
simple ideas or opinions • Pronunciation and intonation sometimes lack
Level 3

clarity
• Presentation is slow and stilted, though
interest is generally sustained • Uses simple structures accurately, though
errors occur when complex structures are
attempted
• Errors occasionally impede communication

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Content and presentation Quality of language

(communication of facts, ability to express (vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation and
opinion and raise issues for discussion) structures)

3–4 marks – Weak 3–4 marks – Weak

• Limited coverage of the topic • Uses a very limited range of vocabulary which
• Little evidence of sequencing of ideas is sometimes inadequate to convey even
simple ideas
• Communicates limited factual information but
Level 2

few ideas or opinions • Pronunciation and intonation often unclear

• Mostly coherent presentation but sometimes • Uses very simple structures, such as single-
hard to follow word responses
• Errors often occur and some impede
communication

1–2 marks – Poor 1–2 marks – Poor

• Some ideas expressed but information is often • Uses enough words to convey only very short
irrelevant to the topic pieces of information
Level 1

• No evidence of linking ideas • Pronunciation and intonation is very unclear

• Communicates very little factual information, • Uses only very simple structures
no ideas and opinions • Frequent errors often impede communication
• Incoherent presentation

0 marks 0 marks

No rewardable content No rewardable content

Part 2: Topic conversation (Total: 20 marks) and Part 3: General conversation (Total: 20 marks)
This grid is used for both Parts 2 and 3 and should be applied separately for each part.

Comprehension and responsiveness Quality of language

(vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation and
structures)

9–10 marks – Very good 9–10 marks – Very good

• Very good comprehension • Uses a wide range of precise vocabulary

• Responses are natural and spontaneous even generally accurately
Level 5

to unexpected questions and to changes in • Pronunciation and intonation are clear

direction of the conversation • Uses a variety of complex structures generally
• Shows sustained ability to initiate and maintain accurately
conversation and to contribute at some length • Errors do not impede communication

7–8 marks – Good 7–8 marks – Good

• Few problems of comprehension • Uses a good range of vocabulary which

• Responds thoughtfully and copes reasonably sometimes lacks precision
well with unexpected questions and with • Pronunciation and intonation are generally
Level 4

changes in direction of the conversation clear

• Responds relevantly and at length to • Uses some complex structures and a range of
questions which makes frequent prompting simple structures generally accurately
unnecessary • Errors rarely impede communication

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

Comprehension and responsiveness Quality of language

(vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation and
structures)

5–6 marks – Satisfactory 5–6 marks – Satisfactory

• Understands discussion of familiar situations • Uses a satisfactory range of vocabulary,

and concepts, has difficulty with more though hesitates when going beyond simple
complex ideas language
• May rely heavily on seemingly prepared • Pronunciation and intonation sometimes lack
Level 3

responses and may not cope well with clarity

changes in conversation • Uses simple structures accurately though
• Some delay in response and needs prompting errors occur when complex structures are
and encouragement to develop topics attempted
• Errors occasionally impede communication

3–4 marks – Weak 3–4 marks – Weak

• Generally has difficulty understanding • Uses a very limited range of vocabulary which
• Responses to questions are limited and brief is sometimes inadequate to convey even
on the majority of topics simple ideas
Level 2

• Needs prompting and encouragement to go • Pronunciation and intonation often unclear

beyond simple responses • Uses very simple structures, such as single-
word responses
• Errors often occur and some impede
communication

1–2 marks – Poor 1–2 marks – Poor

• Has significant difficulty understanding • Uses enough words to convey only very short
• Responses are so brief and imprecise that pieces of information
Level 1

little is communicated • Pronunciation and intonation is very unclear

• Limited responsiveness. Very marked • Uses only very simple structures
hesitation • Frequent errors often impede communication

0 marks 0 marks

No rewardable content No rewardable content

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

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/eoguide

Before you start

Previous study
We recommend that learners starting this course should have had prior contact with Urdu at school and/or in
their community.

Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses to require about 130 guided learning hours for each subject. This is
for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary according to each
school and the learners’ previous experience of the subject.

Availability and timetables

All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific timetable.

You can view the timetable for your administrative zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables

You can enter candidates in the June exam series.

Check you are using the syllabus for the year the candidate is taking the exam.

Private candidates can enter for this syllabus. Component 5 Speaking is not available to private candidates.
For more information, please refer to the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.

Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series.
The only exceptions are:
• Cambridge O Level Urdu as a Second Language (3248)
• Cambridge O Level First Language Urdu (3247)
• 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 exams in a
range of different subjects.

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

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. 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 an 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/eoguide

Retakes [and carrying forward marks]

Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. Information on retake entries is at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/retakes

Candidates cannot resubmit, in whole or in part, speaking tests from a previous series. To confirm if an option
is available to carry forward marks for this syllabus, see the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries for the relevant
series. Regulations for carrying forward internally assessed marks can be found in the Cambridge Handbook
for the relevant year at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

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

Accessibility and equality

Syllabus and assessment design
Cambridge International works to avoid direct or indirect discrimination. We develop and design syllabuses and
assessment materials to maximise inclusivity for candidates of all national, cultural or social backgrounds and
candidates with protected characteristics; these protected characteristics include special educational needs
and disability, religion and belief, and characteristics related to gender and identity. In addition, the language
and layout used are designed to make our materials as accessible as possible. This gives all candidates the
fairest possible opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding and helps to minimise the
requirement to make reasonable adjustments during the assessment process.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

Access arrangements
Access arrangements (including modified papers) are the principal way in which Cambridge International
complies with our duty, as guided by the UK Equality Act (2010), to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for
candidates with special educational needs (SEN), disability, illness or injury. Where a candidate would otherwise
be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to a candidate with no SEN, disability, illness or injury, we
may be able to agree pre-examination access arrangements. These arrangements help a candidate by
minimising accessibility barriers and maximising their opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and
understanding in an assessment.

Important:
• Requested access arrangements should be based on evidence of the candidate’s barrier to assessment
and should also reflect their normal way of working at school; this is in line with the Cambridge Handbook
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
• For Cambridge International to approve an access arrangement, we will need to agree that it constitutes
a reasonable adjustment, involves reasonable cost and timeframe and does not affect the security and
integrity of the assessment.
• Availability of access arrangements should be checked by centres at the start of the course. Details of our
standard access arrangements and modified question papers are available in the Cambridge Handbook
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
• Please contact us at the start of the course to find out if we are able to approve an arrangement that is not
included in the list of standard access arrangements.
• Candidates who cannot access parts of the assessment may be able to receive an award based on the
parts they have completed.
• Some access arrangements are not allowed in this syllabus because they affect the assessment objectives:
– candidates are not allowed to use voice-activated software to dictate their written work
– candidates are not allowed to use word processing technology which uses word prediction and/or
phrase prompting
– candidates are not allowed to use human readers.

Please note that we are unable to provide Braille papers for this syllabus; we can only provide Braille papers for
languages which use the Roman alphabet.

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 (PENDING)
• X (NO RESULT).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.

On the statement of results and certificates, Cambridge IGCSE is shown as INTERNATIONAL GENERAL
CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (IGCSE).

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge IGCSE has two purposes:
1 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.
2 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.
The outcomes help students choose the most suitable course or career.

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 descriptions for Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language will be published after the first
assessment of the syllabus in 2021.

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 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. What else you need to know

Changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027

The syllabus has been updated. This is version 1, published September 2022.

There are no significant changes which affect teaching.

You must read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.

Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2018 are still suitable for
use with this syllabus.

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 27

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

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