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Cambridge O Level English Language (1123)

O Level English, every word counted.

Work through comprehension, the language question and the summary, then plan and redraft your own writing. Your tutor shows what each task rewards and helps you improve your work without writing it for you.

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How is the summary in Paper 1 (Question 3a) marked?

Here’s what examiners look for:

  • You summarise Text B, about 550–600 words long, in continuous writing of no more than 150 words
  • 10 marks are for reading: finding and using the points the question asks for
  • 10 marks are for writing: putting those points concisely, clearly and in your own words

Examiner tip: List the relevant points first, then write them up as a paragraph. Copying whole sentences from the text costs writing marks and words.

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Assessment

How Cambridge O Level English Language is assessed

There are no tiers. Everyone takes both papers, each worth 50%, and can get grades A*–E.

Syllabus 1123, for exams in 2027–2028. It has no significant changes from the 2024–2026 syllabus.

All students

  • Paper 1: Reading

    Comprehension and use of language on a narrative text of about 900 words, then a summary of no more than 150 words and a short response on a second text

    Time
    2 h
    Marks
    50
    Weight
    50%

  • Paper 2: Writing

    Directed writing of about 250–350 words based on one or two texts, then a descriptive or narrative composition of about 350–450 words

    Time
    2 h
    Marks
    50
    Weight
    50%

There is no coursework or speaking test. Dictionaries aren’t allowed in either paper.

From the official Cambridge International syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Cambridge O Level English syllabus

  • Reading
  • Writing

Where marks are lost

Common Cambridge O Level English mistakes

  • A summary in note form, or over 150 words.

    The summary must be continuous writing of no more than 150 words. Cut examples and repetition, and combine related points into one sentence.

  • Copying the texts in directed writing.

    Use, develop and evaluate the ideas in the texts, in the form and voice the task sets, such as a speech or a letter. Lifting sentences shows little.

  • Letting a description turn into a story.

    If you choose a descriptive composition, build atmosphere, detail and sensory images. A plot with events belongs in the narrative option.

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FAQ

Cambridge O Level English questions, answered.

Tutors are set up to help you plan, draft and improve your own writing. Paste a paragraph and ask what to change, and your tutor explains why.

Paste a passage you’re studying and ask your tutor to pick out words and phrases for you to explain. Then compare your explanation of their effect with its feedback.

No, dictionaries aren’t allowed in either paper. Ask your tutor for practice working out unfamiliar words from their context.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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