IGCSE English as a Second Language: An A is Acceptable?

Many students and parents are concerned about the acceptable standards for English as a Second Language (ESL) in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Specifically, they want to know whether an ‘A’ in English as a Second Language 0510 is sufficient for university admission.

The Academic Context

Yes, achieving an ‘A’ in IGCSE English as a Second Language is more than acceptable. In fact, a good number of universities do not require an IELTS score if you have done well in your IGCSE English exam.

Statistical Evidence

According to the June 2016 IGCSE statistics, a significant percentage of students received an ‘A’ grade in the English as a Second Language (0510) exam:

These statistics indicate that an ‘A’ grade is not only commendable but also quite common, suggesting it is a pretty decent score.

Comparison with Other Language Proficiency Tests

If an ‘A’ grade doesn't meet your exact requirements, you can aim for a 'Distinction' if that grade is available. Even if a distinction is not necessary, an ‘A’ grade is still excellent, even if you are a native English speaker, as it demonstrates a high level of proficiency.

Moreover, an ‘A’ in English as a Second Language is often considered equivalent to a ‘C’ in English as a First Language. This means that a B in English as a Second Language is also acceptable. Thus, an ‘A’ grade in IGCSE English as a Second Language is well within the acceptable range for university admissions.

Resources and Further Information

For the most current and detailed information, you can check the specific IGCSE statistics for your exam series on the official Cambridge International website. This will provide you with the latest data and trends for the English as a Second Language examination.

Conclusion

In summary, an ‘A’ in English as a Second Language 0510 in the IGCSE is a very good result and acceptable for university admissions, especially when combined with strong overall performance or other language proficiency tests like IELTS. Whether you are a non-native or a native English speaker, an ‘A’ grade is a significant achievement that can open doors to academic opportunities.

Remember, the most important factor is to highlight your strengths and demonstrate your academic capabilities, which an ‘A’ grade in IGCSE English as a Second Language can certainly help with.