Arabic — First Language 0508

Choose your paper route

• Exams in 2024–2025 · archivedPaper 1 Reading and summary · Paper 2 Writing · 2 hours each · 50 marks each

  The archived syllabus uses the same Reading and Writing tasks as 2026: two linked passages, 25-mark comprehension, 200–250-word summary and two 350–500-word compositions. June and November; availability depends on the administrative zone and centre.

• Exams in 2026Paper 1 Reading and summary · Paper 2 Writing · 2 hours each · 50 marks each

  Paper 1 uses two linked passages of about 600–700 words each; Q1 is 25 marks and Q2 is a 200–250-word summary worth 25. Paper 2 has two compositions, 350–500 words each. June and November; zone 3 and 4 availability only.

• Exams in 2027–2029Paper 1 Reading and Directed Writing · Paper 2 Writing · 2 hours each · 50 marks each

  Paper 1 has 21-mark comprehension/use of language, 9-mark grammar and 20-mark directed writing from two linked non-fiction texts. Paper 2 has two 350–450-word compositions, one discursive/argumentative and one descriptive/narrative. June and November; confirm centre availability.

Cambridge recommends prior Arabic study equivalent to a national educational framework and gives about 130 guided learning hours as guidance. This mapped sequence is not a complete 130-hour course.

Practice the papers

• Reading and 200–250-word summaryPaper 1 · 2024–2026 · 5 lessons
  Find explicit meaning and precise evidenceInfer viewpoint, attitude and qualificationExplain how a writer creates an effectSummarise two linked texts · pre-2027 routeEdit Arabic for accuracy and coherence

  Two thematically linked passages, about 600–700 words each. Q1 comprehension: 25 marks (20 reading, 5 response accuracy). Q2 summary: 25 marks (15 reading, 10 writing), about 200–250 words. Dictionaries are not allowed. Self-practice is not an examiner mark.

• Two compositions · discussion/argument and description/narrationPaper 2 · 2024–2026 · 5 lessons
  Build a balanced discursive responseMake a persuasive argument and answer a counterpointDescribe a place or moment with focused imageryShape a narrative with sequence and pacingEdit Arabic for accuracy and coherence

  Two hours, 50 marks; one composition from each section, 350–500 words each. No dictionary. Extended writing needs Arabic-teacher review for dependable feedback.

• Comprehension, language, grammar and directed writingPaper 1 · 2027–2029 · 7 lessons
  Find explicit meaning and precise evidenceInfer viewpoint, attitude and qualificationExplain how a writer creates an effectUse Arabic sentence structure and grammar accuratelyWrite from two texts · 2027–2029 routeAdapt register, purpose and formEdit Arabic for accuracy and coherence

  Three compulsory sections: 21 marks for comprehension/use of language on a 600–700-word fiction text; 9 marks for grammar; 20 marks for a 250–300-word response to two thematically linked non-fiction texts of 600–700 words combined. Email, report, article or speech. Use both sources and do not add outside arguments.

• Two compositions · 350–450 words eachPaper 2 · 2027–2029 · 5 lessons
  Build a balanced discursive responseMake a persuasive argument and answer a counterpointDescribe a place or moment with focused imageryShape a narrative with sequence and pacingEdit Arabic for accuracy and coherence

  Choose one discursive or argumentative title and one descriptive or narrative title; each response is about 350–450 words. The new syllabus reduces options to one of each pair. Self-review is not Cambridge marking.