If you're preparing for IGCSE Chinese (Cambridge syllabus 0547), understanding the exam format is your first step to success. This complete guide breaks down all four papers, grade boundaries, and exactly what you need to do to achieve an A* grade.
Whether you're a student planning your study strategy or a parent supporting your child's preparation, this guide gives you everything you need to know about the IGCSE Chinese exam structure.
What is IGCSE Chinese 0547?
IGCSE Chinese (Foreign Language) 0547 is offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education. It's designed for students learning Chinese as a foreign language (not native speakers).
📌 Key Facts:
- • Exam Board: Cambridge International
- • Syllabus Code: 0547
- • Language Level: A2-B1 (CEFR)
- • Available: May/June and October/November sessions
- • Recognition: Accepted by universities worldwide
Complete Exam Breakdown
Paper 1: Listening
Duration
~45 minutes
Weighting
30%
Format:
- • 3-4 listening exercises
- • Each recording played twice
- • Questions in English and Chinese
- • Answer in English or Chinese (as specified)
Question Types:
- • Multiple choice
- • True/False/Not mentioned
- • Gap filling
- • Short answer questions
Tips:
- ✓ Read questions before listening
- ✓ Focus on key words and numbers
- ✓ Don't panic if you miss something—it plays twice
- ✓ Practice with Chinese podcasts and videos
Paper 2: Reading & Writing
Duration
2 hours
Weighting
30%
Section 1: Reading (50 marks)
- • 3-4 reading passages
- • Topics: daily life, school, hobbies, travel, etc.
- • Multiple choice, matching, true/false questions
- • Answer in English or Chinese
Section 2: Writing (50 marks)
- • Task 1: Short message (40-50 characters)
- • Task 2: Longer piece (100-130 characters)
- • Topics: email to friend, diary entry, letter, etc.
Tips:
- ✓ Manage your time: 1 hour reading, 1 hour writing
- ✓ Use context clues for unknown characters
- ✓ Check character count for writing tasks
- ✓ Use varied grammar structures to show range
Paper 3: Speaking
Duration
~15 minutes
Weighting
30%
Three Parts:
Part 1: Role Play (~5 min)
Practical scenarios like ordering food, shopping, asking directions
Part 2: Picture Discussion (~5 min)
Describe a picture and answer follow-up questions
Part 3: General Conversation (~5 min)
Discuss topics like school, hobbies, future plans
How It's Marked:
- • Communication (40%): Can you convey your message?
- • Range & Accuracy (30%): Vocabulary and grammar variety
- • Pronunciation (30%): Tones and clarity
Tips:
- ✓ Extend your answers—don't give one-word responses
- ✓ Practice tones daily
- ✓ Prepare common topics in advance
- ✓ Stay calm—examiners want you to succeed!
Paper 4: Writing
Duration
1 hour
Weighting
10%
Essay Requirements:
- • Write one essay (250-300 characters)
- • Choose from 3-4 topics
- • Common topics: school life, hobbies, travel, environment
- • Must include introduction, body, conclusion
How to Structure:
Introduction (50 characters)
State your topic and main point
Body (150-180 characters)
2-3 paragraphs with examples and details
Conclusion (50 characters)
Summarize and give final opinion
Sample Essay Topic:
"你最喜欢的爱好是什么?为什么?" (What is your favorite hobby and why?)
Tips:
- ✓ Plan before writing (5 minutes)
- ✓ Use linking words: 因为、所以、但是、而且
- ✓ Show grammar variety: 把、被、了、过、着
- ✓ Check character count and grammar (5 minutes)
Grade Boundaries
Grade boundaries vary slightly each year, but here's the typical range:
| Grade | Percentage Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 90-100% | Exceptional performance |
| A | 80-89% | Excellent performance |
| B | 70-79% | Very good performance |
| C | 60-69% | Good performance |
| D | 50-59% | Satisfactory performance |
| E | 40-49% | Pass |
🎯 What You Need for A*:
To achieve an A* grade, you need to score approximately 90% or higher across all four papers. This means strong performance in every area—listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Exam Timeline
May/June Session
- • Registration deadline: Usually February/March
- • Exams: May-June
- • Results: August
October/November Session
- • Registration deadline: Usually August/September
- • Exams: October-November
- • Results: January
How to Prepare
6 Months Before Exam:
- ✓ Complete all grammar topics
- ✓ Build vocabulary by theme (family, school, hobbies, etc.)
- ✓ Practice listening 15 minutes daily
- ✓ Start speaking practice with teacher/partner
3 Months Before Exam:
- ✓ Do past papers (at least 5 full sets)
- ✓ Focus on weak areas
- ✓ Practice writing essays weekly
- ✓ Increase listening practice to 30 minutes daily
1 Month Before Exam:
- ✓ Do mock exams under timed conditions
- ✓ Review all grammar and vocabulary
- ✓ Practice speaking topics daily
- ✓ Focus on exam technique and time management
Recommended Resources
📚 Textbooks
- • Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Foreign Language Coursebook
- • Cambridge IGCSE Chinese Workbook
🌐 Online Resources
- • Cambridge Past Papers (official website)
- • Chinese Word Up Interactive Toolkits
- • HelloChinese App (for vocabulary)
- • ChinesePod (for listening practice)
🎯 Chinese Word Up Toolkits
Our interactive toolkits are specifically designed for IGCSE Chinese students:
- • Pack #1: Essential Grammar (了/过/着, 把/被, comparisons)
- • Pack #2: Vocabulary by Theme (8 IGCSE topics)
- • Pack #3: Sentence Patterns & Structures
- • Pack #4: Measure Words & Classifiers
- • Pack #5: Question Words & Responses
- • Pack #6: Exam Practice & Mock Tests
Start Your IGCSE Chinese Preparation Today
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