Marking IGCSE papers for EAL students
Mark EAL students' IGCSE answers exactly as the mark scheme says, for content, not language, except where language is being assessed. Cambridge's Generic Marking Principles say spelling, punctuation and grammar aren't penalised unless the question assesses them, as long as the meaning is clear. Most EAL students lose marks not on grammar but on command words: describing when asked to explain, or stating when asked to evaluate. Feedback that names the command-word error, written so the student can actually understand it, sometimes in their home language, is what improves the next attempt.
A large share of IGCSE candidates learn in English as an additional language: in international schools across the Middle East, Egypt, Spain, Asia and Latin America, as well as in UK schools. This guide is for subject teachers, not just EAL specialists.
Rule 1: Mark the content, not the English
Cambridge's Generic Marking Principles say to mark positively and not deduct marks for errors or omissions. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are only judged when a question assesses them, provided the meaning is unambiguous. In practice:
- "The enzime is denatured because the temprature is to high" earns the denaturing mark in Biology. Spelling isn't assessed, and the meaning is clear.
- Science exception. The spelling must not turn one syllabus term into another (ethane/ethene). That rule applies to every student, not specifically to EAL students.
- English and language subjects are different. In First Language English, W5 assesses accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar directly.
Watch for unconscious bias. Answers in non-native English can feel weaker than they are. When marking, ask yourself: "Is the marking point here?", not "Does this read well?"
Rule 2: Command words are where marks are lost
Cambridge publishes a list of command words with definitions for each syllabus. The most common gaps for EAL students:
| Command word | What it requires | Typical EAL error |
|---|---|---|
| State | A short answer, no reasoning needed | Writes a paragraph and introduces a contradiction. |
| Describe | Say what something is like or what happens | Explains why, which isn't required, and runs out of time. |
| Explain | Give reasons or causes ("because…") | Describes the pattern without the cause. |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Describes each item separately, with no comparison. |
| Evaluate | Judge, using evidence, and reach a conclusion | Lists points with no judgement. |
| Suggest | Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar situation | Repeats a memorised answer that doesn't fit. |
Always check the command-word definitions in the specific syllabus. They're defined per syllabus, and wording can differ.
Rule 3: Feedback the student can act on
Feedback in academic English that the student only half understands won't change the next answer. Effective EAL feedback:
- Names the command word. "This question said explain, so you need a reason with because."
- Shows the missing step with a model sentence the student can reuse.
- Is short. One or two targets per paper, not a page.
- Is checked for understanding. Ask the student to rewrite one answer using the feedback.
When home-language feedback helps
For students in their first years of learning in English, feedback in their home language can separate "I don't understand the science" from "I don't understand the feedback". It's especially useful for:
- Explaining why a mark was lost, the concept and not just the wording.
- Communicating with parents, who may not read English comfortably.
- Newly arrived students, while their academic English develops.
Keep subject vocabulary in English, such as "denatured", "gradient" or "opportunity cost". Students must use those terms in the exam. A bilingual feedback comment often works best: the explanation in the home language, the key terms and model sentence in English.
How The Learning Mate supports EAL students
The Learning Mate marks each answer against your mark scheme on content. It writes personalised feedback for every question, and you can choose the feedback language. Supported languages include Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Turkish, Portuguese and Russian, among 21 in total. Teachers can edit any feedback before it's released.
For schools that keep parents informed by message, weekly parent reports can be sent by WhatsApp in English or Arabic.
FAQ
Should EAL students lose marks for spelling in IGCSE science?
Not normally. Spelling isn't assessed in IGCSE science, provided the meaning is clear and the word can't be confused with another syllabus term.
What are the most common command-word mistakes?
Confusing "describe" with "explain", and listing points without a judgement when asked to "evaluate". Check the command-word definitions in each syllabus.
Is it OK to give feedback in a student's home language?
Yes, as a support. Keep subject vocabulary and model sentences in English, because students must use them in the exam.
Do EAL students get extra time in IGCSE exams?
Access arrangements are decided under Cambridge's own rules and depend on individual circumstances. Check the Cambridge Handbook and your exams officer rather than assuming eligibility.
In which languages can The Learning Mate write feedback?
21 languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Turkish, Portuguese and Russian.
Sources
- Cambridge Generic Marking Principles, printed at the start of IGCSE mark schemes, e.g. 0580 June 2024 Paper 41: cambridgeinternational.org
- Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 syllabus (W5): cambridgeinternational.org
- Science-Specific Marking Principles, IGCSE Biology 0610 June 2024 Paper 41 mark scheme, via cambridgeinternational.org