Cambridge · O Level

Cambridge O Level English Language

English Language for Cambridge O Level (syllabus 1123) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus: 1123
Board: Cambridge
Qualification: O Level

Qualification: Cambridge O Level English Language
Spec code: 1123
Does Marlbridge teach it?: Yes
Are resources available?: Yes — 9 published
Is enrolment open?: Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
Where was this verified?: 2026-08-19, official Cambridge specification

Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Cambridge specification on 2026-08-19.

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The qualification

Cambridge O Level English Language (1123)

Cambridge O Level English Language is designed for learners whose first language may not be English, and offers learners the opportunity to become effective communicators in English. — Cambridge, official syllabus page

Version 2, published December 2022, valid for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 examination series. Content is organised into two skill strands only – Reading and Writing – assessed by Paper 1 (50%) and Paper 2 (50%), with no further named sub-sections.

Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Cambridge syllabus page for your examination year.

Assessment structure

Linear qualification

Assessment components for Cambridge English Language 1123
Component	Duration	Marks	Weighting	Type
Paper 1: Reading	2h	50	50%	Written exam
Paper 2: Writing	2h	50	50%	Written exam

Source: official Cambridge specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against the official PDF (Version 2, published December 2022): Paper 1 Reading (2h, 50 marks, 50%, two compulsory sections -- Comprehension and Use of Language, and Summary and Short response, based on two reading texts) and Paper 2 Writing (2h, 50 marks, 50%, one Directed Writing question and one Composition task chosen from four options), both externally assessed, no coursework or speaking component. Not tiered; grades A*-E. Available June and November series. Window 2024-2026, version 2.

Assessment FAQs

How is Cambridge English Language (1123) assessed?

Cambridge English Language (1123) is assessed through: Paper 1 (Reading) — 2h, 50 marks, 50% of the qualification; Paper 2 (Writing) — 2h, 50 marks, 50% of the qualification. It is a linear qualification. Source: official Cambridge specification, verified 2026-08-28.

The subject

English Language teaching and study resources, organised by level, board and topic.

All English at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 2 topics below are the official subject content of Cambridge O Level English Language (1123), for the 2024-2026 examination series, reproduced from the Cambridge syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 2 of 2 topics.

Source: Cambridge Assessment International Education — official syllabus PDF — 2024-2026 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

English Language at other qualifications

These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.

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