Cambridge IGCSE Japanese - Foreign Language

This syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Japanese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of Japan, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims are to-
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively using the target language
• Offer insights into the culture and society of countries where the language is spoken
• Develop awareness of the nature of language and language learning
• Encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations
• Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
• Develop transferable skills (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing of inferences) to complement other areas of the curriculum
• Form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study, either in the target language or another subject area.

Content Overview

The subject content is organised around five broad Topic areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. Through the study of these Topic areas, candidates gain insight into target language countries and communities. The Topic areas are-
• Everyday activities
• Personal and social life
• The world around us
• The world of work
• The international world.

Objevtives of Assessment

1. Listening
Understand and respond to spoken language.

2. Reading
Understand and respond to written language.

3. Speaking
Communicate in speech, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately.

4. Writing
Communicate in writing, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately.

Grade Description

Grade A
Reading
Candidates understand gist and identify main points and detail in texts drawn from a variety of contexts and topic areas. They recognise points of view, attitudes and emotions and are able to draw conclusions. They show an ability to understand unfamiliar language and to extract meaning from more complex language.
Speaking
Candidates develop conversations and discussions and narrate events. They express and justify ideas and opinions, and produce longer sequences of speech using a variety of vocabulary, structures and verb tenses. They speak confidently with good pronunciation and intonation. The message is clear although there may still be some errors, especially when using more complex structures.
Writing
Candidates give information and narrate events. They express and justify ideas and opinions. They use a range of vocabulary, structures and verbs/tenses. Their spelling and grammar are generally accurate and their style is appropriate to purpose.

Grade C
Reading
Candidates identify and extract details and opinions from texts drawn from a variety of contexts and topic areas. The texts include past and future events and may include familiar language in unfamiliar contexts.
Speaking
Candidates develop conversations and simple discussions which include past, present and future events. They express opinions and show an ability to deal with some unpredictable elements. Although there may be some errors, they convey a reasonably clear message and their pronunciation and intonation are generally accurate.
Writing
Candidates express opinions and write about a variety of topics which may be factual or imaginative and which may include different tenses. The style is basic but despite some errors the writing conveys a clear message.

Grade F
Reading
Candidates identify main points and extract some information from short, simple texts. They may use context to work out the meaning of words.
Speaking
Candidates take part in simple conversations showing some ability to communicate simple information in response to straightforward questions. Their pronunciation is understandable. Although there will be grammatical inaccuracies, the main points are usually communicated.
Writing
Candidates write short sentences and communicate simple ideas. Although there may be
mistakes in spelling and grammar, the main points are usually communicated.

Assessment

Paper 2: Reading
1 hour 15 minutes
45 marks
Section 1- 15 marks
Section 2- 15 marks
Section 3- 15 marks

Paper 3: Speaking
Approximately 15 minutes
100 marks
Test 1: Role Plays (approximately 5 minutes, 30 marks)
Test 2: Topic Presentation/Conversation (approximately 5 minutes, 30 marks)
Test 3: General Conversation (approximately 5 minutes, 30 marks)
Test 4 Impression (10 marks)

Paper 4: Writing
1 hour 15 minutes
45 marks
Section 1- 20 marks
Section 2- 25 marks

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