IGCSE Arabic - First Language (0508) — real past-paper questions, marked by AI
Reading two texts and writing across two registers defines IGCSE Arabic – First Language (0508). Component 1 sets reading comprehension on a source text and a directed-writing summary drawing on two passages, while Component 2 carries the extended composition, choosing between argumentative/discursive and descriptive/narrative writing, so the same paper tests close reading and sustained composition in Arabic.
This hub holds 69 real 0508 questions from 10 papers set between 2023 and 2025. Reading comprehension of Text 1, the directed-writing summary of Text 1 and Text 2, and both the argumentative and descriptive composition routes each appear as named topics. Write your answer in Arabic and the AI examiner marks it instantly against the real Cambridge mark scheme, checking comprehension point by point and assessing composition for task fulfilment, accuracy and range.
Practise the summary task on its own before attempting a full composition — it is free, with no signup or card needed.
Past papers by year
2025
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 01 | May–June 2025 | 2 |
| Paper 02 | May–June 2025 | 2 |
2024
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 01 | May–June 2024 | 2 |
| Paper 02 | May–June 2024 | 2 |
| Paper 01 | October–November 2024 | 2 |
| Paper 02 | October–November 2024 | 2 |
2023
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 01 | May–June 2023 | 2 |
| Paper 02 | May–June 2023 | 2 |
| Paper 01 | October–November 2023 | 2 |
| Paper 02 | October–November 2023 | 2 |
Frequently asked questions
Which 0508 papers and years are covered?
The May–June and October–November sessions from 2023 to 2025 across both components — 10 papers and 69 questions in total.
How does the AI marking work for Arabic writing?
You write your answer in Arabic and an AI examiner checks it against the official Cambridge mark scheme, marking comprehension point by point and scoring composition for task fulfilment, accuracy and range.
What do the two components cover in 0508?
Component 1 sets reading comprehension and a directed-writing summary of two texts, while Component 2 sets extended composition, either argumentative/discursive or descriptive/narrative.
Is it really free?
Yes — every question, mark scheme and AI marking run is free, with no signup and no card details.
How should I revise Arabic with past papers?
Practise the summary and comprehension questions for precision, then write full compositions in both the argumentative and descriptive routes and use the feedback to build range.
Are these official Cambridge papers?
The questions are transcribed from real Cambridge papers and marked against the real mark schemes, which remain © Cambridge International. Cambridge Papers is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge.