IGCSE Chinese - First Language (0509) — real past-paper questions, marked by AI
IGCSE Chinese – First Language (0509) reaches beyond modern comprehension into Classical Chinese. Component 1 sets reading comprehension of explicit information and Classical Chinese passages, while Component 2 carries directed writing — including a report based on two source texts — plus argumentative and descriptive composition, so a single paper moves between close reading, historical text and free writing.
This hub holds 171 real 0509 questions from 14 papers set between 2023 and 2025. Argumentative/discursive and descriptive/narrative composition each lead the topic table with 3 questions, with comprehension and use of language, directed writing and Classical Chinese each carrying 2. Write your answer and the AI examiner marks it instantly against the real Cambridge mark scheme, checking comprehension point by point and giving composition feedback on task fulfilment, accuracy and range.
With 14 papers available, sweep the Classical Chinese questions on their own before a full timed paper — it is free, with no signup needed.
Past papers by year
2025
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 11 | May–June 2025 | 3 |
| Paper 12 | May–June 2025 | 3 |
| Paper 13 | May–June 2025 | 3 |
| Paper 21 | May–June 2025 | 2 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2025 | 2 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2025 | 2 |
2024
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 12 | May–June 2024 | 3 |
| Paper 13 | May–June 2024 | 3 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2024 | 2 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2024 | 2 |
2023
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 12 | May–June 2023 | 3 |
| Paper 13 | May–June 2023 | 3 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2023 | 2 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2023 | 2 |
Practise IGCSE Chinese - First Language by topic
- Writing (6 questions)
Frequently asked questions
Which 0509 papers and years are covered?
Every May–June session from 2023 to 2025 across both components — 14 papers and 171 questions in total.
How does the AI marking work for Chinese composition?
You write your answer 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 0509?
Component 1 sets reading comprehension and Classical Chinese passages, while Component 2 sets directed writing, including a two-source report, plus argumentative and descriptive composition.
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 Chinese with past papers?
Separate modern comprehension from Classical Chinese practice, draft each composition type in turn, and use the AI feedback to check range before a timed paper.
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.