Course Outline
Paper structure, mark weightings, assessment criteria, and examiner tips for Cambridge O Level Urdu.
Exam Structure
| Component | Format | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Reading and writing | 2 h 30 min | 80 | 62% |
| Paper 2 | Literature | 1 h 30 min | 50 | 38% |
| Total | 130 | 100% |
Paper 1 — Reading and Writing
Part 1 · Reading Comprehension · سمجھ بوجھ (20 marks)
A prose passage of 400–500 words is given. Questions test:
- Direct recall — find and copy information from the text.
- Inference — what does the writer imply? What does the context suggest?
- Vocabulary in context — explain the meaning of a word as used in the passage.
Answers must be in Urdu. Points are awarded for accuracy, not length — one precise sentence outscores three vague ones.
Part 2 · Writing · تحریری مہارت (60 marks)
Choose one task from two options. Common formats:
| Task type | Urdu term |
|---|---|
| Descriptive essay | بیانیہ مضمون |
| Narrative essay | قصہ / کہانی |
| Argumentative essay | دلائل پر مبنی مضمون |
| Formal letter | سرکاری خط |
| Application | درخواست |
Mark scheme breakdown (typical):
| Criterion | Marks |
|---|---|
| Ideas and content | 20 |
| Organisation and structure | 20 |
| Language (vocabulary, grammar, style) | 20 |
A strong essay has a clear introduction, developed paragraphs each with one idea, and a conclusion that restates the theme without copy-pasting the intro.
Paper 2 — Literature
Questions are based on the prescribed texts for the syllabus year. The paper covers two sections:
Section A · Prose · نثر
Short stories or novel extracts. Questions may ask for:
- Summary of events or character description
- Analysis of a character's behaviour or motivation
- Comment on the writer's craft (narrative voice, imagery, language)
Section B · Poetry · شاعری
Ghazals and nazms from prescribed poets. Questions may ask for:
- Explanation of a couplet (شعر کی تشریح)
- Identification and explanation of a literary device
- Comparison between two poems or two couplets
Key literary devices to know:
| Device | Urdu term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | تشبیہ | Comparing two things using "like" or "as" |
| Metaphor | استعارہ | Calling one thing another |
| Personification | تشخیص | Giving human qualities to an object |
| Hyperbole | مبالغہ | Extreme exaggeration for effect |
| Allusion | تلمیح | A reference to a well-known person, event, or text |
| Double meaning | ایہام | A word used with two simultaneous meanings |
| Antithesis | تضاد | Contrasting ideas placed side by side |
Grade Thresholds
| Grade | Approx. % |
|---|---|
| A | 68 – 72 |
| B | 55 – 60 |
| C | 45 – 50 |
| D | 35 – 42 |
| E | 25 – 32 |
Check Cambridge's published grade threshold documents for the exact values for your series.
Examiner Tips
- Paper 1 writing: Markers award marks per paragraph — a 5-paragraph essay with clear structure reliably outscores a long, unstructured one.
- Vocabulary: Use formal Urdu (فصیح اردو); avoid mixing in English words. Examiners reward elevated vocabulary.
- Comprehension: Answer only what is asked. If the question says "give two reasons," give exactly two — additional points are not marked.
- Poetry: When explaining a couplet, first paraphrase its literal meaning, then explain its deeper significance.
- Handwriting: Marks cannot be awarded for text the examiner cannot read. Write clearly and leave a margin.
Start practising
Drills and strategy notes for all four Paper 1 and Paper 2 areas.