Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives (0457) Syllabus

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key definitions, assessment components, assessment objectives, command words, and core terminology from the Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives 0457 syllabus (2025–2027).

Issue

An important subject or problem for discussion.

Perspective

A viewpoint on an issue based on evidence and reasoning.

Research

The systematic study of a global issue to find evidence and develop understanding.

Evidence

Information about a global issue that helps to develop understanding or prove that something is true or false.

Argument

A series of statements containing reasons and evidence which support a claim about a global issue.

AO1 Research, analysis and evaluation

The assessment objective focused on designing and carrying out research, evaluating evidence and arguments, and developing lines of reasoning, accounting for 68% of the overall qualification.

AO2 Reflection

The assessment objective focused on considering different perspectives objectively and with empathy, justifying personal perspectives, and considering how research and teamwork influence personal learning, accounting for 15% of the qualification.

AO3 Communication and collaboration

The assessment objective focused on presenting arguments and evidence clearly with citations, and contributing actively to the Team Project, accounting for 17% of the qualification.

Component 1 (Written Exam)

A 1 hour 25 minute externally assessed written examination worth 70 marks (35% of the total), consisting of four compulsory questions based on provided source documents.

Component 2 (Individual Report)

An internally set, externally marked structured essay of 1500–2000 words worth 60 marks (30% of the total), exploring a global issue from local, national, and global perspectives.

Component 3 (Team Project)

An internally assessed and externally moderated collaborative project worth 70 marks (35% of the total), consisting of a Team Element (25 marks) and a Personal Element (45 marks).

Explanation of Research and Planning

A 300–400 word working strategic document produced by a team in Component 3 detailing the topic, issue, member research areas, action plan, roles, evidencing methods, and measures of success (worth 10 marks).

Evidence of Action

A submission produced during the collaborative action in Component 3 (such as posters, leaflets, websites, presentations, or a video of maximum 10 minutes) showing what the team accomplished (worth 5 marks).

Reflective Paper

An individual structured essay in continuous text of 750–1000 words submitted for Component 3, evaluating teamwork, action effectiveness, personal research, and learning (worth 45 marks).

Cambridge Learner Attributes

Five key qualities Cambridge education develops in students: confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged.

Analyse (Command Word)

Examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them.

Describe (Command Word)

State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features.

Evaluate (Command Word)

Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.

Explain (Command Word)

Set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or how and support with relevant evidence.

Suggest (Command Word)

Apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals / put forward considerations.

Cambridge ICE

The International Certificate of Education; a group award for Cambridge IGCSE that recognises the achievements of learners who pass examinations across a broad and balanced range of subjects.

Plagiarism

A form of academic dishonesty where a candidate takes someone else's work or ideas and passes them off as their own without proper citation and referencing.