Syllabus

Cambridge O Level
Bengali 3204
Use this syllabus for exams in 2027. Exams are available in the June series.
This syllabus is not available in all administrative zones.
Please check the syllabus page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/3204 to see if this syllabus is
available in your administrative zone.

Version 1
For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE
refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Why choose Cambridge?

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With over 160 years of experience in delivering fair, valid and reliable assessments to students worldwide, we
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Schools can adapt our curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning resources and flexible assessments to
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We bring together the collective knowledge of experts and our diverse community of educators worldwide,
supporting them to learn from one another and share ideas and information.

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We believe that education is key to tackling the climate crisis. Together with Cambridge schools, we can
empower young people with the skills and knowledge to take action on climate change, helping them be ready
for the world.

School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’
Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA

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Contents

Why choose Cambridge?................................................................................................ 2

1 Why choose this syllabus? ......................................................................................... 4

2 Syllabus overview ........................................................................................................ 7

Aims 7
Assessment overview 8
Assessment objectives 9

3 Description of components ......................................................................................10

Paper 1 – Composition 10
Paper 2: Language Usage and Comprehension 10

4 What else you need to know .....................................................................................11

Before you start 11
Making entries 12
Accessibility and equality 12
After the exam 13
How students and teachers can use the grades 14
Changes to this syllabus for 2027 15

Important: Changes to this syllabus

The latest syllabus is version 1, published September 2024. There are no significant changes
which affect teaching. This syllabus has been reformatted. There are no changes to the content
or assessment.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2023 are still suitable for use with this
syllabus.

www.cambridgeinternational.org/O Level 3
 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027.

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits
Cambridge O Level is typically for 14 to 16 year olds and is an
internationally recognised qualification. It has been designed
especially for an international market and is sensitive to the
needs of different countries. Cambridge O Level is designed for
learners whose first language may not be English, and this is
acknowledged throughout the examination process.

Our programmes promote a thorough knowledge and

understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Cambridge O Level Bengali is accepted by universities and

employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of the
language. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills including:
• the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in writing
• the ability to use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Candidates are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness
of the ways in which the language can be used. Cambridge O Level Language qualifications also develop
more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and
present opinions effectively.

School feedback: ‘Cambridge O Level has helped me develop thinking and analytical skills
which will go a long way in helping me with advanced studies.’
Feedback from: Kamal Khan Virk, former student at Beaconhouse Garden Town Secondary School, Pakistan, who
went on to study Actuarial Science at the London School of Economics

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. Why choose this syllabus?

Qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide

Cambridge qualifications prepare and equip learners with the skills they need to thrive at university and beyond.
The world’s best higher education institutions recognise our qualifications and value the critical thinking skills,
independent research abilities and deep subject knowledge that Cambridge learners bring.

We continually work with universities and colleges in every part of the world to ensure that they understand
and accept our qualifications. Cambridge O Level provides a springboard to the Cambridge Advanced stage,
as well as other post-16 routes. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge O Level Bengali gives
learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow
a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge O Levels or
equivalent to meet their entry requirements.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. Why choose this syllabus?

Supporting teachers
We believe education works best when teaching and learning are closely aligned to the curriculum, resources
and assessment. Our high-quality teaching support helps to maximise teaching time and enables teachers to
engage learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
We aim to provide the following support for each Cambridge qualification:
• Syllabus
• Specimen question papers and mark schemes
• Specimen paper answers
• Schemes of Work
• Example candidate responses
• Past papers and mark schemes
• Principal examiner reports for teachers

Sign up for email notifications about changes to syllabuses, including new and revised products and services,
at www.cambridgeinternational.org/syllabusupdates

These resources are available on the School Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support, our
secure online site for Cambridge teachers. Your exams officer can provide you with a login.

Additional teaching & learning resources are also available for many syllabuses and vary according to
the nature of the subject and the structure of the assessment of each syllabus. These can include ready-
built lesson materials, digital resources and multimedia for the classroom and homework, guidance on
assessment and much more. Beyond the resources available on the Schools Support Hub, a wide range
of endorsed textbooks and associated teaching and learning support are available from Cambridge at
www.cambridge.org/education and from other publishers. Resources vary according to the nature of the
subject and the structure of the assessment of each syllabus.

You can also contact our global Cambridge community or talk to a senior examiner on our discussion forums.

Professional development
Find the next step on your professional development journey.
• Introduction courses – An introduction to Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers who
are new to Cambridge programmes or new to a specific syllabus.
• Focus on Teaching courses – These are for teachers who want to explore a specific area of teaching
and learning within a syllabus or programme.
• Focus on Assessment courses – These are for teachers who want to understand the assessment of a
syllabus in greater depth.
• Marking workshops – These workshops help you become more familiar with what examiners are looking
for, and provide an opportunity to raise questions and share your experiences of the syllabus.
• Enrichment Professional Development – Transform your approach to teaching with our Enrichment
workshops. Each workshop focuses on a specific area of teaching and learning practice.
• Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications (PDQs) – Practice-based programmes that
transform professional learning for practicing teachers. Available at Certificate and Diploma level.

For more information visit www.cambridgeinternational.org/support-for-teachers

Supporting exams officers

We provide comprehensive support and guidance for all Cambridge exams officers.
Find out more at: www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027.

2 Syllabus overview

Aims
The aims of the syllabus are the same for all candidates. The aims are set out below and describe the
educational purposes of a course in a language other than English for the Cambridge O Level examination.
They are not listed in order of priority.

The aims are to:

• enable students to communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in writing
• enable students to understand and respond appropriately to what they read
• encourage students to enjoy and appreciate the variety of language
• complement the students’ other areas of study by developing skills of a more general application (e.g.
analysis, synthesis, drawing of inferences)
• promote the students’ personal development and an understanding of themselves and others.

We are an education organisation and politically neutral. The contents of this syllabus,
examination papers and associated materials do not endorse any political view. We endeavour to treat all
aspects of the exam process neutrally.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. Syllabus overview

Assessment overview
All candidates take Papers 1 and 2.

All candidates take: and:

Paper 1 2 hours Paper 2 1 hour 30 minutes

Composition45% Language Usage and Comprehension 55%
90 marks 110 marks
Section A – 30 marks Section A – 50 marks
One composition of about 120 words from a Language usage questions.
choice of two topics. Section B – 14 marks
Section B – 60 marks Multiple-choice comprehension questions.
One essay of about 200 words from a choice of Section C – 46 marks
three topics.
Open-ended comprehension questions.
Externally assessed
Externally assessed

Information on availability is in the Before you start section.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. Syllabus overview

Assessment objectives
There are three assessment objectives:

A Continuous Writing
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1 articulate experience and express what is felt and what is imagined
2 order and present facts, ideas and opinions
3 communicate effectively and appropriately
4 demonstrate an awareness of the conventions of paragraphing, sentence structure, punctuation and
spelling
5 express thoughts, feelings and opinions in order to interest, inform or convince
6 demonstrate adequate control of vocabulary, syntax and grammar, punctuation and spelling.

B Writing for a specific purpose

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1 understand and adequately convey information
2 understand, order and present facts, ideas and opinions
3 evaluate information and select what is relevant to specific purposes
4 articulate experience and express what is felt and what is imagined
5 communicate effectively and appropriately
6 show a sense of audience and an awareness of register and style in both formal and informal situations.

C Language Usage/Reading Comprehension

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1 exercise control of appropriate structures
2 understand and employ a range of apt vocabulary
3 recognise implicit meaning and attitude
4 evaluate information and express it in their own words.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027.

3 Description of components

The question papers are set entirely in Bengali. Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.

Paper 1 – Composition
2 hours, 90 marks

Section A: Letter, report, dialogue or speech (30 marks)

From a choice of two topics, candidates must write one letter, report, dialogue or speech of about 120 words in
Bengali.

Section B: Essay (60 marks)

From a choice of three topics, candidates must write one essay of about 200 words in Bengali.

Paper 2: Language Usage and Comprehension

1½ hours, 110 marks

Section A: Language Usage (50 marks)

Questions will include combination or separation of words, idioms, proverbs and words in pairs, sentence
transformation and a cloze passage.

Section B: Comprehension (multiple-choice questions) (14 marks)

Candidates must answer seven questions based on a prose passage of about 280 words.

Section C: Comprehension (open-ended questions) and Vocabulary (46 marks)

Candidates must answer six questions based on a prose passage of about 270 words. A vocabulary question
will follow the comprehension questions in this section.

Faculty feedback: ‘Understanding how and why our climate is changing and providing the
knowledge and skills to explore the challenges plays a key role in every student’s education.’
Feedback from: Dr Amy Munro-Faure, Head of Education and Student Engagement of Cambridge Zero

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027.

4 What else you need to know

This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support. Find more
information about our administrative processes at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

Before you start

Previous study
We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously achieved a level
corresponding to the requirements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study for Modern Foreign Languages
within the National Curriculum for England.

Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge O Level syllabuses to require about 130 guided learning hours for each subject. This is
for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary according to each
school and the learners’ previous experience of the subject.

Availability and timetables

All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific
timetable. Find your administrative zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/adminzone. This syllabus
is not available in all administrative zones. To find out about availability check the syllabus page at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/3204

You can enter candidates in the June exam series. You can view the timetable for your administrative zone at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables

Check you are using the syllabus for the year the candidate is taking the exam.

Private candidates can enter for this syllabus. For more information, please refer to the Cambridge Guide to
Making Entries.

Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series.
The only exceptions are:
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level.

Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) syllabuses are at the same level.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. What else you need to know

Making entries
Exams officers are responsible for submitting entries. We encourage them to work closely with you to make
sure they enter the right number of candidates for the right combination of syllabus components. Entry option
codes and instructions for submitting entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries. Your exams officer
has access to this guide.

Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as
administrative zones. We allocate all Cambridge schools to an administrative zone determined by their location.
Each zone has a specific timetable.

Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An entry option code is used to identify
the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone and the available assessment
options.

Support for exams officers

We know how important exams officers are to the successful running of exams. We provide them with the
support they need to make entries on time. Your exams officer will find this support, and guidance for all other
phases of the Cambridge Exams Cycle, at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. Information on retake entries is at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/retakes

To confirm what entry options are available for this syllabus, refer to the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries
for the relevant series. Regulations for carrying forward component marks can be found in the Cambridge
Handbook for the relevant year of assessment at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide

Language
This syllabus is available in English only. The assessment materials are in Bengali.

Accessibility and equality

Syllabus and assessment design
At Cambridge we recognise that our candidates have highly diverse socio-economic, cultural and linguistic
backgrounds, and may also have a variety of protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include
special educational needs and disability (SEND), religion and belief, and characteristics related to gender and
identity.

We follow accessible design principles to make our syllabuses and assessment materials as accessible and
inclusive as possible. We review language accessibility, visual resources, question layout and the contexts
used in questions. Using this approach means that we give all candidates the fairest possible opportunity to
demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. What else you need to know

Access arrangements
Our design principles aim to make sure our assessment materials are accessible for all candidates. To further
minimise barriers faced by candidates with SEND, illness or injury, we offer a range of access arrangements
and modified papers. This is the principal way in which we comply with our duty to make ‘reasonable
adjustments’, as guided by the UK Equality Act 2010.

Important:
Requested access arrangements should be based on evidence of the candidate’s barrier to taking an
assessment and should also reflect their normal way of working. This is explained in section 1.3 of the
Cambridge Handbook www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
• For Cambridge to approve an access arrangement, we need to agree that it constitutes a reasonable
adjustment and does not affect the security or integrity of the assessment.
• Details of our standard access arrangements and modified question papers are available in section 1.3 of
the Cambridge Handbook www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
• Centres are expected to check the availability of access arrangements and modified question papers at
the start of the course. All applications should be made by the deadlines published in section 1.3 of the
Cambridge Handbook www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
• Contact us at the start of the course to find out if we can approve an access arrangement that is not
included in the list of standard access arrangements.
• Candidates who cannot access parts of the assessment may be able to receive an award based on the
parts they have completed.

Some access arrangements are not allowed in this syllabus because they affect the assessment objectives:
• candidates must not use voice-activated software to dictate their written work
• candidates must not use word processing technology which uses word prediction and/or phrase
prompting including spell check and grammar check
• candidates must not use a human reader.

Please note that we cannot provide Braille papers for this syllabus. We can only provide Braille papers for
languages which use the Roman alphabet.

After the exam

Grading and reporting
Grades A*, A, B, C, D or E indicate the standard a candidate achieved at Cambridge O Level.

A* is the highest and E is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade E. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate.

In specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
• Q (PENDING)
• X (NO RESULT).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.

On the statement of results, Cambridge O Level is shown as GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION

ORDINARY LEVEL.

On certificates, Cambridge O Level is shown as General Certificate of Education.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. What else you need to know

How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge O Level has two purposes:
1 to measure learning and achievement
The assessment confirms achievement and performance in relation to the knowledge, understanding and
skills specified in the syllabus.
2 to show likely future success
The outcomes help predict which students are well prepared for or likely to be successful in a particular
course or career.
The outcomes help students choose the most suitable course or career.

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 Cambridge O Level Bengali 3204 syllabus for 2027. What else you need to know

Changes to this syllabus for 2027

The syllabus has been updated. This is version 1, published September 2024.

You must read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme. We review our
syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools. In updating this syllabus, we
have made it easier for teachers and students to understand, keeping the familiar features that teachers and
schools value.

There are no significant changes which affect teaching. This syllabus has been reformatted. There are no
changes to the content or assessment.

Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2023 are still suitable for
use with this syllabus.

Syllabuses and specimen materials represent the final authority on the content and structure of all of our
assessments.

With a Customer Services team available 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, and dedicated regional teams
supporting schools in 160 countries, we understand your local context and are here to guide you so you can
provide your learners with everything they need to prepare for Cambridge O Level.

Quality management
We are committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, our quality management
system for the provision of international education programmes and qualifications
for students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard,
ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/about-us/our-standards/

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