What Is the Easiest Subject to Take in IGCSE?
No universal “easy.” Many students find ESL, Business Studies, ICT, Environmental Management, Religious Studies, and Travel & Tourism more approachable—if these fit their strengths and school delivery.
Why some subjects feel easier
- Real-world content (Business, Travel & Tourism) feels intuitive.
- Predictable question styles (ESL, RS) reward clear structure and definitions.
- Less heavy maths/science for non-quant learners (ICT practicals, Env. Management).
Choosing “easy” that’s actually right for you
- Profile: Writer, data/practical, or case-study learner?
- Support: Does your school have strong teachers/resources for it?
- Future fit: Will it serve A-Level/IB and career goals?
ESL
Structured papers; everyday contexts. Caution: Precision in summaries and tone matters.
Business
Familiar concepts; rewards examples. Caution: Don’t stay vague—define and apply.
ICT
Practical tasks (spreadsheets, presentations). Caution: File accuracy and task completion.
Environmental Management
Applied science + geography. Caution: Data response needs practice.
Religious Studies
Argumentation over formulae. Caution: Balance viewpoints; answer the verb.
Travel & Tourism
Case-study driven. Caution: Learn industry terms and structures.
Assessment style matters
Tiering (Core vs Extended) and coursework can make a subject feel easier—if you meet deadlines and practise the right tier’s papers.
Mistakes that make “easy” feel hard
- Choosing by reputation, not strengths → motivation dips.
- Ignoring command words → lost easy marks (define vs evaluate).
- No timing practice → unfinished papers.
Quick decision framework
- Rate each subject 1–5 on: interest, teacher strength, resources, future fit, past-paper comfort.
- Trial your top two with 3–4 weeks of practice; then decide.
How Tutopiya helps choose (and succeed in) “easy” subjects
- Fit-first consult: Map strengths → subjects with realistic school-resource checks.
- Trial + micro-diagnostic: One lesson in two subjects; compare command-word comfort.
- Assessment-aware plans: Coursework checkpoints or weekly timed sections from week one.
- Early switch window: If it’s not the right fit by Week 3–4, pivot while timetables are flexible.
Tutopiya vs other options
| Option | Subject-fit Screening | Coursework Timeline | Timed Exam Drills | Bridge from Easy→Hard | Parent Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutopiya | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Group tuition | ◻️ generic | ◻️ | ◻️ | ◻️ | ◻️ |
| Marketplace tutor | ◻️ varies | ◻️ | ✅/◻️ | ◻️ | ◻️ |
| Self-study | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
FAQs
question 1: Which IGCSEs are often seen as easier?
answer: ESL, Business, ICT, Environmental Management, RS, Travel & Tourism—depending on you and your school.
question 2: Best option for non-native English speakers?
answer: ESL is structured and accessible; still practise summaries and tone.
question 3: Does coursework make a subject easier?
answer: It can stabilize grades if you meet deadlines and criteria.
question 4: Business or ICT—which is easier?
answer: Business for writing/real-world examples; ICT for practical-task lovers. Trial both if unsure.
question 5: Can I switch subjects after starting?
answer: Often possible early; ask your school. Tutopiya can help evaluate the switch.
question 6: Will choosing “easy” hurt university chances?
answer: No—choose subjects you’ll excel in and that align with future plans.
Choose subjects you’ll excel in
We’ll help match your strengths to subjects and build a week-by-week plan that fits your school.