specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Literature in English (9695) is a two-year linear qualification covering drama, poetry, prose and Shakespeare across four papers. Papers 1 and 2 form the AS Level; Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level with a focus on Shakespeare and further set texts. Graded A*-E for the full A Level.
subject content
1. Drama and Poetry (AS)
Paper 1- One drama text (from set list)
- One poetry set text (from set list)
2. Prose and Unseen (AS)
Paper 2- One prose text (from set list)
- Analysis of an unseen passage; the passages set cover two of the three categories prose, poetry and drama
3. Shakespeare and Drama (A Level)
Paper 3- A Shakespeare play (from set list)
- A further drama text alongside Shakespeare
4. Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose (A Level)
Paper 4- Section A: one essay on a single pre-1900 set text; Section B: one essay on a single post-1900 set text
- One of the two answers must be on poetry and the other on prose; each question offers a choice of (a) general essay or (b) passage-based response
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Drama and Poetry) | AS: one drama + one poetry set text | 2h | 50 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Essay questions on drama and poetry set texts |
| Paper 2 (Prose and Unseen) | AS: one prose set text + unseen extract | 2h | 50 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Essay on prose set text + analysis of an unseen passage, with passages set from two of the three categories prose, poetry and drama |
| Paper 3 (Shakespeare and Drama) | A Level: Shakespeare play + further drama text | 2h | 50 | 25% of A Level | Essay questions on Shakespeare and paired drama text |
| Paper 4 (Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose) | A Level: one pre-1900 set text (Section A) and one post-1900 set text (Section B), one poetry and one prose | 2h | 50 | 25% of A Level | Two separate single-text essays: one from Section A (pre-1900) and one from Section B (post-1900), one on poetry and one on prose. Each question offers a choice of (a) general essay or (b) passage-based response. No comparison between texts is required |
The full A Level route is all four papers. Students can also stage the qualification with Papers 1 and 2 as the standalone AS Level (grades a-e).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding: respond with understanding to literary texts in a variety of forms, from different cultures, with an appreciation of relevant contexts that illuminate readings of the texts. | 20% at A Level (25% at AS) |
| AO2 | Analysis: analyse ways in which writers' choices of language, form and structure shape meanings and effects. | 20% at A Level (25% at AS) |
| AO3 | Personal response: produce informed independent opinions and interpretations of literary texts. | 20% at A Level (25% at AS) |
| AO4 | Communication: communicate a relevant, structured and supported response appropriate to literary study. | 20% at A Level (25% at AS) |
| AO5 | Evaluation of opinion: discuss and evaluate varying opinions and interpretations of literary texts. | 20% at A Level (0% at AS) |
key tips for success
Memorise key quotations
All papers reward specific textual reference. Build a bank of short powerful quotations per character and theme for every set text.
Master unseen analysis for Paper 2
Paper 2 includes an unseen passage, and the passages set cover two of the three categories prose, poetry and drama, so drama is possible. Practise weekly across all three forms using varied writers and periods.
Weight the AOs evenly
At A Level all five AOs are 20% each, so no single skill dominates. Give equal attention to knowledge, analysis, personal response, communication and evaluation of others' opinions rather than over-investing in one.
Practise single-text essays for Paper 4
Paper 4 is two separate single-text essays, one pre-1900 (Section A) and one post-1900 (Section B), one on poetry and one on prose. There is no comparison to make, so practise both the general-essay and passage-based options on each set text.
AS content is assumed on A Level papers
Papers 3 and 4 assume you still remember AS study techniques. Revise Paper 1 and 2 approaches as part of A Level prep.
Know which route you're on
AS only (Papers 1 and 2), staged A Level, or all four papers in one series. Confirm which route with your school.
Where to next
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