specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475) is a single-tier linear qualification. All candidates take Paper 1 Poetry and Prose (compulsory, 50%) and choose ONE of three routes for the remaining 50%: Paper 2 Drama alone (50%); OR Paper 3 Drama Open-Text (25%) + Paper 4 Unseen (25%); OR Paper 3 Drama Open-Text (25%) + Component 5 Coursework (25%). Candidates are eligible for grades A*-G. A parallel 9-1 syllabus exists as 0992.
subject content
1. Poetry
Paper 1- Studied poems from CIE set anthology (Songs of Ourselves)
- Analysis of language, form, structure; personal response
2. Prose
Paper 1- One studied prose text from CIE list
- Extract question OR whole-text essay
3. Drama
Paper 2- Two studied drama set texts from the Cambridge list (Shakespeare and/or modern)
- Extract question + whole-text essay
4. Drama (Open Text)
Paper 3- One studied drama text; candidates may take a clean copy into the exam
- One essay question from a choice of two
5. Unseen text
Paper 4- One unseen text (prose or poetry) with a choice of two questions
- Analysis of language, form and structure
6. Coursework
Component 5- Portfolio of two assignments, each on a different text
- Empathic response to a prose or drama text may be one of the assignments
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Poetry and Prose) | One poetry response + one prose response from studied set texts | 1h 30m | 50 | 50% | Section A: Poetry (25 marks: choice of 2 questions per set text). Section B: Prose (25 marks: choice of 2 questions per set text) |
| Paper 2 (Drama) | Two drama set texts; two responses | 1h 30m | 50 | 50% | Two questions on two drama texts, each 25 marks (extract + essay OR whole-text essay) |
| Paper 3 (Drama, Open Text) | One drama set text; candidates may take a clean copy into the exam | 45m | 25 | 25% | One essay question from a choice of two on the studied drama text (open-text) |
| Paper 4 (Unseen) | One previously unseen prose or poetry text | 1h 15m | 25 | 25% | One question from a choice of two on an unseen prose or poetry text. Pairs with Paper 3. |
| Component 5 (Coursework) | Portfolio of two assignments on different texts | Coursework | 25 | 25% | Two assignments, each on a different text; one may be an empathic response. Internally marked, externally moderated by Cambridge. Pairs with Paper 3. |
Cambridge offers three routes, all with Paper 1 (Poetry and Prose) compulsory. Route A: Paper 1 + Paper 2 Drama (50/50). Route B: Paper 1 + Paper 3 Drama Open-Text + Paper 4 Unseen (50/25/25). Route C: Paper 1 + Paper 3 Drama Open-Text + Component 5 Coursework (50/25/25). Note: the 2028-2030 syllabus consolidates to a different structure. Set text list is updated regularly, check with your teacher.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts, supported by reference to the text. | 25% |
| AO2 | Understand the meaning of literary texts and their contexts, and explore texts beyond surface meaning to show deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes. | 25% |
| AO3 | Recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure and form to create and shape meanings and effects. | 25% |
| AO4 | Communicate a sensitive and informed personal response to literary texts. | 25% |
key tips for success
Learn the set text list early
Check the current set text list with your teacher, it's updated periodically. Cambridge Songs of Ourselves anthology is a common poetry choice.
Practise choosing between questions
Each paper offers a choice of 2 questions per text. Practise reading both, picking the one you can develop most deeply, and committing quickly.
Master personal response (AO4)
AO4 (25%) explicitly rewards sensitive and informed personal response. Practise phrases like 'I find...', 'This suggests to me...', 'What strikes me...' without becoming self-indulgent.
Learn quotes cold for Papers 1 and 2
Papers 1 (Poetry and Prose) and 2 (Drama) are closed-book. Learn 20-30 short quotes per text (character, theme, key moments). Paper 3 Drama is open-text, so you may take a clean copy in.
Choose your route early
Three routes: Paper 1 + Paper 2 (traditional drama); Paper 1 + Paper 3 Drama Open-Text + Paper 4 Unseen; Paper 1 + Paper 3 Drama Open-Text + Component 5 Coursework. Your school picks. Coursework rewards steady work; unseen rewards close-reading skill.
Learn context lightly
AO2 mentions contexts but Cambridge is less context-heavy than UK GCSEs. Learn 2-3 key context points per text, don't over-invest.
Where to next
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