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  • Cambridge International AS Level - English - Language and Literature - 8695

Cambridge International AS and A Level English - Language and Literature (AS Level only) 8695

Syllabus overview

The Language and Literature in English syllabus aims to encourage an appreciation of literature in English - prose, poetry and drama - of different types and from different cultures; and to develop the key skills required to read, analyse and communicate effectively in English.

By studying a range of texts, learners understand more about writers' choices of language, form and structure, and develop their ability to form independent opinions about what they read. Learners also improve their understanding of the English language and how it is used, extending their skills across a range of writing styles, including imaginative, discursive and argumentative.

Changes have been made to this syllabus for examination from 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus for detailed information.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

  • 2021 - 2023 Syllabus (PDF, 677KB)
  • 2024 - 2026 Syllabus (PDF, 414KB)

Syllabus updates

  • Summary of the changes
    • We worked with teachers, subject expert panels and universities around the world to update our Cambridge International AS & A Level English subject group as part of our on-going review process. We have made some changes to the syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Many teachers told us that they offer more than one English subject from this group, so we have made some changes so that the syllabuses work together regardless of whether a student is studying one or more subject from this group. To make it clearer for teachers, we have separated this syllabus (Cambridge International AS Level English - Language and Literature 8695) from our other Cambridge International AS & A Levels English syllabuses.

      How has the syllabus changed?

      • This syllabus is available for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
      • We have updated the aims in the syllabus, but they remains consistent with the current syllabus.
      • We have revised the key concepts for both the English Language and the Literature elements of the syllabus and these are now presented as separate lists.
      • We have included a specific subject content section that sets out what students should study for the English Language focused paper, Paper 1: Writing.
      • We have increased the choice of set texts and updated the text lists for Paper 2: Drama, Poetry and Prose. Teachers and learners now have a choice from four texts in each section (see the Subject content section of the syllabus for details).
      • We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

      How has the assessment changed?

      • The numbering and names of the question papers have changed to:
        • Paper 1: Writing, English Language
        • Paper 2: Drama, Poetry and Prose.
      • There are now separate, distinct assessment objectives (AOs) for Paper 1 and Paper 2
      • The assessment objectives (AOs) have been updated. Please see the syllabus for details.

      Paper 1 Writing:

      • Section A has changed. It is now compulsory and requires candidates to write a shorter piece of writing and then reflect on this.
      • Section B stays as three optional questions. Candidates will choose one question from three categories: imaginative/descriptive, discursive/argumentative or review/critical.
      • The duration of the paper and number of marks are unchanged.

      Paper 2 Drama, Poetry and Prose:

      • The sequence of the forms within the paper has changed to Section A: Drama, Section B: Poetry and Section C: Prose.
      • The duration of the paper and number of marks are unchanged.

      Mark schemes:

      • The levels of response marking criteria have been updated. Please see the specimen mark schemes for further information.

      When do these changes take place?

      The updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

  • Teaching and learning resources
    • Coming soon

      We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus. Visit our School Support Hub from April 2019 onwards.

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Important notices

  • English for every learner
    • Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.

  • Grade descriptions
    • For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020 or 2021.

      Publication of grade descriptions for these syllabuses has been delayed. This is to make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the full range of candidate performance after the 2020 and 2021 series.

  • Front covers
    • From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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