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

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.

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.