Description
The IGCSE English Literature course is a fantastic subject. It introduces students to many literary works from different times and cultures. Its main aim is to help students become more confident in reading, understanding, and thoughtfully evaluating texts.
The IGCSE English Literature curriculum is more than just reading stories or poems. This course helps students appreciate literature and its ongoing impact on the world.
You will learn new skills as you go. This includes analytical skills. You will understand why and how writers use language, structure, and form. These elements help convey meaning and impact the reader.
We will encourage you to form your own opinions and share your ideas. You will also learn to support your thoughts with evidence and examples.
Whether you choose the Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel exam boards, students explore texts from different cultures and times. This helps them understand the world and the human experience better.
Should I choose Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel English Literature?
Often, the choice comes down to what course materials appeal to you most; between the two choices, the texts are different. Another reason to choose one exam board over another is the examination centres available to you. It also matters if the exam centres are nearby. To avoid late entry fees, you should look to book your exams four or five months prior to sitting them.
Cambridge Syllabus up to 2027 Exams
Cambridge Course Code(s)
IGCSE Literature in English (9-1): 0992
IGCSE Literature in English (A*-G) : 0475
(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications.
The only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams.
0992 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest.
0475 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.
Cambridge Exams: June & November
Cambridge Study Hours: 130 Hours
This IGCSE English Literature CAIE Course enables you to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. You will develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through your studies, you will learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material you have studied.
The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting better understanding of yourself and of the world around you.
Cambridge IGCSE English Literature Modules
Paper 1: Poetry and prose
One Poetry collection from the list of set texts.
One Prose text from the list of set texts
Paper 2: Drama
Two Drama texts from the list of set text.
Please note that that Cambridge changes their set texts each year. Please contact us to find out the set texts for your exam series.
What does Cambridge offer for the IGCSE English Literature Course?
Join us on an exciting adventure through the world of English Literature with our CIE Course! You will get to dive into fascinating texts, sharpening your skills in interpreting and understanding their meanings.
As you explore, you will discover insightful themes and context that authors weave into their work. You will also learn to appreciate the beauty of the English language. It can stir emotions and spark ideas.
The Cambridge International GCSE English literature syllabus is all about empowering you to tackle a variety of important, universal topics. Once you enrol, a tutor will support you. They will guide you through interesting assignments and helpful study materials. This design aims to improve your skills and spark your curiosity.
The International GCSE syllabus encourages you to explore important global issues. This helps you understand yourself and the world better.
The IGCSE English Literature syllabus typically covers three main forms of literature: poetry, prose, and drama. Our course offers a flexible option, giving students a choice for each unit studied. Your course tutor will be with you every step of the way as you learn your new skills.
Text choices for the CIE 2025 exam series.
- Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves, or Ted Hughes
- Paper One Section B: Prose – Great Expectations, To Kill a Mockingbird, or Rebecca
- Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey
Text choices for the CIE 2026 exam series.
- Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves
- Paper One Section B: Prose – To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, or Hullabaloo
- Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey
Text choices for the CIE 2027 exam series.
- Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves
- Paper One Section B: Prose – To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, or Hullabaloo
- Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey
Cambridge Assessment
All Candidates take two exams
Paper 1 Poetry and Prose
1 hour 30 minutes
50 marks
Two questions on two texts: one poetry and one prose
Paper 2 Drama
1 hour 30 minutes
50 marks
Two questions on two texts
Edexcel Syllabus
International GCSE English Literature (9-1): 4ET1
Edexcel Exams: June & November
Edexcel Study Hours: 130 Hours
This IGCSE English Literature Edexcel Course will help you develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world. You will also develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers achieve their literary effects.
You will explore, through literature, the cultures of your own and other societies and find enjoyment in reading literature understanding its influence on individuals and societies. For this specification, grades 9-1 are available.
Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Modules
Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose
The poetry collection from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
- One modern prose text from the list of set texts in this specification.
- Develop skills to analyse unseen poetry.
- Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meanings and effects.
- Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.
- Develop comparison skills.
Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
Content overview
- One modern drama text from the list of set texts in this specification.
- One literary heritage text from the list of set texts in this specification.
- Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meaning and effect.
- Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.
What does Pearson Edexcel offer for the IGCSE English Literature Course?
With this IGCSE English Literature online course, you will learn to read and analyse texts. You will explore how language, form, structure, and context create meaning and effect. You will also develop skills to express your thoughts critically and personally.
The IGCSE English Literature syllabus covers Unseen Poetry, Anthology Poetry, Modern Prose, Modern Drama and Literary Heritage texts. Our course offers a flexible option, giving students a choice for each unit studied. Your course tutor will be with you every step of the way as you learn your new skills.
Text choices for the Pearson Edexcel
- Paper One, Section A – Unseen Poetry
- Paper One, Section B – Anthology Poetry – Develop skills to compare a range of poetry from Chapter 3 of the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Textbook.
- Paper One, Section C – Modern Prose – A Choice of one text from the following: To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, The Joy Luck Club or Things Fall Apart
- Paper Two, Section A – Modern Drama – A choice of one text from the following: A View from the Bridge, An Inspector Calls or Kindertransport
- Paper Two, Section B – Literary Heritage – A Choice of one text from the following: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations or The Scarlet Letter
Edexcel Assessment
All Candidates take two exams
Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose
2 hours
90 marks
Section A– Unseen Poetry: one 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper.
Section B– Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
Section C –Modern Prose: one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
60% of the total International GCSE
Paper 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
1 hour 30 minutes
60 marks
Section A – Modern Drama: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
Section B– Literary Heritage Texts: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
40% of the total International GCSE