Cambridge (CIE) A Level English Literature specification (9695)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level English Literature exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level English Literature specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level English Literature (9695) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level English Literature develops critical and analytical engagement with texts from different periods and genres. Learners explore poetry, prose, and drama, considering context, style, structure, and meaning. The syllabus encourages comparison, personal interpretation, and awareness of literary techniques. It also fosters understanding of how writers shape meaning and how readers respond. The course promotes confident communication, independent thinking, and interpretive skill—qualities essential for further study in literature and the humanities. Students develop the ability to craft coherent, well-supported arguments in response to unseen and studied texts.
Subject content breakdown
AS Level content (Papers 1 and 2)
Paper 1: Drama and Poetry
- Study of two texts: one drama and one poetry text
- Exploration of character, theme, language, form, and structure
- Consideration of dramatic conventions and poetic techniques
Paper 2: Prose and Unseen
- Study of one prose text
- Analysis of narrative voice, setting, characterisation, and structure
- Unseen text analysis (prose or poetry), assessing close reading and interpretation
A Level content (Papers 3 and 4)
Paper 3: Shakespeare and Drama
- Study of one Shakespeare play and one other drama text
- Detailed analysis of dramatic form, structure, language and performance context
- Use of critical perspectives to support interpretation
Paper 4: Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose
- Study of one poetry and one prose text, one of which must be from before 1900
- Focus on historical and cultural context, authorial voice, and literary conventions
Comparative essay exploring connections and contrasts
Across all papers, candidates write analytical essays that require independent thought, supported textual evidence, and awareness of literary methods and meanings
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Drama and Poetry
- 2 hours, 50 marks
- Section A: Drama text (1 of 2 essay questions)
- Section B: Poetry text (1 of 2 essay questions)
- 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level
Paper 2: Prose and Unseen
- 2 hours, 50 marks
- Section A: Prose text (1 of 2 essay questions)
- Section B: Unseen text analysis (1 unseen prose or poetry extract)
- 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level
Paper 3: Shakespeare and Drama
- 2 hours, 50 marks
- Section A: Shakespeare text (1 of 2 essay questions)
- Section B: Second drama text (1 of 2 essay questions)
- 25% of A Level
Paper 4: Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose
- 2 hours, 50 marks
- One comparative essay based on studied poetry and prose texts
25% of A Level
- No coursework; all assessment is external
- Three routes: AS only, staged A Level, or full A Level in one series
- All texts studied in English; quotations and terminology expected in responses
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level English Literature isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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