Cambridge (CIE) A Level French Language & Literature specification (9898)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level French Language & 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level French Language & 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 French Language & Literature (9898) 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 A Level French Language & Literature aims to develop advanced proficiency in French through language mastery, critical reading, and appreciation of literature. The course fosters effective communication, cultural awareness, and intellectual curiosity. It promotes transferable skills such as analytical thinking, interpretation, and structured argumentation in both literary and non-literary contexts. The syllabus encourages learners to express ideas with sophistication, understand cultural and societal influences on language, and engage with texts both personally and critically. It prepares students for higher education and offers a robust foundation for careers requiring advanced language competence:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
1 Culture
- Entertainment: cinema, streaming, gaming, internet, celebrity culture, role models.
- Identity and culture: fashion, cultural heritage, festivals, language, preserving traditions.
- The arts: theatre, music, visual arts, literature, access and representation in the arts.
2 Health and well-being
- Health and fitness: sport, physical and mental health, healthcare systems.
- Nutrition: diets, environmental impact of food, ethics of production.
- Managing well-being: work–life balance, leisure, relaxation.
3 Education and future plans
- Life at school: education systems, discipline, workload, student preparation.
- Further/higher education: access, cost-benefit, vocational alternatives.
- Career choices: employment types, job satisfaction, volunteering.
4 Community and society
- Equality and diversity: inclusivity, prejudice, immigration.
- Lifestyle: relationships, family, urban/rural life, social isolation.
- Society: law, governance, citizenship, individual responsibilities.
5 Our responsibility for the planet
- The environment: climate change, biodiversity, global warming.
- Sustainable living: resource use, energy production, consumption reduction.
- Protecting the world: tourism, global cooperation, activism.
6 Science and technology
- Innovation: medical advances, smart tech, AI.
- Social media: benefits, dangers, online communities.
- Technology in society: access, education, workplace applications.
Literature
- Analysis of set texts from genres including plays, novels, and contemporary works.
- Thematic exploration, character study, narrative techniques, authorial context.
- Critical evaluation and personal interpretation in literary responses.
- Set texts rotate periodically (e.g. Racine, Molière, Sand, Gary, Camus, Schmitt):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading (33%)
- 1h 30m, 40 marks.
- Multiple-choice, matching, gap-filling on various text types.
- Assesses comprehension, vocabulary, inference.
Paper 2: Writing (33%)
- 2 hours, 40 marks.
- Section A: Argumentative/discursive essay (300–400 words).
- Section B: Descriptive or narrative essay (300–400 words).
- Assesses content, linguistic range, and accuracy.
Paper 3: Literature (33%)
- 2 hours, 40 marks.
- Section A: Passage-based question (400–500 words).
- Section B: Essay on set text (400–500 words).
- Open text exam with clean copies only.
- Assesses structured response, understanding of literary context, analysis, and personal interpretation.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (33%): Reading – comprehension, analysis, vocabulary.
- AO2 (33%): Writing – clear communication, coherence, linguistic accuracy.
AO3 (33%): Literature – literary analysis, context, personal response.
- All components externally assessed.
- Linear assessment; no AS Level carry forward.
- No dictionaries allowed in exams.
- Grading from A*–E with specific weightings per paper:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level French Language & 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.
Share this article