Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper specification (8021)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper 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) AS English General Paper 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) AS English General Paper (8021) 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
The Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper focuses on developing a set of transferable skills in English language use, critical thinking, and communication. The course encourages learners to engage with contemporary topics across a broad range of subject areas, promoting independent reasoning, analysis, evaluation, and persuasive writing. It prepares students for higher education and employment by fostering the ability to present coherent arguments, explore diverse perspectives, and communicate ideas effectively. The syllabus aims to help learners become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged participants in academic and professional contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
1 Economic, Historical, Moral, Political and Social
- The role and value of history.
- Wars, conflicts, terrorism.
- State institutions, political systems, nationalism, government forms.
- International organisations and aid.
- Justice system, prison, rehabilitation.
- Role of the individual in society, family, marriage, social pressure.
- Globalisation, wealth, equality, population, migration.
- Education, welfare, sport, leisure, employment.
- Industry, commerce, freedom of speech and human rights.
- Animal welfare, matters of conscience, faith, and tolerance.
2 Science, Environmental Issues, Technology and Mathematics
- Scientific advances, ethics, drug testing, health education.
- Space exploration, information technology, surveillance.
- Environmental concerns, natural disasters, rural/urban issues.
- Food and water security, transport, travel, tourism.
- Applications of mathematics.
3 Literature, Language, the Arts, Crafts, and the Media
- Literature, non-fiction, language study.
- Performing arts, visual arts, applied arts.
- Arts institutions, heritage, traditional arts.
- Print and digital media, advertising.
- Censorship, media freedom.
Skills Developed
- Application of information, selection, use of evidence.
- Reading for understanding, vocabulary expansion.
- Analysis, evaluation, inference.
- Writing structured responses with clarity and coherence.
- Developing arguments, summarising, and persuasive writing:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Essay
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks (50% of AS Level).
- Choose one essay question from 10 options.
- Covers all three topic areas.
- Recommended essay length: 600–700 words.
- Assesses argument structure, evidence use, clarity, coherence, and written accuracy.
Paper 2: Comprehension
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 50 marks (50% of AS Level).
- Compulsory questions on provided reading material.
- Includes explanation, interpretation, persuasive writing, analysis, and evaluation.
- Based on unseen texts up to 900 words.
- Assesses understanding, language analysis, critical response.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (28%): Selection and application of information.
- AO2 (37%): Analysis and evaluation.
AO3 (35%): Communication in written English.
- No dictionaries allowed in exams.
- Command words guide response expectations.
- Linear qualification; both papers must be taken in the same series.
- Equal weighting of both papers with a focus on content, analysis, and communication:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper 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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