Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English (Literature) (US) specification (427)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English (Literature) (US) 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) IGCSE English (Literature) (US) 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) IGCSE English (Literature) (US) (427) 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 IGCSE Literature (English) (US) enables students to explore a diverse range of literary texts, promoting both critical thinking and personal response. The course encourages learners to read, interpret, and evaluate poetry, prose, and drama while developing an appreciation of writers' techniques and literary effects. Students study texts from different periods, cultures, and genres, fostering their understanding of human concerns and universal themes. The syllabus aims to enhance aesthetic, imaginative, and intellectual growth, preparing students for further study by strengthening their analytical and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on engaging with texts both individually and in wider social and cultural contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Paper 1: Poetry and Prose
- Study of selected poems from:
- Robert Frost’s selected poems.
- Songs of Ourselves Volume 2, Part 1 anthology.
- Study of selected prose from:
- Maya Angelou – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
- Jennifer Donnelly – A Northern Light
- Barbara Kingsolver – The Bean Trees
- John Steinbeck – The Wayward Bus
- Stories of Ourselves anthology (10 specified stories).
Paper 2: Drama
- Study of one play from:
- Athol Fugard – “Master Harold” … and the Boys
- William Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Tennessee Williams – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Component 3: Coursework Portfolio
- Two assignments on different texts.
- One assignment may be on a Paper 1 or Paper 2 set text.
- If using poetry or short stories, at least two poems or stories must be covered.
- Texts must be suitable for study at this level and studied in full.
Additional Requirements
- Open-book texts permitted for Paper 2, provided they are unmarked and unannotated.
- Specific editions recommended for Shakespeare; other editions acceptable if unabridged:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Poetry and Prose
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks.
- Two questions: one on poetry, one on prose.
- Texts provided on the question paper.
- No annotated texts allowed.
- Assesses AO1–AO4 equally.
Paper 2: Drama
- 45 minutes, 25 marks.
- One question on one play.
- Relevant extracts provided.
- Clean copy texts allowed in the exam room.
- Assesses AO1–AO4 equally.
Component 3: Coursework Portfolio
- Two assignments, each 600–1200 words.
- Based on different texts.
- Internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Marked out of 25 per assignment.
- Includes creative and analytical tasks.
- Detailed marking criteria provided with emphasis on textual reference, critical understanding, writer’s methods, and personal response.
Assessment Objectives (equal weighting across all components)
- AO1: Detailed knowledge of literary texts.
- AO2: Understanding meanings and contexts, exploring beyond surface meanings.
- AO3: Appreciation of language, structure, and form.
AO4: Sensitive and informed personal response.
- All components contribute to final grade with Paper 1 (50%), Paper 2 (25%), and Coursework (25%).
- External moderation ensures standardisation of internal assessment:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English (Literature) (US) 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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