Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE World Literature specification (0408)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE World 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) IGCSE World 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) IGCSE World Literature (0408) 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 IGCSE World Literature course encourages learners to engage with a wide variety of literary texts from different countries and cultures. The course aims to develop skills in reading, interpretation, and evaluation of poetry, prose, and drama. It promotes informed personal responses and the ability to explore universal issues while fostering an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. Through this course, learners enhance their critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy, while building a strong foundation for further literary studies. The syllabus is structured to encourage confident, reflective, responsible, innovative, and engaged learners who appreciate the global significance of literature.Subject content breakdown
Coursework
- Study one prose text and one drama text from different countries or cultures
- Two written assignments: one critical essay (800–1200 words), one empathic response (600–1000 words)
- Assignments marked internally and moderated externally
- Texts must be of equivalent scope and demand as the set texts
Unseen Poetry
- Study a range of poetic forms and styles
- Practice analysis and appreciation of unseen poems or extracts
- Focus on interpretation, literary techniques, and personal response
Set Texts (rotation by year)
- 2022: The Sound of Waves, Yerma, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, The Government Inspector, selections from Songs of Ourselves Vol. 1, Stories of Ourselves Vol. 1
- 2023: Same prose and drama texts as 2022 with poetry from Songs of Ourselves Vol. 2 and Stories of Ourselves Vol. 2
- 2024: Fever Dream, Anowa, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, The Government Inspector, same poetry and stories as 2023
Key Skills Developed
- Close reading, analysis, and interpretation of texts
- Understanding literary contexts and deeper meanings
- Personal response and appreciation of literary craft
- Empathic engagement with characters and situations
Assessment structure
Component 1: Coursework
- 50 marks, 38.5% of qualification
- Two written assignments: critical essay and empathic response
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
Paper 2: Unseen Poetry
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks, 23% of qualification
- Two compulsory questions on one unseen poem
- Externally assessed
Paper 3: Set Text
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks, 38.5% of qualification
- Two questions: one extract-based, one essay (both compulsory)
- Closed book exam, externally assessed
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge of text and reference (25%)
- AO2: Understanding of meanings and contexts (25%)
- AO3: Appreciation of language, structure, and form (25%)
- AO4: Personal response (25%)
Availability
- June and November examination series
- Not available to private candidates
- Cannot be combined with other Cambridge literature syllabuses at the same level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE World 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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