Cambridge (CIE) O Level Literature in English specification (2010)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Literature in English 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) O Level Literature in English 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) O Level Literature in English (2010) 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 O Level Literature in English aims to foster a lasting appreciation for literary texts, enhancing learners' ability to read, interpret, and evaluate poetry, prose, and drama in English. The course develops personal responses to literature and encourages informed critical analysis of writers’ use of language, structure, and form. It seeks to promote an understanding of human experience through literature, stimulate aesthetic and intellectual growth, and encourage exploration of universal themes across cultures and periods. The syllabus supports the development of transferable skills such as communication, analysis, empathy, and cultural awareness, providing a foundation for further study and lifelong engagement with literature.Subject content breakdown
1 Poetry, Prose, and Drama
- Study of four set texts: one poetry collection, one prose work, and two drama texts.
- Texts are selected from a variety of genres, cultures, and historical periods.
- Emphasis on reading for meaning, interpretation of themes, and understanding writers' techniques.
- Exploration of context, literary devices, and effects on readers.
2 Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate detailed knowledge of literary texts, supported by evidence.
- AO2: Understand meanings and contexts; interpret themes and attitudes beyond surface meanings.
- AO3: Recognise and appreciate language, structure, and form used by writers.
- AO4: Communicate an informed and personal response to texts.
3 Set Texts (rotated annually)
- Poetry: Selections from Songs of Ourselves Volumes 1 & 2, Ted Hughes' New Selected Poems.
- Prose: Works by authors like Adichie, Dickens, du Maurier, Achebe, Lahiri, Wells, and others, including selections from Stories of Ourselves Volume 2.
- Drama: Plays by Shakespeare, Soyinka, Williams, Nottage, Sheriff, Delaney.
- Specific texts prescribed for each examination year, with options in poetry, prose, and drama categories.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Poetry and Prose
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks (50% of qualification).
- Two questions: one on poetry, one on prose.
- Choice of two questions per set text.
- Closed book; relevant passages printed on the paper.
- Assesses AO1–AO4 equally.
Paper 2: Drama
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks (50% of qualification).
- Two questions on two different drama texts.
- One (a) passage-based question.
- One (b) essay question.
- Choice of two questions per set text.
- Closed book; relevant passages printed on the paper.
- Assesses AO1–AO4 equally.
Assessment Weightings
- Each AO contributes 25% to overall assessment.
- Equal distribution across both papers.
Changes for Exams 2023–2025
- Revised aims and assessment objectives (reduced from five to four).
- Updated set text lists.
- Clearer question paper rubrics:
- Paper 1: One poetry and one prose question required.
- Paper 2: One passage-based and one essay question on two different texts.
- Specimen materials updated to reflect changes.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Literature in English 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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