IGCSE Level English Literature

YEARS 10 and 11

Year 10 and 11 students enrolling in IGCSE study both IGCSE English Literature and IGCSE First Language English.

At the IGCSE level, Cambridge offers two core English courses: Cambridge Language and Cambridge Literature. Both courses develop students’ language skills, but they differ in their focus and emphasis.

The Cambridge Language course is oriented towards building practical, functional competence in writing, reading, and speaking. It develops students’ ability to communicate effectively across personal, academic, and professional contexts. Students work with a variety of text types and learn to analyse language features for their impact on the reader.

The Cambridge Literature course, by contrast, is directed towards building students’ understanding and appreciation of literary texts. It places greater weight on analysing the techniques and devices authors use to construct meaning and communicate their ideas. Students read and respond to a range of texts, both classic and contemporary, and are expected to write critically and creatively about them.

In short, the Language course foregrounds practical application while the Literature course foregrounds literary analysis and interpretation. 

All Year 11 students sit both Language and Literature papers.

IGCSE LEVEL

ENGLISH LITERATURE

This course encourages students to read, interpret, and evaluate literary texts, building their ability to:

Understand texts at the level of literal meaning, relevant context, and deeper themes or attitudes

Recognise and appreciate the ways writers use language to achieve specific effects, and to articulate an informed personal response

The syllabus also promotes the exploration of broader and universal issues, supporting learners’ understanding of themselves and of the wider world.

Component 1: Poetry and Prose

Component 3: Drama (open text)

Component 4: Unseen text