Submit two assignments: one on drama or prose, and the other on poetry.

Cambridge IGCSE English Literature (0475) – Complete Syllabus Overview

1. Structure of the Course & Assessment

• Four compulsory examination papers (each worth 25 % of the total GCSE grade)
• Component 5 – Coursework Portfolio (optional) (also 25 % where offered)

2. Assessment Objectives (AO1‑AO4)

Each component (Paper 1‑4 and Component 5) is marked against the four AOs in equal proportion (25 % AO1, 25 % AO2, 25 % AO3, 25 % AO4).

3. Official 2026 Set‑Text List

Paper 1 – Poetry (Anthology: Songs of Ourselves)

• “The Tyger” – William Blake
• “The World Is Too Much With Us” – William Wordsworth
• “The Solitary Reaper” – William Wordsworth
• “The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost
• “Daffodils” – William Wordsworth
• “Ode to a Nightingale” – John Keats
• “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” – T. S. Eliot
• “The Soldier” – Rupert Brooke
• “The Lady of Shalott” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• “The Lamb” – William Blake
• “The Charge of the Light Brigade” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (excerpt) – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Paper 1 – Prose (Set‑texts)

• Lord of the Flies – William Golding
• The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Mark Twain

Paper 2 – Drama (Set‑texts)

• Macbeth – William Shakespeare
• Othello – William Shakespeare
• The Tempest – William Shakespeare

Paper 3 – Open‑text Drama (Candidates choose one)

• Any drama (published) that is studied independently and approved by the centre. Typical examples: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire, An Inspector Calls, etc.

Paper 4 – Unseen

• Two unseen extracts (one prose, one poetry) are provided on the day of the exam; no prior preparation of these texts is required.

Component 5 – Coursework Portfolio (Optional)

• Essay 1: drama **or** prose set‑text (from the lists above).
• Essay 2: a poem **or** a set of poems from the Songs of Ourselves anthology.
• Non‑set texts may be used only with explicit teacher approval and must be comparable in scope.

4. Component 5 – Detailed Guidance

4.1 Assignment Requirements

• Two formal essays (600–1 200 words each). Minimum 600 words, maximum 1 200 words.
• Each essay must contain:
  • A clear, arguable thesis statement.
  • Evidence from the chosen text(s) with precise page/line references.
  • Critical analysis that addresses AO1‑AO4.
  • A bibliography in Cambridge style (author, title, edition, publisher, year, page).
• One essay may be an empathic response (AO3) – personal engagement is allowed, but academic rigour must be maintained.
• Submit both essays as a single PDF, clearly labelled:

  Name: ______________________
  Centre #: ___________________
  Essay 1 – [Title] (Drama/Prose)
  Essay 2 – [Title] (Poetry)
          

4.2 Marking Rubric (25 marks per essay)

4.3 Suggested 12‑Week Programme (covers all components)

5. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Writing the Component 5 Essays

1. Choose a focused question. Ensure it invites detailed analysis of theme, character, language or form and aligns with AO1‑AO4.
2. Gather textual evidence. Quote directly, noting exact page or line numbers for accurate referencing.
3. Develop a thesis. State a clear, arguable position that directly answers the question.
4. Plan paragraphs using PEEL. Point – Evidence – Explanation – Link to the thesis.
5. Write the introduction. Briefly set context, present the thesis, and outline the main arguments.
6. Compose body paragraphs. Prioritise depth of analysis; each quotation must be followed by interpretation that connects to the thesis and to the relevant AO.
7. Conclude effectively. Summarise key arguments and comment on wider significance (historical context, author’s purpose, contemporary relevance).
8. Reference correctly. Use Cambridge style: Author, Title, Edition, Publisher, Year, page.
9. Proofread. Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistency of literary terminology.
10. Check word count. Ensure each essay is between 600 and 1 200 words.

6. Tips for Success Across All Components

• Start early – the breadth of the syllabus (four papers + optional portfolio) requires sustained preparation.
• Use the PEEL model for every paragraph to keep your argument focused.
• Balance quotations with analysis; avoid “quote‑sandwich” overload.
• Link each paragraph back to your thesis – this maintains a clear argument thread.
• Regularly practise past‑paper questions for Papers 1‑4 to become familiar with exam timing and question styles.
• For unseen work (Paper 4), practice quick annotation and “mini‑essay” planning within 20 minutes.
• Seek feedback from peers and teachers; fresh eyes catch overlooked errors.
• Maintain an academic tone; avoid colloquial language and first‑person pronouns unless writing an empathic response (AO3).
• Double‑check word counts, citation format, and that the correct set‑texts are used before submission.

7. Resources & References

• Cambridge IGCSE English Literature (0475) – Teacher’s Handbook (assessment guidelines, AO rubric).
• Cambridge IGCSE English Literature – Set‑Text List 2026 (official PDF from Cambridge website).
• Oxford Study Guides for IGCSE English Literature – model answers and exam technique tips.
• BBC Bitesize – literary analysis techniques and AO explanations.
• Cambridge University Press – “How to Write an English Literature Essay” pamphlet.
• JSTOR & Project MUSE – scholarly articles (access via school library).
• Online citation generators (e.g., CiteThisForMe) – ensure Cambridge style compliance.