Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475): syllabus, papers and marking

Every answer is a 25-mark levels essay. The rubric quotes the descriptor reached next to each mark and names what would have lifted it a band.

Syllabus for examination in 2026 (2027 separate; set texts change yearly, structure unchanged) · June and November series · grades A*–G

Literature in English 0475: where the marks go

Literature in English 0475 is Paper 1 (poetry and prose, two questions, 50 marks) plus Paper 2 Drama, or Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) with Paper 4 Unseen or coursework. Every answer is a 25-mark levels essay. The examiners report that candidates lose marks by writing about themes they have revised instead of the question.

Our papers follow the structure with original passages. Marking returns the level reached, the points that earned credit and what would lift the answer a band.

How we mark a real script

Paper structure and what we mark

PaperTimeMarksWeightQuestions
Paper 1 — Poetry and Prose1 h 30 min5050%Two questions on two set texts, one poetry and one prose, 25 marks each
Paper 2 — Drama1 h 30 min5050%Two questions on two set plays, 25 marks each — or Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) with Paper 4 Unseen or coursework
Paper 4 — Unseen1 h 15 min2525% (with Paper 3)One critical commentary on an unseen poem or prose passage

Syllabus outline

  1. Paper 1 Poetry and Prose: one poetry text (Songs of Ourselves) and one prose text, two questions
  2. Paper 2 Drama: two questions on two set plays
  3. Paper 3 Drama (Open Text): one question on one text
  4. Paper 4 Unseen: critical commentary on an unseen passage
  5. Component 5 Coursework: a portfolio of two assignments on different texts
  6. Writers’ methods and effects; informed personal response

How each paper is marked here

Where Literature in English 0475 candidates lose marks

  1. Writing about a theme, not the question — The key words of the question steer the answer.
  2. Features logged but not analysed — Enjambment, caesura and rhyme scheme listed without the effect.
  3. Line numbers in place of quotations — Short direct quotations are what supports a point.
  4. Unequal poetry and prose answers — A very long poetry answer leaves too little for prose.
  5. Personal views that are not rooted in the text — Opinions on love or death are not required.

Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for 0475

See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.

Questions teachers ask

Which texts are covered?
The set texts change each year; the page follows the published list.
Can coursework be marked?
No. It is internally assessed.
Is there an O Level version?
Yes, O Level Literature in English 2010 has its own page; the two are separate syllabuses.
Is this official Cambridge marking?
No. Cambridge International Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for 0475. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
No. Every 0475 paper here is original and written to the syllabus for examination in 2026 (2027 separate; set texts change yearly, structure unchanged), in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
Which papers are marked?
None yet are marked question by question. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
How is the next paper chosen?
From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
When are the exams?
June and November series. Grades A*–G.

Other Cambridge IGCSE courses

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