Cambridge AS & A Level Literature in English (9695): syllabus, papers and marking
Every answer is a 25-mark levels essay; the rubric quotes the descriptor reached and names what would have lifted it a band.
Syllabus for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (2027–2028 structure unchanged; set texts rotate yearly) · June and November series · grades A*–E (A Level), a–e (AS)
Literature in English 9695: where the marks go
A Level Literature in English 9695 is four 2-hour papers of 50 marks, each with two essay questions: Drama and Poetry, Prose and Unseen, Shakespeare and Drama, and Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose. At AS level a student studies three set texts and prepares for one unseen text, and at A Level four more. Set texts rotate every year.
Each essay is marked in levels, with the descriptor quoted and the next level named. Set texts change from year to year, so tell us which series you are preparing.
Paper structure and what we mark
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Drama and Poetry | 2 h | 50 | 50% AS · 25% A Level | One drama question and one poetry question |
| Paper 2 — Prose and Unseen | 2 h | 50 | 50% AS · 25% A Level | One question on a set prose text and one on an unseen text |
| Paper 3 — Shakespeare and Drama | 2 h | 50 | 25% A Level | One Shakespeare question and one other drama question |
| Paper 4 — Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose | 2 h | 50 | 25% A Level | One pre-1900 and one post-1900 question, covering poetry and prose |
Syllabus outline
- Paper 1 Drama and Poetry: one drama question and one poetry question
- Paper 2 Prose and Unseen: one set prose text and an unseen text
- Paper 3 Shakespeare and Drama: one Shakespeare question and one other drama question
- Paper 4 Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose: one question from each period
- Skills: close reading, interpretation, context, and evaluating the opinions of others at A Level
How each paper is marked here
- Every answer is a 25-mark levels essay, with the descriptor reached quoted.
- The note beside each mark names what would lift it a band, such as analysis of effect or a sharper focus.
- Opening soon: levels rubric in testing.
Where Literature in English 9695 candidates lose marks
- Narrative summary — Retelling large parts of the text, including strands that do not help the question, takes the place of selecting the most relevant material.
- Poetry as feature-spotting — A list of techniques with no opening interpretation of the poem or the question stays at a basic level.
- A rushed second essay — Some candidates lack time for the second answer, which is left short or unfinished.
- Rubric errors — Attempting more than the two questions required.
- Techniques without effect — Naming enjambement and giving an example, without saying what it does for the meaning, does not count as analysis.
Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for 9695
See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.
Questions teachers ask
- Which set texts are covered?
- The ones for the series you are sitting; the list rotates yearly, so tell us the year.
- Are essays marked?
- Yes, with teacher approval; opening after the agreement test.
- When does it open?
- After the levels rubric test; ask to be told.
- Is this official Cambridge marking?
- No. Cambridge International Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for 9695. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
- Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
- No. Every 9695 paper here is original and written to the syllabus for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (2027–2028 structure unchanged; set texts rotate yearly), 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*–E (A Level), a–e (AS).
Other Cambridge AS & A Level courses
- Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics (9709)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Biology (9700)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Further Mathematics (9231)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Economics (9708)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Business (9609)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Accounting (9706)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Law (9084)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Sociology (9699)
- Cambridge AS & A Level History (9489)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Islamic Studies (9488)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Geography (9696)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Thinking Skills (9694)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English General Paper (8021)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Environmental Management (8291)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Travel & Tourism (9395)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Urdu Language & Literature (9866)
Start marking Literature in English scripts · See a real marked script