Cambridge International · Literature in English
0475 Literature in English, explained
See how 0475 is assessed, straight from the official syllabus, and how our teachers help students prepare one-to-one.
What it is and who sits it in Malaysia
Cambridge International 0475 belongs to the Literature in English strand of IGCSE / International GCSE English. It is graded on the A*–G scale. Malaysian international schools choose their board and strand to suit their students. Private candidates and homeschoolers can sit it through an authorised centre. If you are unsure which code your child is entered for, the school's examinations office can confirm.
How we teach it
Your child works one-to-one with an experienced English teacher who teaches to this board's papers. Lessons combine reading and writing, timed practice and close work on the mark scheme. Read about Literature in English tuition to see how lessons run. The Literature in English syllabus pages explain the skills involved.
How Cambridge International 0475 is assessed
Every candidate sits Paper 1 (Poetry and Prose, 50%). The other 50% comes from one of three routes chosen by the school. Route 1 is Paper 2 Drama. Route 2 is Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) plus Paper 4 Unseen. Route 3 is Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) plus Component 5 Coursework.
| Component | Time | Marks | Weight | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Poetry and Prose A compulsory closed-text paper: two questions of 25 marks each, one on poetry (Section A) and one on prose (Section B), with a choice of two questions on each text. Relevant passages or poems are printed on the paper. Every candidate on all three routes takes it, and it is worth half the qualification. | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50 | 50% | External |
| Paper 2: Drama A closed-text drama paper. Route 1 candidates take it with Paper 1 to complete the qualification. Texts cannot be taken into the exam. | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50 | 50% | External |
| Paper 3: Drama (Open Text) An open-text drama paper. Candidates may take a clean copy of the set drama text into the exam. Routes 2 and 3 sit it. | 45 minutes | 25 | 25% | External |
| Paper 4: Unseen A critical response to an unseen poem or prose passage. Candidates answer one of two questions. Route 2 candidates take it with Paper 1 and Paper 3. | 1 hour 15 minutes | 25 | 25% | External |
| Component 5: Coursework A portfolio of two assignments of 600–1200 words each, each on a different complete text. One assignment may be an empathic response to a prose or drama text. The centre marks it and Cambridge moderates it. Route 3 candidates take it with Paper 1 and Paper 3. | n/a | 25 | 25% | Internal (internally assessed, externally moderated) |
Who takes each component
- Paper 1: All candidates
- Paper 2: Route 1 only
- Paper 3: Routes 2 and 3
- Paper 4: Route 2 only
- Component 5: Route 3 only
Graded on the A*–G scale (2027 syllabus).
What the exam rewards (assessment objectives)
Candidates are assessed on the skills below. We paraphrase them from the board's official syllabus.
Reading
- AO1: Show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts in the three main forms (drama, poetry and prose), supported by reference to the text
- AO2: Understand the meanings of literary texts and their contexts, and explore texts beyond surface meanings to show deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes
- AO3: Recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure and form to create and shape meanings and effects
- AO4: Communicate a sensitive and informed personal response to literary texts
- The four assessment objectives carry equal weight, about 25% each
Requirements can change between syllabus versions. Confirm the structure for your child's exam year with the school or the board's syllabus, linked below.
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