English Literature 0475 | 1 GCSE
Overview
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) offers learners the opportunity to read, interpret, evaluate and respond to a range of literature in English. The range includes drama, prose and poetry from the works of Shakespeare to contemporary literature. This course enables learners to deepen their understanding of the ways in which writers use English to achieve effects. Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) will stimulate learners to read for pleasure, to explore wider and universal issues, promoting a better understanding of themselves and the world.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of literature.
IGCSE ENGLISH LIT.m4vCourse Content
The two-year course is designed to work alongside the IGCSE First Language English course to improve a range of English skills, including:
analysing language, themes and structure of a range of texts
inferring and deducing deeper meanings
linking texts to their social/historical/cultural context
determining an individual, mature personal response to challenging texts
selecting evidence to support comments on texts.
Through in-depth study of novels, short stories, poetry and plays, students will learn to appreciate how powerful language can be and how it can be used to create effects on audiences and readers. Students will learn about significant, historical global events, cultural movements and gain an appreciation of other societies through their study of literature texts.
Assessment
Paper 1: Poetry and prose (50%) - 1 hour 30 minute exam (closed book)
Paper 2: Drama (50%) - 1 hour 30 minutes exam (closed book)
Progression
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English curriculum are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English Literature, or the equivalent.
This subject will prepare students looking to pursue a career in law, politics, the media, writing, publishing, PR, teaching and many more.
Benefits of Studying Literature
"Studying English Literature has allowed me to become a lot more analytical; it’s taught me how to think more deeply to elaborate on ideas, which is useful in more contexts than just in writing essays. It facilitated me exploring many social ideas and issues, which was always interesting and made Literature a really unique and fun subject. I also feel that, since the way you think in Literature is different than in other subjects, studying it made me a little more well-rounded."
~ Ashley Kow, 2021 alumni
IGCSE, AS and A-Level’s Literature student
Currently pursuing Biomedical Science at the University of Bristol, UK
"Taking Literature for IGCSE and A-Level was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Of course there are the frequently mentioned benefits such as developing critical thinking, analytical and writing skills, especially useful during university, but for me, the greatest side-effect of taking Literature was being able to enjoy books, movies or tv shows more deeply. Literature forces your brain to constantly look for little hints and clues, and suddenly I was privy to a whole new layer of meaning in stories. To this day, literature remains one of my favourite parts of high school.
- Sarah Louis, 2021 alumni
IGCSE, AS and A-Level’s Literature student
Currently pursuing a Bachelor in Arts at the University of British Columbia, Canada
"It is often understated how much a student is required to improve in their writing skills before going into university-especially for a degree in the humanities. To put the comparison between the writing skill required in secondary school and university into perspective, the former is a Lego House while the latter is St Paul’s Cathedral. IGCSE and A-Level Literature is the only crash course you will need to learn university level argumentative writing. The experience of collecting evidence and inferred messages through deductive reasoning, and compiling them into a well formed answer, is an experience that is unique to first IGCSE, then A-Level literature, and is the sole reason I feel confident I will be able to succeed in my LLB law course. With the course, I have grown my writing skills from a novice level student to a high caliber scholar."
~ Jerome Bun, 2021 alumni
IGCSE and AS Literature student
Currently reading law at King’s College, UK
