Syllabus

Cambridge IGCSE
Literature (English)

0486

For examination in June and November 2016.

Also available for examination in March 2016 for India only.

This syllabus is approved for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a Cambridge International
Level1/Level 2 Certificate (QN: 500/5657/8).

Cambridge Secondary 2

Version 2

Changes to syllabus for 2016

This is version 2 of the syllabus, released February 2015.
Text relating to teacher accreditation from January 2016 has been removed from page 16.
More information is available in the February 2015 update for this syllabus.
Changes in version 1 of the syllabus, released February 2014:
Component 1 set texts for the examination in 2016 were refreshed (pages 1012).

Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications.Registered Centres are
permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission
to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a
Centre.
IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge International Examinations 2014

Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................... 2
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

Why choose Cambridge?

Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?
Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English)?
Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)
How can I find out more?

2. Teacher support............................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Support materials
2.2 Resource lists
2.3 Training

3. Assessment at a glance.................................................................................................. 6
4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives....................................................................... 8
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Syllabus aims
Assessment objectives
Relationship between assessment objectives and components
Grade descriptions

5. Syllabus content............................................................................................................ 10
5.1 Set texts for Component 1
5.2 Set texts for Component 2
5.3 Set texts for Component 3

6. Description of components........................................................................................... 13
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5

Component 1: Poetry and Prose (1 hour 30 minutes)

Component 2: Drama (1 hour 30 minutes)
Component 3: Drama (Open Text) (45 minutes)
Component 4: Unseen (1 hour 15 minutes)
Component 5: Coursework

7. Coursework assessment............................................................................................... 16
7.1 Coursework guidance notes
7.2 Marking and moderating coursework
7.3 Assessment criteria for Component 5: Coursework

8. Other information.......................................................................................................... 19
9. Additional information for England, Wales and Northern Ireland................................... 20
10. Appendix........................................................................................................................ 22
10.1 Resources: set text editions

Introduction

1. Introduction
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
Recognition
Cambridge International Examinations is the worlds largest provider of international education programmes
and qualifications for learners aged 5 to 19. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the
University of Cambridge, trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the worlds
universities and employers.
Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is internationally
recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent in demand to UK GCSEs. Learn more at
www.cie.org.uk/recognition

Excellence in education
Our mission is to deliver world-class international education through the provision of high-quality curricula,
assessment and services.
More than 9000 schools are part of our Cambridge learning community. We support teachers in over 160
countries who offer their learners an international education based on our curricula and leading to our
qualifications. Every year, thousands of learners use Cambridge qualifications to gain places at universities
around the world.
Our syllabuses are reviewed and updated regularly so that they reflect the latest thinking of international
experts and practitioners and take account of the different national contexts in which they are taught.
Cambridge programmes and qualifications are designed to support learners in becoming:
confident in working with information and ideas their own and those of others
responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Support for teachers

A wide range of materials and resources is available to support teachers and learners in Cambridge schools.
Resources suit a variety of teaching methods in different international contexts. Through subject discussion
forums and training, teachers can access the expert advice they need for teaching our qualifications. More
details can be found in Section 2 of this syllabus and at www.cie.org.uk/teachers

Support for exams officers

Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entries and excellent personal support
from our customer services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Introduction

Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

We are a not-for-profit organisation where the needs of the teachers and learners are at the core of what we
do. We continually invest in educational research and respond to feedback from our customers in order to
improve our qualifications, products and services.
Our systems for managing the provision of international qualifications and education programmesfor
learners aged 5 to 19 are certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard for quality
management, ISO 9001:2008. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/ISO9001

1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSEs are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide
opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of schools,
avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving.
Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our programmes and qualifications to enable
candidates to become effective learners and to provide a solid foundation for their continuing educational
journey.
Through our professional development courses and our support materials for Cambridge IGCSEs, we
provide the tools to enable teachers to prepare learners to the best of their ability and work with us in the
pursuit of excellence in education.
Cambridge IGCSEs are considered to be an excellent preparation for Cambridge International ASand
ALevels, the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Group Award,
Cambridge Pre-U, and other education programmes, such as the US Advanced Placement program
and the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. Learn more about Cambridge IGCSEs at
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2

Guided learning hours

Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are designed on the assumption that learners have about 130 guided learning
hours per subject over the duration of the course, but this is for guidance only. The number of hours
required to gain the qualification may vary according to local curricular practice and the learners prior
experience of the subject.

1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English)?

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 and
appreciation of the ways in which writers use English to express meaning and 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 in English.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Introduction

Prior learning
We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously studied an English
curriculum such as that of the Cambridge Secondary 1 programme, the Key Stage 3 Programme of Study
within the National Curriculum for England, or equivalent national educational frameworks. Learn more at
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary1

Progression
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable learners to progress directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications in another subject area or at a higher level, requiring
more specific knowledge, understanding and skills.
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) are well prepared
to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English, International Baccalaureate
Certificates in English or the equivalent.

1.4 Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)

Cambridge ICE is a group award for Cambridge IGCSE. It gives schools the opportunity to benefit
from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of learners who pass
examinations in at least seven subjects. To qualify for the Cambridge ICE award learners are required to have
studied subjects from five groups: two languages from Group 1, and one subject from each of the remaining
four groups. The seventh subject can be taken from any of the five subject groups.
Literature (English) (0486) is in Group 2, Humanities and Social Sciences
Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2
The Cambridge ICE is awarded from examinations administered in the June and November series each year.
In India, the Cambridge ICE is also awarded from examinations administered in the March series each year.

1.5 How can I find out more?

If you are already a Cambridge school
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please
contact us at info@cie.org.uk

If you are not yet a Cambridge school

Learn about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school at www.cie.org.uk/startcambridge. Email us at
info@cie.org.uk to find out how your organisation can register to become a Cambridge school.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Teacher support

2.

Teacher support

2.1 Support materials

Cambridge syllabuses, past question papers and examiner reports to cover the last examination series are
on the Syllabus and Support Materials DVD, which we send to all Cambridge schools.
You can also go to our public website at www.cie.org.uk/igcse to download current and future syllabuses
together with specimen papers or past question papers and examiner reports from one series.
For teachers at registered Cambridge schools a range of additional support materials for specific
syllabuses is available from Teacher Support, our secure online support for Cambridge teachers. Go to
http://teachers.cie.org.uk (username and password required).

2.2 Resource lists

We work with publishers providing a range of resources for our syllabuses including textbooks, websites,
CDs etc. Any endorsed, recommended and suggested resources are listed on both our public website and
on Teacher Support.
The resource lists can be filtered to show all resources or just those which are endorsed or recommended
by Cambridge. Resources endorsed by Cambridge go through a detailed quality assurance process and are
written to align closely with the Cambridge syllabus they support.

2.3 Training
We offer a range of support activities for teachers to ensure they have the relevant knowledge and skills to
deliver our qualifications. See www.cie.org.uk/events for further information.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Assessment at a glance

3. Assessment at a glance
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) candidates take Component 1 and either Component 2 or
Components 3 and 4 or Components 3 and 5.
Components

Weighting

All candidates take

Component 1
Poetry and Prose

1 hour 30 minutes

50%

Candidates answer two questions on two texts: one poetry and one prose.
There is a choice of two questions (one passage-based and one essay) on each
text.
50 marks
Externally marked

and either:
Component 2
Drama

1 hour 30 minutes

50%

Candidates answer two questions on two texts.

There is a choice of two questions (one passage-based and one essay) on each
text.
50 marks
Externally marked
or:
Component 3
Drama (Open Text)

and:
45 minutes

Candidates answer one question on

one text.

Component 4
Unseen

1 hour 15 minutes

Candidates answer one question.

There is a choice of two questions

(one passage-based and one essay)
on each text.

There is a choice of two questions

requiring critical commentary
(one based on literary prose and one
based on a poem or extract of a poem).

25 marks

25 marks

Externally marked

Externally marked

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

25%
+
25%

Assessment at a glance

or: and:
Component 3
Drama (Open Text)

45 minutes

Candidates answer one question on

one text.

Component 5
Coursework
Candidates submit a portfolio of two
assignments each on a different text.

25%
+
25%

There is a choice of two questions

(one passage-based and one essay)
on each text.
25 marks

25 marks

Externally marked

Internally assessed and externally

moderated

Availability
This syllabus is examined in the June and November examination series. This syllabus is also available for
examination in March for India only.
This syllabus is available to private candidates (for the non-coursework options).
Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

Combining this with other syllabuses

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except:
syllabuses with the same title at the same level
2010 Cambridge O Level Literature in English
0408 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature
Please note that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate and Cambridge
OLevel syllabuses are at the same level.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4.

Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4.1 Syllabus aims

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) aims to develop learners who:
enjoy the experience of reading literature
understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures
communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively
appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects
experience literatures contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth
explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.

4.2 Assessment objectives

The assessment objectives in Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) are:
AO1: show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts in the three main forms (drama, poetry and
prose)
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.

4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives are summarised below.

Assessment
objective

Component
1

Component
2

Component
3

Component
4

AO1

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

AO2

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

AO3

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

AO4

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Component Weighting
5
for
qualification

Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4.4 Grade descriptions

Grade A
To achieve a Grade A, a candidate will be able to:
sustain a perceptive and convincing response with well-chosen detail of narrative and situation
demonstrate clear critical/analytical understanding of the authors intentions and the texts deeper
implications and the attitudes it displays
make much well-selected reference to the text
respond sensitively and in detail to the way language works in the text
communicate a considered and reflective personal response to the text
Grade C
To achieve a Grade C, a candidate will be able to:
make a reasonably sustained/extended response with detail of narrative and situation
show understanding of the authors intentions and some of the texts deeper implications and the
attitudes it displays
show some thoroughness in use of the text for support
make some response to the way language works in the text
communicate an informed personal response to the text
Grade F
To achieve a Grade F, a candidate will be able to:
make a few straightforward points in terms of narrative and situation
show a few signs of understanding of the authors intentions and the surface meanings of the text
make a little reference to the text
show evidence of a simple personal response to the text.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Syllabus content

5.

Syllabus content

Unless otherwise indicated, candidates may use any edition of the set text, provided it is not an
abridgement or simplified version.
* text examined also in June and November 2017
** text examined also in June and November 2017 and 2018

5.1 Set texts for Component 1

Candidates must answer on two different set texts, i.e. one set text from each section.
Section A: Poetry
Candidates answer on one set text in this section.
Thomas Hardy

The following 14 poems:

Neutral Tone
I Look into My Glass
Drummer Hodge
The Darkling Thrush
On the Departure Platform
The Pine Planters
The Convergence of the Twain
The Going
The Voice
At the Word Farewell
During Wind and Rain
In Time of The Breaking of Nations
No Buyers: A Secret Scene
Nobody Comes

These may be found in Selected Poems, ed. Harry Thomas (Penguin). Poems printed in the paper will follow
this text.
From Jo Phillips, ed.

10

Poems Deep & Dangerous

The following 14 poems (from Section 4 One Another):
John Clare, First Love
Matthew Arnold, To Marguerite
Elizabeth Jennings, One Flesh
Christina Rossetti, Sonnet (I wish I could remember that first day)
William Shakespeare, Shall I Compare Thee?
Elma Mitchell, People Etcetera
Simon Armitage, In Our Tenth Year
William Shakespeare, The Marriage of True Minds
Seamus Heaney, Follower
Michael Laskey, Registers
Chris Banks, The Gift
Liz Lochhead, Laundrette

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Syllabus content

Liz Lochhead, Poem for My Sister

Patricia McCarthy, Football After School

These may be found in Poems Deep & Dangrous, ed. Jo Phillips (Cambridge University Press). Poems
printed in the paper will follow this text.
**From Songs of Ourselves Volume 2, Part 1, the following 14 poems:

William Blake, The Clod and The Pebble

Lady Mary Wroth, Song

Kathleen Raine, Passion

George Herbert, Love (3)

John Donne, Lovers Infiniteness

William Wordsworth, She was a Phantom of Delight

Emma Jones, Tiger in the Menagerie

Amanda Chong, lion heart

Edith Sitwell, Heart and Mind

Liz Lochhead, For My Grandmother Knitting

Dilip Chitre, Father Returning Home

Patricia Beer, The Lost Woman

Owen Sheers, Coming Home

Sam Hunt, Stabat Mater
These may be found in Songs of Ourselves Volume 2: The University of Cambridge International
Examinations Anthology of Poetry in English (Cambridge University Press). Poems printed in the paper will
follow this text.
Section B: Prose
Candidates answer on one set text in this section.
Jane Austen
* George Eliot
Susan Hill
Robert Louis Stevenson
** Chinua Achebe
** Michael Frayn
** R K Narayan
** from Stories of Ourselves

Northanger Abbey
Silas Marner (note this will now stay on the syllabus until 2017)
Im the King of the Castle
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
No Longer at Ease
Spies
The English Teacher
The following 10 stories:
no. 10 Saki (Hector Hugo Munro), Sredni Vashtar
no. 17 Sylvia Townsend Warner, The Phoenix
no. 19 Bernard Malamud, The Prison
no. 22 J G Ballard, Billennium
no. 24 Maurice Shadbolt, The People Before
no. 30 Patricia Highsmith, Mings Biggest Prey
no. 34 Anita Desai, Games at Twilight
no. 39 Paule Marshall, To Da-duh, in Memoriam
no. 40 Rohinton Mistry, Of White Hairs and Cricket
no. 45 Adam Thorpe, Tyres

These may be found in Stories of Ourselves: The University of Cambridge International Examinations
Anthology of Short Stories in English (Cambridge University Press). Passages printed in the paper will follow
this text.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

11

Syllabus content

5.2 Set texts for Component 2

Candidates must answer on two different set texts.

*
*
**
**

Arthur Miller
J B Priestley
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
J Lawrence/R Lee

All My Sons
An Inspector Calls
The Merchant of Venice
Henry V
Inherit the Wind

5.3 Set texts for Component 3

Candidates must answer on one set text from the following:

*
*
**
**

12

Arthur Miller
J B Priestley
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
J Lawrence/R Lee

All My Sons
An Inspector Calls
The Merchant of Venice
Henry V
Inherit the Wind

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Description of components

6.

Description of components

6.1 Component 1: Poetry and Prose (1 hour 30 minutes)

This is a compulsory written paper.
Candidates answer two questions. One from Section A (Poetry) and one from Section B (Prose). All
questions carry equal marks.
There is a choice of two questions on each text.
Relevant passages/poems are printed on the question paper.
Candidates may not take their set texts into the exam room.
All questions encourage an informed personal response and test all four assessment objectives. Candidates
will have to demonstrate the following:
knowledge of the content of the text through reference to detail and use of quotations from the text
(AO1)
understanding of characters, relationships, situations and themes (AO2)
understanding of writers intentions and methods response to the writers use of language (AO3)
personal response sometimes directly (answering questions such as What do you think?, What are
your feelings about?) and sometimes by implication (answering questions such as Explore the ways
in which) (AO4).
The written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.

6.2 Component 2: Drama (1 hour 30 minutes)

This is an optional written paper.
Candidates answer two questions on two texts. All questions carry equal marks.
There is a choice of two questions on each text: either (a) a passage-based question or (b) an essay
question. Candidates must answer one passage-based question and one essay question.
Relevant passages are printed on the question paper.
Candidates may not take their set texts into the exam room.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

13

Description of components

All questions encourage an informed personal response and test all four assessment objectives. Candidates
will have to demonstrate the following:
knowledge of the content of the text through reference to detail and use of quotations from the text
(AO1)
understanding of characters, relationships, situations and themes (AO2)
understanding of writers intentions and methods response to the writers use of language (AO3)
personal response sometimes directly (answering questions such as What do you think?, What are
your feelings about?) and sometimes by implication (answering questions such as Explore the ways
in which) (AO4).
The written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.

6.3 Component 3: Drama (Open Text) (45 minutes)

This is an optional written paper.
Candidates may take their set texts into the exam room, but these texts must not contain personal
annotations, highlighting or underlining.
Candidates answer one question on one text.
There is a choice of two questions on each text.
Relevant passages are printed on the question paper.
All questions encourage an informed personal response and test all four assessment objectives. Candidates
will have to demonstrate the following:
knowledge of the content of the text through reference to detail and use of quotations from the text
(AO1)
understanding of characters, relationships, situations and themes (AO2)
understanding of writers intentions and methods response to the writers use of language (AO3)
personal response sometimes directly (answering questions such as What do you think?, What are
your feelings about?) and sometimes by implication (answering questions such as Explore the ways
in which) (AO4).
The written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.

6.4 Component 4: Unseen (1 hour 15 minutes)

This is an optional written paper.
Candidates answer one question from a choice of two. Both questions require a critical commentary on and
an appreciation of previously unseen literary writing printed in the question paper.
One question is based on a passage of literary prose (such as an extract from a novel or short story); the
other question is based on a poem or extract from a poem.

14

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Description of components

Candidates are advised to spend around 20 minutes reading the questions and planning their answer to the
question they choose before starting to write.
All questions test all four assessment objectives.
The written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.

6.5 Component 5: Coursework

This is an optional component.
Candidates submit a portfolio of two assignments (6001200 words each). Each assignment should be
based on the study of one complete text. The text must be equivalent in scope and demand to the set texts
for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3.
The assignments must be on different texts. One of the assignments (but not two) may be on a text set on
Papers 1, 2 and 3.
The phrasing of each assignments title must allow for assessment in relation to all four assessment
objectives.
This component is assessed and marked by the Centre, and a sample is submitted for external moderation
by Cambridge.
For more information and guidance on creating, presenting and marking coursework, see Section 7.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

15

Coursework assessment

7.

Coursework assessment

7.1 Coursework guidance notes

For further guidance and for the general regulations concerning school-based coursework assessment,
see the Cambridge Handbook.
The following notes provide general guidance for teachers on creating, presenting and marking the
coursework portfolio.
Format
The coursework portfolio must contain two assignments, each on a different text.
Assignments should be between 600 and 1200 words (including quotations, but excluding references/
bibliography). Candidates must not confuse length with quality. Assignments that are significantly over or
under the word count guidance may be self-penalising.
The assignments must be securely fastened and clearly marked with the candidates name, number and
the Centre number.
Candidates may use typewriters or word processors, or can write their assignments by hand.
Work sent to Cambridge for external moderation must not be sent in clear plastic folders or ringbinders.
A completed Individual Candidate Record Card must be included with each portfolio and a completed
Coursework Assessment Form must also be submitted.
General
Assignments can be completed at any time during the course, usually following a programme of study
undertaken by a teaching group. The best assignments usually follow a shared learning experience.
Candidates should undertake more than two assignments to provide a choice of assignments for their
portfolio. Although assignments are selected by the candidate, it is recommended that the teacher and
candidate discuss which are the best assignments to submit.
Candidates should remember to proofread their work carefully.
Texts
Assignment texts can be chosen by teachers or by candidates and teachers together. They must be
originally written in English, and of a quality appropriate for study at Cambridge IGCSE.
Candidates within a Centre do not have to submit assignments on the same texts.
Assignments must show that the candidate has studied the whole text.
If poetry or short stories are used for an assignment, candidates must cover a minimum of two poems
or stories. Candidates are not required to compare poems or stories within the assignment, as it is
assumed that the assignment is based on the study of a wider selection of poems or stories broadly
equivalent to a poetry or short stories set text.

16

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Coursework assessment

Authenticity
A general discussion on the progress of assignments is a natural part of the teacher/candidate
relationship, as it is for other parts of the exam. In addition, if plans and first drafts are completed under
teacher supervision, then teachers can be assured of the authenticity of the final assignment.
Teachers should not mark, correct or edit draft assignment material; candidates can certainly draft and
redraft work, but teachers should only give general guidance during this phase.
It is the Centres responsibility to make sure all coursework is the candidates original work. Where
appropriate, candidates should provide references to secondary source material, listing these at the end
of the assignment.

7.2 Marking and moderating coursework

Each assignment is to be marked out of a total of 25, in accordance with the assessment criteria.
Assessment involves balancing the strengths and weaknesses in the candidates work. If a candidate
submits no assignment, a mark of zero must be recorded.
Recording candidates marks
Candidates marks for Component 5 Coursework must be recorded on the Individual Candidate Record
Card produced by Cambridge. These forms, and the instructions for completing them, may be downloaded
from www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0486) and your Centre
number, after which it will take you to the correct forms. Follow the instructions when completing each form.
Internal moderation
When several teachers in a Centre are involved in internal assessment, then the Centre must make sure
that all candidates are assessed to a common standard in order to produce a reliable order of rank. Centre
assessments will then be subject to external moderation.
The internally moderated marks for all candidates must be recorded on the Coursework Assessment
Summary Form. This form, and the instructions for completing it, may be downloaded from
www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0486) and your Centre
number, after which it will take you to the correct form. Follow the instructions when completing the form.
External moderation
External moderation of internal assessment is carried out by Cambridge. Centres must submit candidates
internally assessed marks to Cambridge. The deadlines and methods for submitting internally assessed
marks are in the Cambridge Administrative Guide.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

17

Coursework assessment

7.3 Assessment criteria for Component 5: Coursework

Band
Band 1

Marks
2325

Description
Sustains personal engagement with task and text
sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and
insight
responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves effects
incorporates well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair

Band 2

2022

Sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response

shows a clear and critical understanding of the text
responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves effects
integrates much well-selected reference to the text

Band 3

1719

Makes a well-developed, relevant and detailed personal response

shows a clear understanding of the text and some of its deeper
implications
makes a developed response to the way the writer achieves effects
supports with careful and relevant reference to the text

Band 4

1416

Makes a reasonably developed relevant personal response

shows understanding of the text and some of its deeper implications
makes some response to the way the writer uses language
shows some thoroughness in the use of supporting evidence from the
text

Band 5

1113

Begins to develop a relevant personal response

shows some understanding of meaning
makes a little reference to the language of the text
uses some supporting textual detail

Band 6

810

Attempts to communicate a basic personal response

makes some relevant comments
shows a basic understanding of surface meaning of the text
makes a little supporting reference to the text

Band 7

57

Some evidence of simple personal response

makes a few straightforward comments
shows a few signs of understanding the surface meaning of the text
makes a little reference to the text

Band 8

14

Limited attempt to respond

shows some limited understanding of simple/literal meaning

Band 9

18

Insufficient to meet the criteria of Band 8

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Other information

8.

Other information

Equality and inclusion

Cambridge International Examinations has taken great care in the preparation of this syllabus and
assessment materials to avoid bias of any kind. To comply with the UK Equality Act (2010), Cambridge has
designed this qualification with the aim of avoiding direct and indirect discrimination.
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities
or learning difficulties. Arrangements can be put in place for these candidates to enable them to access the
assessments and receive recognition of their attainment. Access arrangements will not be agreed if they
give candidates an unfair advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who are unable to access the assessment of any component may be eligible to receive an award
based on the parts of the assessment they have taken.
Information on access arrangements is found in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from
the website www.cie.org.uk/examsofficer

Language
This syllabus and the associated assessment materials are available in English only.

Grading and reporting

Cambridge IGCSE results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicating the standard
achieved, A* being the highest and G the lowest. Ungraded indicates that the candidates performance fell
short of the standard required for grade G. Ungraded will be reported on the statement of results but not
on the certificate. The letters Q (result pending), X (no results) and Y (to be issued) may also appear on the
statement of results but not on the certificate.

Entry codes
To maintain the security of our examinations, we produce question papers for different areas of the world,
known as administrative zones. Where the component entry code has two digits, the first digit is the
component number given in the syllabus. The second digit is the location code, specific to an administrative
zone. Information about entry codes can be found in the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

19

Additional information for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

9. Additional information for England, Wales and

Northern Ireland
This syllabus appears on the Register of Regulated Qualifications (http://register.ofqual.gov.uk) as a
Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate. In other contexts it is known as a Cambridge IGCSE..
Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates are approved for regulation in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland and are eligible for inclusion in school and college performance tables.
For up-to-date information on the performance tables, including the list of qualificationswhichcount towards
the English Baccalaureate, please go to the Department for Education website and search on performance
tables.
Candidates who are awarded grades D to G will have achieved an award at Level 1 of the National
Qualifications Framework. Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C will have achieved an award at
Level2 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Prior learning
Learners starting Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Literature (English) should have
achieved a general educational level equivalent to the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 or the Entry Level
within the National Qualifications Framework.

Progression
Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates are general qualifications which enable learners to
progress directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications in another subject area or at a higher
level, requiring more specific knowledge, understanding and skills.
This syllabus provides a foundation for further study at Levels 2 and 3 of the National Qualifications
Framework, including Cambridge International AS and A Level and Cambridge Pre-U qualifications.
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C for this qualification are well prepared to follow courses
leading to Level 3 AS and A Level English Literature, Cambridge Pre-U Literature in English or Cambridge
International AS and A Level in Literature in English.

Grading and reporting

Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D,
E, F or G indicating the standard achieved, A* being the highest and G the lowest. Ungraded indicates that
the candidates performance fell short of the standard required for grade G. Ungraded will be reported on
the statement of results but not on the certificate. The letters Q (result pending), X (no results) and Y (to be
issued) may also appear on the statement of results but not on the certificate.

20

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Additional information for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Overlapping qualifications
Every qualification is assigned to a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs.
Candidates who enter for more than one qualification with the same classification code will only have one
grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the school and college performance tables. Centres may
wish to advise candidates that, if they take two qualifications with the same classification code, colleges are
very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two qualifications. Candidates who have
any doubts about their subject combinations should seek advice, either from their centre or the institution to
which they wish to progress.

Spiritual, moral, ethical, social, legislative, economic and cultural issues

Study of Literature (English) promotes in candidates an understanding of the cultural contexts from which
spring the many forms and varieties of literature written in English. The study of a range of texts will raise
moral and ethical issues and will help develop candidates awareness of other cultures and widen their
appreciation of social and cultural issues. All components prompt consideration of these issues.

Sustainable development, health and safety considerations and international

developments
Through the study of a variety of texts, opportunities may arise to explore ideas on sustainable development,
environmental issues, health and safety, and the international dimension.

Key Skills
This syllabus provides opportunities for learners to develop the following Key Skills at Level 1 and/or Level 2:
Application of number
Communication
Information technology
Improving own learning and performance
Working with others
Problem solving.
The extent to which this evidence fulfils the Key Skills criteria at these levels will be totally dependent on
the style of teaching and learning. Further information on Key Skills can be found on the Ofqual website
www.ofqual.gov.uk

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

21

Appendix

10. Appendix
10.1 Resources: set text editions
Unless otherwise stated, candidates may use any edition of the set text, as long as it is not an abridged or
simplified version. There are many editions of set texts available, with newer editions sometimes including
notes (often displayed on facing pages), illustrations, activities and further resources which make these texts
particularly useful and user-friendly.
The edition of Shakespeare used for setting extract questions on examination papers is the AlexanderText
of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, ed. Peter Alexander (Collins, 1951; new edition 2006,
introduced by Peter Ackroyd). However, this complete, standard one-volume edition is not recommended for
classroom study of individual plays.
Some examples of reliable and useful series:
Cambridge School Shakespeare series
edited R Gibson
Cambridge Literature series
edited J Baxter
Penguin Shakespeare
Penguin
Oxford School Shakespeare
Oxford University Press
Heinemann Shakespeare
Heinemann
Longman School Shakespeare Pearson-Longman, series editor John OConnor
(useful for candidates with a second language English
background)

22

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) 0486. Syllabus for examination in 2016.

Cambridge International Examinations

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Cambridge International Examinations 2014

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