Cambridge IAL English Literature

The syllabus is assessed through Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Paper 3 requires both a passage-based answer and a whole text answer. Marks and durations of the question papers are unchanged in the 2029–2031 syllabus, but always confirm the component structure for your own series in the syllabus PDF for that year.

It is a Cambridge Advanced qualification, so expect university-entrance-level demands: sustained analysis of whole texts, precise use of literary terminology, and writing that addresses the question rather than summarising. Difficulty is less about obscure content than about the quality and consistency of your analytical writing under timed conditions across prose, poetry and drama.

Retake arrangements are set by Cambridge and your exam centre, and the source page does not state a retake policy, so check with your centre before planning a resit. One confirmed change matters: from 2027 the syllabus is offered only in the June and November series, so plan retakes around those two sessions.

Only until March 2026, which is the last March series for this syllabus. Cambridge has withdrawn 9695 from the March exam series, and from 2027 it will only be offered in the June and November exam series. If you are planning entries for later years, assume June or November only.

Four. Cambridge reviewed and updated the assessment objectives for the 2029–2031 syllabus, and there are now four AOs. Because the AOs changed, the level-based marking criteria across all levels were updated to match, with separate marking criteria for Cambridge International AS Level and A Level.

Set texts are updated for assessment in 2029, 2030 and 2031. Drama texts offered in Paper 3 increase from three plays to four. There are four AOs now. In Papers 1 and 2, passage-based answers must bring in wider reading of the text. Paper 3 requires both a passage-based and a whole text answer. Marks and durations are unchanged.

Start with the set texts for your series, reading each whole text before working on extracts. Then practise passage-based responses, since these now require wider reading of the text in Papers 1 and 2. Finish with timed whole text essays. Cover prose, poetry and drama steadily rather than leaving one form until the final weeks.

Retelling plot instead of analysing how the writer shapes meaning. Ignoring the exact wording of the question. In passage-based answers, discussing the extract in isolation when wider reading of the text is required. And writing about drama or poetry without attention to form-specific features such as staging, structure or voice. Also avoid preparing from an out-of-date set text list.

Cambridge says it is developing a scheme of work and other classroom resources for the updated syllabus, and that Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2029, via the School Support Hub from June 2029 onwards. Endorsed publisher resources exist, but this page is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge.