Cambridge IGCSE World Literature (0408)

We review all of our syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools and are up-to-date with current thinking. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials for first examination in 2022.

How has the syllabus changed?

We have:

• updated the syllabus to emphasise our focus on World Literature, including the continuing availability of texts in translation
• updated the set texts lists. We will continue to include an interesting range of literature from around the world. Section 3 of the syllabus lists the set texts for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Please make sure you consult the set text list for the relevant year of examination as texts can change from year to year.

How has the assessment changed?

• The Assessment Objectives (AOs) have changed and are now equally weighted at 25% for all tasks and across the syllabus. This is consistent with the approach taken across our suite of English qualifications and provides good progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level.
• The Oral Response task has been removed from Component 1: Coursework. Learners must now study one Drama text and one Prose text for coursework.
• Paper 2 format has changed. This paper will assess unseen poetry only. The question type has also changed.
• All learners will now study Poetry, Prose and Drama across the syllabus. Studying all three forms makes sure that learners have a well-rounded experience of the study of literature.
• We have made changes to the number of marks available and the weightings components.
• Marking criteria have been updated.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2022 onwards. Please see the 2022-2024 syllabus above for full details.