Cambridge International A Level

English Literature (9695) – Complete Guide

1. What is Cambridge 9695 English Literature?

Cambridge 9695 is an AS & A Level subject focusing on literary texts (poetry, prose, drama).
Students study a set of literary works and write analytical essays.

 Skills tested:

• Literary analysis

• Critical thinking

• Interpretation

• Argument writing

• Contextual understanding

Cambridge encourages students to read texts from different cultures and periods. (Cambridge International)

 2. Structure of the Syllabus (AS & A Level)

 AS Level (Year 1)

Students study:

• Poetry

• Prose

• Drama

A Level (Year 2)

More advanced study, including:

• Shakespeare

• Pre-1900 texts

• Post-1900 texts

• Critical interpretation

3. Exam Papers & Pattern (9695)

Paper 1: Drama and Poetry (AS Level)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Students answer 2 questions

• Study one drama + one poetry text

 Questions:

• Passage-based

• Essay questions

Paper 2: Prose and Unseen (AS Level)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Section A: Set prose text

• Section B: Unseen passage (poem or prose)

 Students must analyse language, theme, and style.

Paper 3: Shakespeare and Drama (A Level)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Study:

  • One Shakespeare play

  • One other drama text

Answer 2 questions (one from each section)

 Paper 4: Pre-1900 & Post-1900 Poetry and Prose (A Level)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Study:

  • One poetry text

  • One prose text

 Must answer one poetry + one prose question.

 Important Note

There is NO coursework in 9695.
Everything is exam-based. (Cambridge International Help)

4. Set Texts (Examples)

 Texts change every few years, but typical examples include:

✅ Shakespeare

• Hamlet

• The Taming of the Shrew

✅ Drama

• Long Day’s Journey Into Night

• Sweat

• Kongi’s Harvest

✅ Prose

• Pride and Prejudice

• Beloved

• Waiting for the Barbarians

✅ Poetry

• Chaucer

• Walt Whitman

• Louise Glück

 Students must study specific texts chosen by the school.
Texts rotate regularly. (Cambridge International Help)

 5. Marking & Assessment Objectives

Cambridge assesses students on:

✅ AO1 – Knowledge

• Understanding of text and quotations

✅ AO2 – Analysis

• Language, structure, literary techniques

✅ AO3 – Context

• Historical, social, and cultural context

✅ AO4 – Personal Response

• Critical opinion with evidence

6. Exam Sessions (Important Update)

• March series ending after 2026

• From 2027: only June and November exams
  (Cambridge International Help)

Pakistan students mostly take May/June or Oct/Nov.

 7. Tips to Excel in 9695 

✅ 1. Read the Texts Deeply (Not Summaries)

Students in Pakistan often rely on guides.
➡ Cambridge requires original critical thinking.

✅ 2. Learn Literary Devices Properly

Teach students:

• Metaphor

• Imagery

• Symbolism

• Narrative voice

• Dramatic irony

• Structure

 Examiner reports show that many students describe rather than analyse.

✅ 3. Use Quotations (Very Important)

Students must:

• Memorise key quotations

• Embed quotes in essays

✅ 4. Practice Timed Essays

Typical essay time:
➡ 1 hour per question

Students must plan:

• Introduction

• 3–4 analytical paragraphs

• Conclusion

✅ 5. Master Unseen Passage Skills

For unseen poetry/prose:

• Identify theme

• Analyse language

• Discuss tone and mood

✅ 6. Teach PEE/PEEL Paragraph Structure

• Point

• Evidence

• Explanation

• Link

Cambridge examiners love structured arguments.

✅ 7. Encourage Wider Reading

Cambridge explicitly encourages extra reading for deeper understanding.
(Cambridge International)

🇵🇰 8. Karachi-Specific Teaching Advice

 Common Student Weaknesses in Pakistan:

• Weak essay structure

• Descriptive writing (retelling a story)

• Limited vocabulary

• Poor critical opinion

 Teacher Strategy:

• Teach essay planning templates

• Use model answers from examiner reports

• Do weekly timed essays

• Teach academic vocabulary lists

• Use comparison charts for themes and characters

 9. How to Get A or A*

Top Students:

✔ Analyse, not narrate
✔ Use quotations
✔ Discuss writer’s purpose
✔ Link language to meaning
✔ Show personal interpretation