Cambridge International AS Level Language and Literature in English 8695 Syllabus - Use for Exams 2024-2026

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge International AS Level Language and Literature in English 8695 syllabus for exams in 2024, 2025 and 2026 outlines programme context, exam availability in June and November, and the structure of assessment. It explains quality assurance, accessibility guidance for screen readers, and how schools can shape curriculum pathways for learners aged 5 to 19. It details aims, syllabus overview, subject content by papers (Writing; Drama, Poetry and Prose), set texts by year, assessment objectives, and grade descriptions, plus key changes for the updated syllabus version.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

Why choose this syllabus?

Syllabus overview

Aims

Content overview

Assessment overview

Assessment objectives

Subject content

Paper 1 Writing

Paper 2 Drama, Poetry and Prose

Set texts for examination in 2024

Set poems and stories for examination in 2024

Set texts for examination in 2025

Set poems and stories for examination in 2025

Set texts for examination in 2026

Set poems and stories for examination in 2026

Details of the assessment

Paper 1 Writing

Paper 2 Drama, Poetry and Prose

Command words

What else you need to know

Before you start

Making entries

Accessibility and equality

After the exam

How students, teachers and higher education can use the grades

Grade descriptions

Changes to this syllabus for 2024, 2025 and 2026

Syllabus Cambridge International AS Level Language and Literature in English 8695 Use this syllabus for exams in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Exams are available in the June and November series. Version 2 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certification of Secondary Education. Why choose Cambridge International? Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge. Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school, university and work. Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for students to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources. We review all our syllabuses regularly, so they reflect the latest research evidence and professional teaching practice – and take account of the different national contexts in which they are taught. We consult with teachers to help us design each syllabus around the needs of their learners. Consulting with leading universities has helped us make sure our syllabuses encourage students to master the key concepts in the subject and develop the skills necessary for success in higher education. Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications for school education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged – equipped for success in the modern world. Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10 000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with the Cambridge Pathway. School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA Quality management Cambridge International is committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, our quality management system for the provision of international qualifications and education programmes for students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard, [ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/ISO9001](ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/ISO9001) © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2021 Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment 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. Contents Why choose Cambridge International? ........................................................................ 2 1 Why choose this syllabus? ........................................................................................ 4 2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................... 9 Aims 9 Content overview 10 Assessment overview 11 Assessment objectives 12 3

FAQs

When are the Cambridge International AS Level Language and Literature in English 8695 exams available?

Exams are available in the June and November series.

What papers are included in this syllabus and what does each cover?

Paper 1 focuses on Writing. Paper 2 covers Drama, Poetry and Prose, including set texts, poems and stories.

How are set texts and poems organized across 2024, 2025 and 2026?

The syllabus lists set texts for examination in each year, alongside separate lists for set poems and stories for the same examination years.

What changes are highlighted for this syllabus version used in 2024, 2025 and 2026?

It notes that there are significant changes to the Paper 2 set texts affecting teaching, and refers readers to the page where changes are summarized.

Oct 23, 2026

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