For students taking IGCSE in Literature, the absolute best way to ensure a high grade is to familiarise yourself with the assessment objectives (AOs). This page will give you a breakdown of each objective, so that you can understand them and what examiners are looking for in plain language. You then need to make sure each essay you write contains all this stuff!

There are two IGCSE syllabuses for Cambridge: 0475 and 0992. Although they’re almost exactly the same in marking, I’ve given both versions below for you so that you can see your own exams clearly.


Thanks for reading! If you need further help with Literature or English, see our full list of IGCSE courses here.


ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES:

0475

AO1: show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts, supported by reference to the text.
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.

0992

AO1: show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts in the three main forms (drama, poetry and prose), supported by reference to the text.
AO2: understand the meanings of literary texts and their context, and explore texts beyond surface meaning 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.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Here is each assessment objective in plain English:

AO1: understand your text in detail, understand the difference between drama, poetry and novels, use quotations and evidence to back up your ideas.

AO2: use context points to enhance your analysis and deepen your understanding of the ideas you present in the essay. Go deeper into the ideas, beliefs, themes and attitudes that are present in the text – understand the messages behind the story, not just what happens.

AO3: find techniques and devices that relate to language, structure and form. Properly understand why the writer has used these and how they make specific effects that enhance the writer’s aims and messages.

AO4: Develop your own ideas and opinions, respond to and connect with the text on a personal level. Showing that you have your own thoughts about it – after researching the main interpretations that other people have so that your ideas are valid. Sensitively respond to the question and develop a thesis that drives your essay forward – instead of just using random ideas for each paragraph.


Thanks for reading! If you need further help with Literature or English, see our full list of IGCSE courses here.

For further information on the exams, here’s a link to Cambridge’s FAQ.

For more help on essay writing techniques, click here.