SYLLABUS

Cambridge IGCSE®
World Literature

0408
For examination in June and November 2015

Cambridge Secondary 2
 Changes to syllabus for 2015

This syllabus has been updated. Significant changes to the syllabus are indicated by black vertical
lines either side of the text.

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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.

® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations

© Cambridge International Examinations 2013

Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?
1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE World Literature?
1.4 Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)
1.5 How can I find out more?

2. Teacher support .............................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Support materials
2.2 Resource lists
2.3 Training

3. Assessment at a glance ................................................................................................. 6

4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives...................................................................... 7

4.1 Aims
4.2 Assessment objectives
4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components
4.4 Grade descriptions

5. Syllabus content ............................................................................................................. 9

5.1 Component 1: Portfolio (coursework)
5.2 Paper 2 Unseen
5.3 Paper 3 Set Text

6. Portfolio assessment .................................................................................................... 16

6.1 Marking and moderating assignments
6.2 Resubmission of coursework and carrying forward of internally assessed marks
6.3 Assessment criteria

7. Other information ......................................................................................................... 25

Introduction

1. Introduction

1.1 Why choose Cambridge?

Recognition
Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes
and qualifications for learners aged 5 to 19. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the
University of Cambridge, trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the world’s
universities and employers.

Cambridge IGCSE® (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is internationally

recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent in demand to UK GCSEs. Learn more at
www.cie.org.uk/recognition

Excellence in education
Our mission is to deliver world-class international education through the provision of high-quality curricula,
assessment and services.

More than 9000 schools are part of our Cambridge learning community. We support teachers in over 160
countries who offer their learners an international education based on our curricula and leading to our
qualifications. Every year, thousands of learners use Cambridge qualifications to gain places at universities
around the world.

Our syllabuses are reviewed and updated regularly so that they reflect the latest thinking of international
experts and practitioners and take account of the different national contexts in which they are taught.

Cambridge programmes and qualifications are designed to support learners in becoming:

• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Support for teachers

A wide range of materials and resources is available to support teachers and learners in Cambridge schools.
Resources suit a variety of teaching methods in different international contexts. Through subject discussion
forums and training, teachers can access the expert advice they need for teaching our qualifications. More
details can be found in Section 2 of this syllabus and at www.cie.org.uk/teachers

Support for exams officers

Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entries and excellent personal support
from our customer services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

2 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Introduction

Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

We are a not-for-profit organisation where the needs of the teachers and learners are at the core of what we
do. We continually invest in educational research and respond to feedback from our customers in order to
improve our qualifications, products and services.

Our systems for managing the provision of international qualifications and education programmes for
learners aged 5 to 19 are certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard for quality
management, ISO 9001:2008. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/ISO9001

1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSEs are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide
opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of schools,
avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving.

Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our programmes and qualifications to enable
candidates to become effective learners and to provide a solid foundation for their continuing educational
journey.

Through our professional development courses and our support materials for Cambridge IGCSEs, we provide
the tools to enable teachers to prepare learners to the best of their ability and work with us in the pursuit of
excellence in education.

Cambridge IGCSEs are considered to be an excellent preparation for Cambridge International AS and
A Levels, the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Group Award,
Cambridge Pre-U, and other education programmes, such as the US Advanced Placement program
and the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. Learn more about Cambridge IGCSEs at
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2

Guided learning hours

Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are designed on the assumption that candidates have about 130 guided
learning hours per subject over the duration of the course, but this is for guidance only. The number of
hours required to gain the qualification may vary according to local curricular practice and the learners’ prior
experience of the subject.

1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE World Literature?

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature will be accepted by universities and employers as proof of real
knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including the ability to:
• read, interpret and evaluate literary texts from different countries and cultures;
• develop an understanding of literal and implicit meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or
attitudes that may be expressed;
• present an informed, personal response to literary texts they have studied;
• explore wider and universal issues and gain skills of empathy, promoting students’ better understanding
of themselves and of the world around them.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 3

Introduction

Prior learning
We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously studied some
creative writing (prose/poetry and/or drama) in the medium of English, whether in translation or not.

Progression
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.

Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge IGCSE World Literature are well prepared to
follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Levels in English and/or other world literatures,
or the equivalent.

1.4 Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)

Cambridge ICE is a group award for Cambridge IGCSE. It gives schools the opportunity to benefit
from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of learners who pass
examinations in at least seven subjects. To qualify for the Cambridge ICE award learners are required to have
studied subjects from five groups: two languages from Group I, and one subject from each of the remaining
four groups. The seventh subject can be taken from any of the five subject groups.

World Literature is in Group II, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2

The Cambridge ICE is awarded from examinations administered in the June and November series each year.

Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

1.5 How can I find out more?

If you are already a Cambridge school
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please
contact us at [email protected]

If you are not yet a Cambridge school

Learn about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school at www.cie.org.uk/startcambridge. Email us at
[email protected] to find out how your organisation can register to become a Cambridge school.

4 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Teacher support

2. Teacher support

2.1 Support materials

Cambridge syllabuses, past question papers and examiner reports to cover the last examination series are
on the Syllabus and Support Materials DVD, which we send to all Cambridge schools.

You can also go to our public website at www.cie.org.uk/igcse to download current and future syllabuses
together with specimen papers or past question papers and examiner reports from one series.

For teachers at registered Cambridge schools a range of additional support materials for specific syllabuses
is available online. For Teacher Support go to http://teachers.cie.org.uk (username and password required).

2.2 Resource lists

We work with publishers providing a range of resources for our syllabuses including textbooks, websites,
CDs etc. Any endorsed, recommended and suggested resources are listed on both our public website and
on Teacher Support.

The resource lists can be filtered to show all resources or just those which are endorsed or recommended
by Cambridge. Resources endorsed by Cambridge go through a detailed quality assurance process and are
written to align closely with the Cambridge syllabus they support.

2.3 Training
We offer a range of support activities for teachers to ensure they have the relevant knowledge and skills to
deliver our qualifications. See www.cie.org.uk/events for further information.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 5

Assessment at a glance

3. Assessment at a glance

For the Cambridge IGCSE in World Literature, candidates take three compulsory components: Portfolio,
Paper 2 Unseen, Paper 3 Set Text.

Component Assessment type Duration Weighting

Portfolio Internally-assessed, and internally — 50%

moderated by Centre. Externally
moderated by Cambridge.

AND

Component Assessment type Duration Weighting

Paper 2 Unseen Written examination 1 hour 15 minutes 25%

AND

Component Assessment type Duration Weighting

Paper 3 Set Text Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes 25%

Availability
This syllabus is examined in the May/June examination series and the October/November examination
series.

Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

This syllabus is not available to private candidates.

Combining this with other syllabuses

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an exam series with any other Cambridge syllabus except:
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level
• 0486 Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) and Level 1/Level 2 Certificate Literature (English)
• 0488 Cambridge IGCSE Literature (Spanish)
• 2010 Cambridge O Level Literature in English

Please note that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate and Cambridge
O Level syllabuses are at the same level.

6 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4.1 Aims
The syllabus aims, which are not listed in order of priority, are to encourage and develop candidates’ ability
to:
• enjoy the experience of reading world literature
• understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different countries and cultures
• communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively
• appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects
• experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth
• explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.

4.2 Assessment objectives

There are four assessment objectives (AOs). Candidates are assessed on their ability to demonstrate:
AO1: detailed knowledge of the content and form of literary texts drawn from different countries and
cultures
AO2: engagement with writers’ ideas and treatment of themes, and appreciation of how texts relate to
wider contexts
AO3: recognition and appreciation of how writers create and shape meanings and effects
AO4: empathy, through re-creation of a character’s voice and thoughts

4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components

Component 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 % total
Portfolio Unseen Set Text qualification

AO1 15% 0 10% 25%

AO2 15% 12.5% 7.5% 35%

AO3 15% 12.5% 7.5% 35%

AO4 5% 0 0 5%

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 7

Grade descriptions

4.4 Grade descriptions

Grade A
A Grade A candidate will have demonstrated the ability to:
• sustain a perceptive and convincing response with well-chosen detail of narrative and situation
• demonstrate clear critical/analytical understanding of the authors’ intentions and the texts’ deeper
implications and the attitudes it displays
• make much well-selected reference to the texts
• respond sensitively and in detail to the way language works in the texts
• communicate a considered and reflective personal response to the texts.

Grade C
A Grade C candidate will have demonstrated the ability to:
• make a reasonably sustained/extended response with detail of narrative and situation
• show understanding of the authors’ intentions and some of the deeper implications and attitudes
displayed in the texts
• show some thoroughness in use of text for support
• make some response to the way language works in the texts
• communicate an informed personal response to the texts.

Grade F
A Grade F candidate will have demonstrated the ability to:
• make a few straightforward points in terms of narrative and situation
• show a few signs of understanding of the authors’ intentions and the surface meanings of the texts
• make a little reference to the texts
• show evidence of a simple personal response to the texts.

8 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Syllabus content

5. Syllabus content

5.1 Component 1: Portfolio (coursework)

This component carries 50% of the assessment of the syllabus as a whole.

Candidates will submit a portfolio of two written assignments AND one oral assignment.

This component as a whole requires study of at least two different forms (poetry/prose/drama), with texts
drawn from at least two countries/cultures.

The portfolio as a whole is marked out of 65: candidates will gain a mark out of 25 for each written
assignment, and a mark out of 15 for the oral assignment.

The assignments are set by the teacher(s), and internally marked (and internally moderated where there is
more than one set). They are subsequently externally moderated by Cambridge.

Assignments should usually follow a programme of study undertaken by a teaching group. Assignments may
be completed at any stage during the course. It is advised that each candidate undertakes more than two
written assignments during the course to provide a choice of work towards her/his portfolio, and that the
teacher and the candidate discuss which are the best assignments to submit.

Candidates do not have to produce written assignments under timed examination-type conditions.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 9

Syllabus content

Summary of the content of the coursework portfolio:

Assignment Total Requirements

marks

1. Critical essay 25 • 800–1200 words (including quotations but not

references/bibliography).
• Based on one text.*
• The text must not be on the examination (Paper 3) or
the same text as for the empathic response (written
assignment 2).

(*In cases where a text is a selection of poems/short

stories, the essay must cover at least two poems/stories.)

2. Empathic 25 • 600–1000 words.

response • Assumes the voice of one character in one prose or
drama text.
• The task prescribes a particular moment in the text
(which may be the end of the text).
• The text must not be on the examination (Paper 3)
or the same text as for the critical essay (written
assignment 1).

3. Oral response: 15 • 4–7 minutes.

recorded • A conversation with the teacher on an aspect of the
conversation candidate’s chosen text:
EITHER the way a novelist or playwright presents a
particular character
OR the way their chosen writer (from prose, drama or
poetry) presents a particular theme.
• Text may be an examination (Paper 3) set text or a text
studied for one of the other coursework assignments.
• The conversation must be recorded.

In the portfolio as a whole there should be work on at least two different forms (poetry/prose/
drama), and the texts should be from at least two different countries/cultures.

See section 5.3 for the set texts for Paper 3.

10 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Syllabus content

Written assignments (Assignments 1 and 2)

• Each written assignment must be based on the study of one complete text of world literature. These
texts should be equivalent in scope and demand to a set text on Paper 3.
• A written assignment above the upper limit (i.e. 1200 words for written assignment 1, 1000 words for
written assignment 2) must not be submitted.
• The two written assignments must be based on different texts. These must not be by an author chosen
for Paper 3, and should be drawn from different countries/cultures to that. (For Paper 3 texts, see Section
4.3 below.)
• If poetry or short stories are used for an assignment, candidates should cover a minimum of two poems
or stories. Candidates are not required to compare poems or stories within the assignment, as it is
assumed that the assignment is based on the study of a wider selection of poems or stories broadly
equivalent to a poetry or short stories set text.
• Texts must not be simplified or abridged editions.
• Candidates within the same Centre do not have to submit assignments on the same texts.
• Assignment 2 must be an empathic response piece. Empathic assignments will test knowledge,
understanding and response, but give candidates the opportunity to engage more imaginatively with a
text by assuming a suitable ‘voice’ (i.e. a manner of speaking for a specific character).
• Assignments may be handwritten, typed or word processed. They must be securely fastened and clearly
marked with the candidate’s name, number and the Centre number.
• A completed Candidate Record Card must be included with each portfolio.
• The phrasing of each assignment’s title must allow for assessment in relation to the relevant
Assessment Objectives.

Drafting written assignments

• A general discussion on the progress of assignments is a natural part of the teacher/candidate
relationship, as it is for other parts of the exam. In addition, if plans and first drafts are completed under
teacher supervision, then teachers can be reassured of the authenticity of the final assignment.
• Teachers should not, however, mark, correct or edit draft assignment material; candidates can certainly
draft and redraft work, but teachers should give only general guidance during this phase.

Checking portfolios for authenticity

• It is the Centre’s responsibility to make sure all Coursework is the candidate’s original work. Where
appropriate, candidates should provide references to any secondary source material used, listing these
at the end of the assignment.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 11

Syllabus content

Oral Response: recorded conversation (Assignment 3)

• In addition to their written coursework, candidates must submit one oral response: a recording of a
conversation with the teacher on an aspect of a chosen text, lasting 4–7 minutes.
• This text may be an examination set text (Paper 3), a text studied for one of the written coursework
assignments, or a totally different text.
• Candidates should not take texts into the oral.
• The conversation will be based on either the way a chosen writer presents a particular character or the
way a chosen writer presents a particular theme.
• If shorter poems or short stories are being used, the oral response should deal with a minimum of two
poems/short stories.
• Candidates should select their character/theme. They are encouraged to research their topic, using print
and/or online resources as they work towards their personal response to the writing, but they will not be
able to refer to any notes during their conversation.
• Examples of possible classroom activities as preparation for the oral response include drama-focused
work and ‘hot seating’ (where a candidate adopts a character from a novel or play and is interviewed by
others in the class) and small group discussion. But the ‘audience’ for the assessed conversation will be
the teacher alone.
• An audio record of the conversation must be kept. (Where required for external moderation purposes,
this will need to be available electronically – e.g. in an mp3 file format.) If the conversation is continuing
after 7 minutes have elapsed, the recording should be stopped.
• Conversations which fail to adhere to the lower time limit of 4 minutes are unlikely to meet the higher
bands of the assessment criteria.
• It should be remembered that this is not a test of spoken language skills; this is a literature examination,
and the two strands of the assessment criteria relate to quality of understanding of the text and the
degree of relevant substantiation.

Assessment
• There are separate sets of criteria for the assessment of the three different portfolio tasks. See Section
5.3 Assessment criteria.

Feedback following external moderation

• Centres will receive a brief report from the external moderator following the assessment of their
candidates’ portfolios, usually at the same time as the final exam results.

12 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Syllabus content

Examples of suitable texts for portfolio work

Teachers wishing to include assignments which are not on texts in this list (or are not texts at an equivalent
level by an author listed here) are required to obtain Cambridge’s advance approval at the start of their
course, by writing to the Product Manager for the syllabus giving details of the text(s) proposed and the
text(s) being prepared for Paper 3.

PROSE: examples of suitable texts for portfolio work

Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, Purple Hibiscus (Nigeria)
Alain-Fournier [Henri Albain Fournier], The Lost Estate [Le Grand Meaulnes] (France)
Willa Cather, My Ántonia (USA)
Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nervous Conditions (Zimbabwe)
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations (England)
Miles Franklin, My Brilliant Career (Australia)
Merle Hodge, Crick Crack, Monkey (Trinidad)
Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider (New Zealand)
Franz Kafka, Metamorphosis and Other Stories (Germany)
Naguib Mahfouz, Midaq Alley (Egypt)
Kamala Markandaya, Nectar in a Sieve (India)
Haruki Murakami, The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Japan)
Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy, Selected Stories (Russia)
Shen Congwen, Selected Stories (China)
Teacher’s own selection of 10–12 short stories within Stories of Ourselves: The University of Cambridge
International Examinations Anthology of Short Stories in English (Australia, Barbados, Botswana etc.)

POETRY: examples of suitable texts for portfolio work

Anna Akhmatova, Selected Poems (Russia)
Simon Armitage (trans) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (England)
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Selected Poems (Spain)
Seamus Heaney, Death of a Naturalist (Northern Ireland)
Alfonsina Storni, Selected Poems (Argentina)
Rabindranath Tagore, Selected Poems (India)
Teacher’s own selection of 12–15 poems within anthologies such as:
Poetry from Pakistan: An Anthology or Songs of Ourselves: The Cambridge International Examinations
Anthology of Poetry in English (Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand etc.)

DRAMA: examples of suitable texts for portfolio work

Bertolt Brecht, The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Germany)
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun (USA)
Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House (Norway)
Federico Garcia Lorca, The House of Bernarda Alba (Spain)
Ngũgı̃ wa Thiong’o and Ngũgı̃ wa Miriı̃, I Will Marry When I Want (Kenya)
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (England)
Jean Tay, Boom (Singapore)

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 13

Syllabus content

5.2 Paper 2 Unseen

1 hour 15 minutes

This component carries 25% of the assessment of the syllabus as a whole.

Candidates answer one question from a choice of two.

Each question asks candidates for a critical commentary on (and appreciation of) previously unseen writing
printed on the question paper.

One question is based on a passage of literary prose (such as an extract from a novel or a short story);
the other question is based on a poem, or extract of a poem. The material will be taken from writing either
originally in English or in English translation.

There are no set texts for this paper.

Candidates are advised to spend around 20 minutes studying the paper and planning their answer before
starting to write.

5.3 Paper 3 Set Text

1 hour 30 minutes

This component carries 25% of the assessment of the syllabus as a whole.

Questions will be set on a range of prose and drama texts in English translation, or originally written in
English.

On each set text there will be two questions: one extract-based question and one general essay question.

Each question carries the same number of marks.

The paper is divided into:

• Section A: extract-based questions
• Section B: essay questions.

Candidates answer two questions: one question from each section. They may answer both of their
questions on the same set text, or on two different texts.

This is a ‘closed books’ paper: set texts may not be taken into the examination room.

Extract-based questions focus on one section of the text asking candidates to re-read a specific passage
from the set text before answering. The passage will be printed on the question paper.

Essay questions require a more general approach to the set text as a whole, or a significant element/
character within it.

14 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Syllabus content

All questions encourage an informed personal response and test the first three assessment objectives. This
means that candidates will have to demonstrate:
• their personal response, sometimes directly (answering questions such as ‘What do you think?’, ‘What
are your feelings about…?’) and sometimes by implication (such as ‘Explore the ways in which…’)
• their knowledge of the text through the use of close reference to detail and use of quotations from the
text
• their understanding of characters, relationships, situations and themes
• their understanding of the writer’s intentions and methods.

Texts will normally be kept on the syllabus for three years (i.e. six assessment series).

Because there may be several different translations/editions available, a particular edition is usually
nominated for a text. Centres are not obliged to use the nominated edition (unless this is stated to be a
specified edition, e.g. in cases where differences between editions are known to be particularly significant),
but it should be noted that it will be the one used as the basis for setting the passage printed on the
question paper.

The Paper 3 set texts for the examination in 2015 (June and November series) are:
Jean Anouilh Antigone (specified edition: translated by Barbara Bray (Methuen))
** Dai Sijie Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (specified edition: translated by Ina Rilke
(Vintage) )
Athol Fugard ‘Master Harold’... and the Boys (Oxford)
** Henrik Ibsen Hedda Gabler (specified edition: translated by James McFarlane and Jens Arup, in
Ibsen, Four Major Plays (Oxford World’s Classics) )
* Selection from Stories of Ourselves: The University of Cambridge International Examinations Anthology
of Short Stories in English (Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-72791-4)
The following ten stories:
Alex la Guma, ‘The Lemon Orchard’
V.S. Naipaul, ‘The Enemy’
Bessie Head, ‘The Village Saint’
Bernard MacLaverty, ‘Secrets’
Borden Deal, ‘The Taste of Watermelon’
Patricia Grace, ‘Journey’
Morris Lurie, ‘My Greatest Ambition’
Paule Marshall, ‘To Da-duh, In Memoriam’
Amid Chaudhuri, ‘Real Time’
Ahdaf Soueif, ‘Sandpiper’
Yukio Mishima The Sound of Waves (specified edition: translated by Meredith Weatherby (Vintage) )

* text will also be examined in 2016

** text will also be examined in 2016 and 2017

Candidates may answer their two questions on one text, or on two different texts.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 15

Portfolio assessment

6. Portfolio assessment

6.1 Marking and moderating assignments

As well as commenting on the overall quality of the portfolio, recorded on the Individual Candidate Record
Card, teachers must mark each assignment, indicating strengths/weaknesses as appropriate, and providing a
final comment, making clear reference to the assessment criteria.

Each written assignment is to be marked out of a total of 25, and the Oral response is to be marked
out of 15 in accordance with the criteria in 6.2. (The maximum mark possible for the component is
therefore 65.)

If a candidate submits no assignment, a mark of zero must be recorded for the relevant assignment(s).

Internal Moderation
If several teachers in a Centre are involved in internal assessment, then the Centre must make sure that
all candidates are assessed to a common standard in order to produce a reliable order of rank. Centre
assessments will then be subject to external moderation.

External Moderation
External moderation of internal assessment is carried out by Cambridge and Cambridge must receive
internally moderated marks for all candidates by 30 April for the May/June examination and by 31 October
for the October/November examination. These marks may be submitted as described in the Cambridge
Administrative Guide.

6.2 Resubmission of coursework and carrying forward of internally

assessed marks
Information about resubmission of coursework and carrying forward of internally assessed marks can be
found in the Cambridge Administrative Guide.

16 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Portfolio assessment

6.3 Assessment criteria

Assignment 1: Critical essay

Band Mark Descriptors

Band 1 25 Answers in this band have all the qualities of Band 2 work, with further insight,
24 sensitivity, individuality and flair. They maintain sustained engagement with both
23 text and task.
Band 2 22 Sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response
21
• shows a clear critical understanding of the text
20
• responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves her/his
effects
• integrates much well-selected reference to the text
Band 3 19 Makes a well-developed, detailed and relevant personal response
18
• shows a clear understanding of the text and some of its deeper implications
17
• makes a developed response to the way the writer achieves her/his effects
• supports with careful and relevant reference to the text
Band 4 16 Makes a reasonably developed relevant personal response
15
• shows understanding of the text and some of its deeper implications
14
• makes some response to the way the writer uses language
• shows some thoroughness in the use of supporting evidence from the text
Band 5 13 Begins to develop a relevant personal response
12
• shows some understanding of meaning
11
• makes a little reference to the language of the text
• uses some supporting textual detail
Band 6 10 Attempts to communicate a basic personal response to the task
9
• makes some relevant comments
8
• shows a basic understanding of surface meaning of the text
• makes a little supporting reference to the text
Band 7 7 Some evidence of simple personal response to the task
6
• makes a few straightforward comments
5
• shows a few signs of understanding the surface meaning of the text
• makes a little reference to the text
Band 8 4 Limited attempt to respond
3
• shows some limited understanding of simple/literal meaning
2
Below Band 8 0–1 No answer/Insufficient to meet the criteria for Band 8.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 17

Portfolio assessment

Assignment 2: Empathic response

(Note: ‘voiceless’ responses cannot achieve higher than Band 6.)

Band Mark Descriptors

Band 1 25 Answers in this band have all the qualities of Band 2 work, with further insight,
24 sensitivity, individuality and flair.
23 They sustain an entirely convincing voice.
Band 2 22 Sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response
21
• shows a detailed appreciation of character, rooted in the text
20
• sustains an engagingly convincing voice
Band 3 19 Makes a well-developed, detailed and relevant personal response
18
• shows a clear understanding of character, rooted in the text
17
• sustains a largely authentic voice
Band 4 16 Makes a reasonably developed relevant personal response
15
• shows understanding of character and text, including some of the deeper
14
implications
• uses suitable features of expression
Band 5 13 Begins to develop a relevant personal response
12
• shows some understanding of character and text
11
• begins to assume a voice appropriate to the character
Band 6 10 Attempts to communicate a basic personal response to the task
9
• shows a basic understanding of character and text
8
Band 7 7 Some evidence of simple personal response to the task
6
• shows a few signs of understanding of character’s thoughts or feelings
5
Band 8 4 Limited attempt to respond
3
• shows some limited understanding of character’s thoughts or feelings
2
Below Band 8 0–1 No answer/Insufficient to meet the criteria for Band 8.

18 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 Portfolio assessment

Assignment 3: Oral response: recorded conversation

Band Mark Descriptors

Band 1 15 Demonstrates all the Band 2 qualities, together with insight, sensitivity,
14 individuality and flair
• shows complete engagement with both text and task
Band 2 13 Sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response
12
• shows a detailed critical appreciation of how the writer presents character or
theme/ideas
• integrates specific, well-selected references for support
Band 3 11 Makes a well-developed, detailed and relevant personal response
10
• shows a clear and sustained understanding of how the writer presents
9
character or theme/ideas
• makes specific and relevant references for support
Band 4 8 Makes a reasonably developed relevant personal response
7
• shows understanding of how the writer presents character or theme/ideas
6
• makes some appropriate use of textual evidence for support
Band 5 5 Begins to develop a personal response to the task
4
• shows some understanding of character or theme/ideas
3
• uses some textual detail for support
Band 6 2 Attempts to communicate a basic personal response
1
• shows a basic understanding of character or theme/ideas
• makes a little reference to the text
Below Band 6 0 Does not meet the criteria for Band 6
• responses are very hesitant and/or digressive, showing a very limited
understanding of task/text

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 19

Portfolio assessment

BLANK PAGE

20 Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

 World Literature
Individual Candidate Record Card
Cambridge IGCSE 0408

Please read the instructions printed overleaf and the General Coursework Regulations before completing this form.

Centre Number Centre Name June/November 2 0 1 5

Candidate Number Candidate Name Teaching Group/Set

Author and Title of Text

Assignment 1: Critical Essay Mark (out of 25)

Teacher’s Comments (and internal moderator’s further comments where applicable)

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

Assignment 2: Empathic Response Mark (out of 25)

Teacher’s Comments (and internal moderator’s further comments where applicable)

Assignment 3: Oral (Recorded Conversation) Mark (out of 15)

Teacher’s Comments (and internal moderator’s further comments where applicable)

Text(s) studied for Paper 3

Portfolio assessment
Signature and date TOTAL (OUT OF 65)

(to be transferred to Coursework

Assessment Summary Form)
21
22

Portfolio assessment
Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE RECORD CARD

1. Complete the information at the head of the form.
2. Mark the assignments according to instructions given in the Syllabus booklet.
3. Enter marks in the appropriate spaces. Complete all sections of the form.
4. It is essential that the marks of candidates from different teaching groups within each Centre are moderated internally. This means that the
marks awarded to all candidates within a Centre must be brought to a common standard by the teacher responsible for co-ordinating the internal
assessment (i.e. the internal moderator), and a single valid and reliable set of marks should be produced which reflects the relative attainment of all
the candidates in the Coursework component at the Centre.
5. Transfer the marks to the Coursework Assessment Summary Form in accordance with the instructions provided on the back of that document.
6. Retain all Individual Candidate Record Cards and Coursework which will be required for external moderation. See also the instructions on the
Coursework Assessment Summary Form.
 WORLD LITERATURE Component 1
Coursework Assessment Summary Form
Cambridge IGCSE 0408

Please read the instructions printed overleaf and the General Coursework Regulations before completing this form.

Centre Number Centre Name June/November

2 0 1 5

Candidate Candidate Name Teaching Total Mark Internally

Number Group/Set Moderated Mark
Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

Name of teacher completing this form Signature Date

Portfolio assessment
Name of internal moderator Signature Date

0486/02/CW/S
23
24

Portfolio assessment
Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015.

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT SUMMARY FORMS

1. Complete the information at the head of the form.
2. List the candidates in an order which will allow ease of transfer of information to a computer-printed Coursework mark sheet MS1 at a later stage
(i.e. in candidate index number order, where this is known). Show the teaching group or set for each candidate. The initials of the teacher may be
used to indicate group or set.
3. Transfer each candidate’s marks from her/his Individual Candidate Record Card to this form as follows:
(a) In the column headed ‘Total Mark’, enter the total mark awarded before internal moderation took place.
(b) In the column headed ‘Internally Moderated Mark’, enter the total mark awarded after internal moderation took place.
4. Both the teacher completing the form and the internal moderator (or moderators) should check the form and complete and sign the bottom portion.

B. PROCEDURES FOR EXTERNAL MODERATION

External moderation of internal assessment is carried out by Cambridge. Centres must submit candidates’ internally assesed marks to Cambridge. The
deadlines and methods for submitting internally assessed marks are in the Cambridge Administrative Guide available on our website.
 Other information

7. Other information

Equality and inclusion

Cambridge International Examinations has taken great care in the preparation of this syllabus and
assessment materials to avoid bias of any kind. To comply with the UK Equality Act (2010), Cambridge has
designed this qualification with the aim of avoiding direct and indirect discrimination.

The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities
or learning difficulties. Arrangements can be put in place for these candidates to enable them to access the
assessments and receive recognition of their attainment. Access arrangements will not be agreed if they
give candidates an unfair advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.

Candidates who are unable to access the assessment of any component may be eligible to receive an award
based on the parts of the assessment they have taken.

Information on access arrangements is found in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from
the website www.cie.org.uk

Language
This syllabus and the associated assessment materials are available in English only.

Grading and reporting

Cambridge IGCSE results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicating the standard
achieved, A* being the highest and G the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ indicates that the candidate’s performance fell
short of the standard required for grade G. ‘Ungraded’ will be reported on the statement of results but not
on the certificate. The letters Q (result pending); X (no results) and Y (to be issued) may also appear on the
statement of results but not on the certificate.

Entry codes
To maintain the security of our examinations we produce question papers for different areas of the world,
known as ‘administrative zones’. Where the component entry code has two digits, the first digit is the
component number given in the syllabus. The second digit is the location code, specific to an administrative
zone. Information about entry codes, examination timetables and administrative instructions can be found in
the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.

Cambridge IGCSE World Literature 0408. Syllabus for examination in 2015. 25

Cambridge International Examinations
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