Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper (8021)
Develop reasoned argument, critical reading and clear English through contemporary and wider issues.
2025–2027 examinations
Course structure and assessment routes
- AS Level only: take Papers 1 and 2 in the same exam series. There is no full A Level extension for syllabus 8021.
Main syllabus content
- Economic, historical, moral, political and social issues
- Science, environment, technology and mathematics
- Literature, language, arts, crafts and media
- Analysis, evaluation, argument and comprehension
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
8021 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
Paper 1
Essay
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 30
- Weighting
- 50% of AS
One essay from a choice of ten questions.
Paper 2
Comprehension
- Duration
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks
- 50
- Weighting
- 50% of AS
Compulsory questions on reading material.
Key assessment information
- Both papers are externally assessed. The site groups this AS-only qualification under Cambridge AS & A Level for navigation; that does not create an A Level award.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 8021 syllabus/specification (PDF). 2025–2027 examinations.
Source PDF pages: 8, 9. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.