FAQs for AS and A Level English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021)
What is the AS English General Paper?
What skills does the English General Paper AS Level develop?
How many hours of contact time do you recommend?
What previous knowledge is required?
Do candidates have to have English as a first language to be able to study the English General Paper AS Level?
What topics can be studied on the course?
How is the AS English General Paper assessed?
Can students take dictionaries into the examination?
How do universities regard the AS English General Paper?
- What is the difference between the English General Paper 8021 and English language 9093?
What support materials are available?
The AS English General Paper is designed as an academic one-year course for students in schools and colleges who are taking other AS and A Level examinations. It has the same value as any other AS Level in terms of university entrance or acceptance by employees.
Through the study of the broad topic areas, learners develop effective reading and writing skills in English. They work with information, ideas and opinions. They analyse and evaluate opinions and ideas. They also learn how to build an argument. These skills are all highly transferable and will help learners in other subjects they are studying, and equip them for higher education or employment.
We design Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabuses based on learners having about 180 guided learning hours for each Cambridge International AS Level. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary according to local practice and their previous experience of the subject.
We recommend that learners starting this course should have studied a Cambridge IGCSE™ or Cambridge O Level course in a broad range of subjects, including English.
No, though it is recommended that candidates have successfully completed IGCSE English Language or equivalent. The level of language used is like that of other AS and A Level courses offered by Cambridge. Every effort is made to ensure the level of the language is appropriate to the level of study.
Learners will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of issues in these three broad topic areas:
- Economic, historical, moral, political and social
- Science, including its history, philosophy, ethics, general principles and applications; environmental issues; technology and mathematics
- Literature, language, the arts, crafts, and the media.
The AS consists of two papers. Paper 1 is an essay paper (1 hour 15 minutes) where candidates choose one question from a choice of 10. The paper has questions from each of the three main topic areas listed in the syllabus.
Paper 2 is a comprehension paper (1 hour 45 minutes) where candidates answer all questions in each of two sections (A and B) on the paper.
In Section A, candidates are required to explain and interpret the information provided in the material to show understanding. They are also required to write a response that expresses an opinion and justifies a conclusion.
In Section B, candidates are required to demonstrate the ability to read for detailed understanding at word, sentence and paragraph level. They are required to demonstrate understanding of how language features are used in a variety of styles and registers. Candidates are assessed on how they analyse and evaluate the material to show an awareness of the strengths and weakness of different kinds of information presented. They are required to identify and analyse inference.
Dictionaries may not be used for either paper. Candidates are not allowed to take any dictionaries into the examination.
There is some variation in how universities in different countries view the AS English General Paper. In India, it is acceptable in lieu of a Class 12 English syllabus from an Indian exam board for the purpose of equivalence in India provided students enter for the subject in Year 12 of their schooling. For other regions, therefore, it is suggested that checks are made with individual universities in their respective countries to find out how they receive English General Paper competency.
What is the difference between the English General Paper 8021 and English Language 9093?
The ways in which each syllabus is examined is different. The best way to appreciate the differences would be to make a direct comparison between the aims of each Syllabus in the Syllabus documents that can be downloaded from the support hub. However, apart from how they are examined, 8021 has a more general approach to subject matter and focuses on communication whereas 9093 involves candidates studying texts and using effective English to communicate their ideas.
The following are available from the public website:
- Syllabus information is here .
- Specimen Question Papers and Mark Schemes and Past Question Papers and Mark Schemes can be found here .
- A list of published resources endorsed by Cambridge Assessment can be found here .
For more information and materials on this syllabus, please visit our School Support Hub here .
IMAGES
COMMENTS
The Cambridge International AS Level General Paper encourages learners to develop a maturity of critical thought and argument, and a mastery of expression in the English language.
How many sentences are in the shortest body paragraph of this essay? List the concrete specifics and examples you note in each body paragraph. (Remember, concrete specifics and examples might include technical terms, places, numbers, titles, etc.) A1:
8021 AICE General Paper Paper 1 Example Candidate Responses - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.
You are advised to write an essay of 600–700 words. Use examples to support your arguments. 1 Evaluate the extent to which your country has achieved equality for all of its people. 2 In most countries age restrictions on certain activities, products and services are imposed on young people.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Do #1, Do #2, Do #3 and more.
Introduction. The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper 8021, and to show examples of very good answers. There are 2 sections in Paper 2 and candidates must answer all questions. These questions consist of a range of sub-questions.
Sample Answers – Paper 2 4 Cambridge International AS & A Level English General Paper (8021) Introduction The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify candidate responses for those teaching Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper 8021. There are 2 sections in Paper 2 and candidates must answer all questions.
How is the AS English General Paper assessed? The AS consists of two papers. Paper 1 is an essay paper (1 hour 15 minutes) where candidates choose one question from a choice of 10. The paper has questions from each of the three main topic areas listed in the syllabus.
AICE English General Paper Summer Assignment This year, you will examine and evaluate a number of global interests/concerns in the following areas: Science and Technology, Politics and Government, Environmental, Social and Cultural, and Leisure (arts, media, sports, books, entertainment). Often, these broad areas overlap. The following list of
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like planning, introduction, examples of some thesis statements and more.