IGCSE World Literature (0408) — real past-paper questions, marked by AI
World Literature (0408) trades the English-language set list for texts in translation, and the questions still demand a supported argument rather than a summary. Two components sit on this hub, together covering set poetry, prose, drama and short stories through essay and passage-based questions, plus unseen material. Set texts examined include Amy Tan's The Bonesetter's Daughter and Nikolai Gogol's The Government Inspector, and every answer is marked in levels for how well your point is developed and supported by the text.
This hub holds 210 real 0408 questions from 30 papers set between 2023 and 2025, with Songs of Ourselves Volume 2 and Stories of Ourselves Volume 2 leading the topic table alongside Samanta Schweblin's Fever Dream and Ama Ata Aidoo's Anowa. Write a full essay or passage-based answer and the AI examiner places it in a level against the real Cambridge mark scheme, explaining exactly what would move your argument up a band.
Work one set text at a time, or sit a full paper cold and see where the AI examiner places your answer. Free, no signup.
Past papers by year
2025
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 21 | May–June 2025 | 1 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2025 | 1 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2025 | 1 |
| Paper 31 | May–June 2025 | 12 |
| Paper 32 | May–June 2025 | 12 |
| Paper 33 | May–June 2025 | 12 |
2024
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 21 | May–June 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 31 | May–June 2024 | 12 |
| Paper 32 | May–June 2024 | 12 |
| Paper 33 | May–June 2024 | 12 |
| Paper 21 | October–November 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 22 | October–November 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 23 | October–November 2024 | 1 |
| Paper 31 | October–November 2024 | 12 |
| Paper 32 | October–November 2024 | 12 |
| Paper 33 | October–November 2024 | 12 |
2023
| Paper | Session | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 21 | May–June 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 22 | May–June 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 23 | May–June 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 31 | May–June 2023 | 12 |
| Paper 32 | May–June 2023 | 12 |
| Paper 33 | May–June 2023 | 12 |
| Paper 21 | October–November 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 22 | October–November 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 23 | October–November 2023 | 1 |
| Paper 31 | October–November 2023 | 12 |
| Paper 32 | October–November 2023 | 12 |
| Paper 33 | October–November 2023 | 12 |
Practise IGCSE World Literature by topic
- Drama (60 questions)
- Prose (60 questions)
- Poetry anthology (Songs of Ourselves) (30 questions)
- Prose anthology (Stories of Ourselves) (30 questions)
- Unseen poetry and prose (15 questions)
Frequently asked questions
Which 0408 papers and years are covered?
Both components across every May–June and October–November session from 2023 to 2025 — 30 papers in total.
Can AI really mark a World Literature essay?
The AI examiner applies the same levels descriptors the real mark scheme uses, judging how well your argument is developed and supported by reference to the text, then explains the level it awarded.
Which texts appear in the 0408 questions?
The hub's questions cover the set poetry, prose, drama and short-story texts examined each session, including The Bonesetter's Daughter, The Government Inspector and Fever Dream, plus unseen material.
Is it really free?
Yes — every question, mark scheme and AI marking run is free, with no signup and no card details.
How should I revise World Literature with past papers?
Work through every question on one set text before moving to the next, then time a full paper and use the level feedback to sharpen your argument.
Are these official Cambridge papers?
The questions are transcribed from real Cambridge papers, and answers are marked against the real mark schemes, which remain © Cambridge International. Cambridge Papers is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge.