Some of our exams have optional set text questions as part of the Writing paper. These exams are:
- Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE for Schools)
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
The set text question is in part 2 of the Writing paper for these exams and is one of five questions you can choose from during this part. Candidates should not attempt the optional set text question in part 2 unless they have the necessary vocabulary and understanding of the text to answer the task set. Teachers are best placed to judge which, if any, of the set texts and/or film versions may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation.
Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: Advanced were updated in 2015 and set texts are no longer used. Information about the changes to the exams can be found in our article: Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: Advanced are changing!
Here are the set texts for 2016 and 2017.
| Exam | 2016 Set Texts | 2017 Set Texts | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCE for Schools |
Rosemary Sutcliff: The Eagle of the Ninth1 |
Treasure Island: Robert Louis-Stevenson2 |
Click here |
| CPE |
Penelope Lively: Family Album F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby3 |
Penelope Lively: Family Album F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby3 |
Click here |
1 Oxford bookworms edition recommended. Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the 2011 film (The Eagle) directed by Kevin Macdonald, as well as, or instead of, the book.
2 Oxford bookworms graded reader Stage 4 edition recommended. Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying any film version of Treasure Island, as well as, or instead of, the book.
3 Screenplay and film directed by Baz Luhrmann (2013).
Hello everyone,
I've just added the Cambridge English: Proficiency set texts for 2014. We'll be adding the _Cambridge English: First for Schools _as soon as we can.
I hope that helps.
Hi all,
I've added the 2014 Cambridge English: First for Schools set texts now. They're the same as the 2013 set texts.
I hope this helps.
Hi everybody,
We've updated this article to show the 2015 _Cambridge English: First for Schools _set texts. We'll add the _Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
_set texts as soon as we can.
_Cambridge English: First (FCE) _and _Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) _will no longer have set text questions from 2015.
I hope that helps.
Hello everyone,
We've now added the Cambridge English: Proficiency set texts for 2015, which are the same as the 2014 set texts.
I hope that helps.
Hi everyone,
We've updated this article today, with details of 2017 set texts.
I hope this helps.