Some of our exams have optional set text questions as part of the Writing paper. These exams are:
- Cambridge English: First (FCE)
- Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE for Schools)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- 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.
From 2015 Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: Advanced are being updated and set texts will no longer be 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 2014 and 2015.
| Exam | 2014 Set Texts | 2015 Set Texts | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCE1 |
LP Hartley: The Go-Between Sebastian Junger: The Perfect Storm |
Set texts discontinued from 2015 |
Click here |
| FCE for Schools1 |
Mary Shelley: Frankenstein The ELT Graphic Novel Anthony Bourke & John Rendall: A Lion Called Christian |
Rosemary Sutcliff: The Eagle of the Ninth6 |
Click here |
| CAE |
William Golding: Lord of the Flies2 P D James: The Lighthouse3 |
Set texts discontinued from 2015 |
Click here |
| CPE |
E.M.Forster: Howards End4 Nick Hornby: An Education5 |
E.M.Forster: Howards End4 Nick Hornby: An Education5 |
Click here |
1 For Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: First for Schools the suggested editions are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level that is suitable for candidates. Teachers and candidates should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible.
2 Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying a film version as well as, or instead of, the novel.
3 There is currently no film version of this book.
4 Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the 1992 film directed by James Ivory as well as, or instead of, the novel.
5 Screenplay and film directed by Lone Scherfig 2009.
6 Oxford bookworms edition
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.