Choose questions and review the paper’s required answers
Answer the correct number and type of questions · Distinguish a command about methods from plot retelling · Check that each response remains relevant and complete
Section P2-2025 · 2025–2027 · Unseen Poetry
Exam scope and assessment notes
0408 preparation for exam year(s) 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030. The assessment changes in 2028; follow the component and selected texts for your year. Original StudyForA teaching and practice, with fictional examples labelled. Other well-supported literary readings can be valid. Model answers are for self-checking and do not award Cambridge marks or grades. Full set-text reading and text-specific teaching, complete timed papers and qualified literature-teacher assessment remain unfinished. Coursework must be the candidate’s own work, assessed through the centre and moderated by Cambridge.
Before you begin
- Confirm your exam year and centre-selected full texts. Coursework and both papers are compulsory; private candidates cannot enter 0408.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What should support a claim about a literary text?
What you will learn
- Answer the correct number and type of questions
- Distinguish a command about methods from plot retelling
- Check that each response remains relevant and complete
The format is part of preparation
In the current unseen paper, both questions concern one unseen poem; in the revised poetry paper, one question concerns a prescribed poem and one an unseen poem. Paper 3 in both cycles needs one extract answer from Section A and one essay from Section B. Choosing a favourite work does not change these required answer types.
Commands invite a supported reading
A task asking how the writer presents unease needs explanation of choices creating that effect. A task asking how far a character is admirable invites a reasoned judgement that can acknowledge contrary evidence. Before finishing, check the task’s scope, missing parts, accuracy of references and clarity of the final judgement.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
Does answering two Section B essays complete the required Paper 3 structure?
Worked example
For “How far is the leader admirable?”, a plan contains only three bad actions. What should the writer reconsider?
Show the worked solution
- The judgement may be negative, but should test relevant evidence of admirable qualities too.
- Explain how the writer presents both and why the chosen judgement is justified.
Answer Build a reasoned degree of judgement, considering the strongest relevant counterevidence rather than listing only one side.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
For the 2026 unseen paper, how many poem texts and compulsory responses are specified?
Give me a hint
Use the current Paper 2 description.
Compare my reasoning
- There is one unseen poem or poem extract.
- Candidates answer two compulsory questions on it.
One poem; two compulsory responses.
Look for these in your work
- Use the right cycle
- Separate text count from question count
For 2029 Paper 3, may both answers use the same eligible prose work? What must remain different?
Give me a hint
Text choice and section choice are separate.
Compare my reasoning
- Both answers may use the same studied work.
- One must be from Section A and one from Section B.
Yes; retain one extract answer and one essay answer.
Look for these in your work
- Allow the stated text choice
- Preserve the section structure
Revise a plan for how the writer creates unease that merely retells the passage’s events.
Give me a hint
Turn events into evidence of presentation.
Compare my reasoning
- Select wording, perspective, pacing and withheld information.
- Explain how those choices build unease and connect the conclusion to the task.
Analyse the methods shaping unease, using events selectively as evidence.
Look for these in your work
- Answer how
- Link choices to effects
Common mistakes
- Check both compulsory questions or sections.
- Answer the command rather than a remembered topic.
What can you explain now?
Does answering two Section B essays complete the required Paper 3 structure?
Compare with the explanation
No; one answer must come from Section A.
The paper requires both an extract-based response and a general essay.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Does answering two Section B essays complete the required Paper 3 structure?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.