2010_s26_ms_23 2026 May-June Literature in English 2010 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 3 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

Loading document...

2010_s26_ms_23.pdf

2010_s26_ms_232026 May-June Literature in English 2010 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 3

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Literature in English (2010) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 3) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 2010_s26_ms_23 · 2010/23/m/j/26 ms · 2010/23 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 2: Drama This is Paper 2: Drama, worth 50 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Answer two questions on one or two drama texts: one must be a passage-based question and one must be a discursive (general essay) question. Each question carries 25 marks. 45 minutes per response is recommended.

This mark scheme corresponds to 2010_s26_qp_23. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Literature in English (2010), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Studying Literature in English?

Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.

Same paper, other years

Literature in English (2010) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 3) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Drama

Based on analysis of 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

1

Listing literary devices without analysing their effects — 'logging' features instead of exploring them

Less successful responses, particularly to poetry, simply logged features without close analysis of precise ways in which writers uses these devices to create specific effects.2010 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Every time you name a device (metaphor, enjambment, caesura), immediately follow with: (1) the specific example from the text, (2) the precise effect it creates on the reader/audience, and (3) how it connects to the question. For example, do not write 'Thomas uses enjambment to increase the pace.' Instead write: 'The enjambment in [quote] mirrors the relentless fall of rain, reinforcing the desolation Thomas conveys.' If you cannot explain a specific effect, leave the device out.

2

Ignoring the key words of the question — writing general character/theme essays instead of answering what is asked

Questions should not be seen as mere prompts for candidates to unload all information they know about the poem or character or theme mentioned in the question.2010 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Before writing, underline the key words in the question (e.g. 'strikingly conveys', 'dramatic', 'disturbing impressions', 'entertaining'). Write these key words at the top of your plan. Every paragraph must link back explicitly to those key words. If the question says 'how does the writer make this moment dramatic?', each point must explain WHY it is dramatic, not just describe what happens.

3

Writing lengthy introductions with irrelevant biographical or historical context

Those candidates who offered lengthy introductions, with extraneous biographical or social context material, simply delayed the actual beginning of their answer to the question.2010 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Limit your introduction to 2-3 sentences maximum. State the key focus of the question and signal your argument. Do not include author biography, historical background, or a list of devices you plan to discuss. Start analysing the text in your first paragraph. You have 45 minutes — every sentence about context that does not address the question is wasted time.

View full exam guide for Literature in English (2010) →

All Literature in English (2010) Papers — 2026 May-June

Browse all 2026 May-June papers →

More Literature in English (2010) Past Papers

View all Literature in English (2010) sessions →

Literature in English Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 4 official Cambridge documents