CPE Writing Class: Set Texts

What are 'Set Texts'?

These are works of literature - usually novels - that are studied in advance of the CPE exam and can be written on in Paper 2 (Writing) as an optional question.

What are the current Set Texts?

For 2010 these are
Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard: Shakespeare in Love: A Screenplay (1998); film directed by John Madden.
N.B. Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film as well as, or instead of, the screenplay.

Philip K. Dick Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968)
N.B. The film Blade Runner (1982), directed by Ridley Scott is based on this novel, but is very different from the original text and should not be studied instead of the novel as preparation for questions in CPE Paper 2

Coming soon!

We will soon be publishing podcasts to support students reading these set texts. In the meantime, listen to some of our earlier podcasts for previous set texts.

2009 Set Text Podcasts: Girl with a Pearl Earring

StudentsThis podcast is aimed at candidates who are reading "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier in preparation for their CPE exam in. Fiona gives an overview of the book and advice on how to approach the 'set text' question most effectively in the exam. She also works through a sample exam question. All comments are welcome from those who've read and would like to discuss this book - candidates, learners, teachers and book enthusiasts.

Click below to listen to the recording:

Click your 'RIGHT' mouse button over the link below and choose 'Save Target as' to download the recording:

Download MP3 file

Previous Set Texts (2008)

Why not listen to the recordings for the set texts for 2008.

StudentsGoodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

Click below to listen to the recording:

Click your 'RIGHT' mouse button over the link below and choose 'Save Target as' to download the recording:

Download MP3 file

StudentsThe Cryptographer by Tobias Hill

Click below to listen to the recording:

Click your 'RIGHT' mouse button over the link below and choose 'Save Target as' to download the recording:

Download MP3 file