Collins Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper Student’s Book (8021, for exams from 2028)

Develop essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and analysis with the Collins Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper (8021) series.

Build confident essay writing and comprehension skills with the Collins Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper Student’s Book, written for the new Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper (8021) syllabus, for exams from 2028. The book is endorsed for the Cambridge Pathway and was written by experienced international teachers Mike Gould, Babita Persaud and Steve Eddy.

Written for the New 2028–2030 English General Paper Syllabus

This Student’s Book follows the updated 8021 syllabus and its exam structure:

• Paper 1: Essay (1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks) – students choose one of 10 questions and write a formal essay of about 600–700 words. The paper is now out of 40 marks, with half of them for written communication.
• Paper 2: Comprehension (1 hour 45 minutes, 50 marks) – Section A covers logical reasoning (20 marks) and Section B covers comprehension (30 marks), including the new 12-mark persuasive writing task.
• The three syllabus topic areas – social, political and economic issues; science, technology and the environment; and literature, language, the arts and the media.

Key Features of the Collins AS English General Paper Student’s Book

• Equal focus on essay and comprehension, with separate chapters for each paper so students know exactly what they’re practising.
• Step-by-step skills building: each skill is developed in manageable stages before students apply it to exam-style tasks.
• Annotated model answers that show what strong writing and analysis look like, plus peer-assessment activities that teach students to review and improve their own work.
• Grammar and cohesion support built in, covering sentence structure, linking ideas and formal academic register.
• Reading on contemporary global issues to widen students’ knowledge and give them examples to use in their essays.
• Support for EAL/ESL learners, with glossaries beside the texts and language help in every unit.

Who Is This Book For?

It’s for students aged 16–19 studying Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper, and for teachers planning the course for first exams in 2028. It works in the classroom or for independent study, and suits both first-language and second-language English speakers.

Product Details

• Title: Collins Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper Student’s Book
• Authors: Mike Gould, Babita Persaud, Steve Eddy
• Publisher: Collins
• ISBN: 9780008781514
• Format: Paperback, 232 pages
• Published: 19 February 2026
• Syllabus: Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper 8021, for exams from 2028

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the new 2028 English General Paper syllabus?

Yes. It is written for Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper (8021), first examined in 2028.

Is the Collins AS English General Paper Student’s Book endorsed by Cambridge?

Yes. The Student’s Book is endorsed for the Cambridge Pathway.

Is this book suitable for students whose first language is not English?

Yes. Every unit includes language support, and there are glossaries beside the texts to help EAL and ESL learners.

What is the ISBN of the Collins AS English General Paper Student’s Book?

The ISBN is 9780008781514.

CIE Source Education is an independent supplier and is not endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment.