Edexcel English Language A iGCSE (4EA1/02) – Exam Paper Format

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There are two exam papers for Edexcel English Language A with 90:60 mark distribution for 60:40 percent. The outline below shows the type of exam questions for each of the papers and how the marks and calculated for each.

Here is the exam paper analysis for Edexcel English iGCSE Spec A based on the new syllabus.

For more details, see the specification from Edexcel

Table of Contents

Paper 1 : Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing

(2 hours 15 mins)

Section A: Questions 1-5

You are advised to allocate 1 hour 30 minutes to this section of the test.

Question 1- 3 is short and long questions based on the unseen text (2, 4, 5 marks)

Question 4 is a question on the Anthology piece from Section A of the anthologies (12 marks) see anthologies analysis

How does the writer use language and structure to… (show thoughts and feelings)
How does the writer use language and structure to…(interest and engage the reader)

You should support your answer with close reference to the extract, including brief quotations.

Question 5 is a Comparison of the new piece and the Anthology piece (22 marks) see anthologies analysis

Compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives about their experiences

Support your answer with detailed examples from both texts including brief quotations

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

AO1 read and understand a variety of texts, selecting and interpreting information, ideas and perspectives
AO2 understand and analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects
AO3 explore links and connections between writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed.

Section B: Question 6 or 7

Question 6 or 7 is Transactional writing (45 marks) – choose one from two options – article/ speech/letter see past exam questions

You are expected to answer one question out of two prompts. Both will involve a given audience, form or purpose. The task therefore requires the answer in the form that it asks in the question – speech, article, leaflet or letter. In each form of writing it is important to use the expected conventions.

For example a speech will have a greeting to the audience, written in direct speech and uses personal pronouns such as ‘you’, ‘we’ etc. In writing a letter, you are expected to know the layout of a formal and informal letter including a suitable greeting and a correct sign off.

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

AO4 communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences
AO5 write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Total: 90 Marks; 60% of total IGCSE grade

For Paper 2 : Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing

(1 hour 30 minutes)

In Paper 2, you are expected to write two essays, spending approximately 45 minutes on each section.

Section A

Question 1: Analytical type question from Anthology B (30 marks) see anthologies analysis

The questions in this section centre around how the writer presents certain characters or creates interest. Each question is followed by three prompts. In your answer, you should write about: The first two prompts relate directly to the question – how the narrator or events are presented;

How does the writer present….
How does the writer create….

The final prompt is always ‘the use of language and structure’.

You are expected to reference the details in the text and include brief quotations.

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

Section B

Question 2: Imaginative writing (30 marks) see past exam questions

Here you are expected to write an imaginative piece of writing in response to only one of three prompts. The questions are in the style of:

Write about a time…
Write a story with the title…
Write a story in response to one of the images

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

Total: 60 marks; 40% of total IGCSE grade

Assessment Objectives and Weightings

AO1 read and understand a variety of texts, selecting and interpreting information, ideas and perspectives

Paper 1: 7% Paper 2: 8% Total: 15%

AO2 understand and analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects

Paper 1: 8% Paper 2: 12% Total: 20%

AO3 explore links and connections between writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed.

Paper 1: 15% Paper 2: 0% Total: 15%

AO4 communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences

Paper 1: 18% Paper 2: 12% Total: 30%

AO5 write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Paper 1: 12% Paper 2: 8% Total: 20%

External Link: Specification (Pearson)

Edexcel English Language A iGCSE (4EA1/02) – Exam Paper Format