Edexcel International GCSE in English Language A (4EA1)
In the global landscape of ideas, language acts as the bridge between diverse cultures and perspectives. This course invites you to explore the richness of written communication by moving from the analysis of contemporary non-fiction to the appreciation of classic literary heritage. You will gain a solid command of critical reading and expressive writing, where you will learn to process complex texts and maintain stylistic control in your own compositions. Crucially, you will develop the technical ability to craft both transactional documents and imaginative narratives while ensuring compliance with grammatical precision and structural cohesion. By mastering the interpretation of writers’ perspectives and the art of rhetorical influence, you will be equipped to evaluate written arguments using analytical insight and communicate with impact in any professional setting.
Core Content Areas
The Edexcel IGCSE English Language A (4EA1) course integrates reading and writing skills through the study of anthology texts and unseen materials.
1. Non-fiction Texts
Focuses on analyzing non-fiction pieces from the Edexcel Anthology, including travel writing, articles, and autobiographies.
2. Poetry and Prose
Explores literary texts from the Anthology, requiring students to understand themes, characterization, and writer’s craft.
3. Transactional Writing
Develops skills in writing for real-world purposes, such as letters, speeches, articles, and reviews, with a focus on audience and tone.
4. Imaginative Writing
Encourages creativity through tasks that require students to write engaging narratives or descriptive pieces.
5. Comparison Skills
Teaches how to compare unseen non-fiction texts with familiar Anthology texts, analyzing similarities in perspective and style.
6. Spoken Language (Endorsement)
An optional component focusing on presentation skills, listening, and responding to questions effectively.
Assessment Structure
The Edexcel IGCSE English Language A (4EA1) is assessed via two papers (or one paper and coursework).
- Paper 1 (Non-fiction and Transactional Writing): A 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 60% of the total marks. It includes analysis of Anthology and unseen texts, plus a writing task.
- Paper 2 (Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing): A 1-hour 30-minute exam worth 40% of the total marks. Students analyze literary texts and complete a creative writing task.
- Note: There is an option to replace Paper 2 with Coursework (4EA1/03), though the examination route (Paper 1 & 2) is the most common.