IGCSE English Language
Specifications A & B
Complete syllabus breakdown, paper formats, anthology texts, and free study resources for 4EA1 and 4EB1.
Specification A
Literature‑leaning route with anthology study. Exam or coursework option.
2h 15m · 90 marks
Section A: Reading on one anthology text + one unseen extract.
Section B: Transactional writing (article, speech, letter).
1h 30m · 60 marks
Section A: essay on anthology poetry/prose · Section B: imaginative writing (choice of tasks).
Two assignments: analytical essay + commentary, and an imaginative writing piece.
AO1: read & understand · AO2: analyse language/structure · AO3: compare · AO4: evaluate.
Specification B
Single‑paper route, no anthology required – focuses on unseen non‑fiction and writing adaptability.
3 hours · 100 marks
Short & long‑answer questions on two unseen text extracts.
Transactional writing based on ideas from Section A texts.
Choice of 1 task from 3 prompts (story, article, discursive).
AO1: understand & interpret (15%) · AO2: analyse writer’s effects (20%) · AO3: compare (20%) · AO4: evaluate (15%) · AO5: write effectively (20%) · AO6: accuracy (10%).
📖 Edexcel IGCSE Anthology (Spec A)
Specification A centres on a prescribed anthology (Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology). Paper 1 uses non‑fiction texts from Part 1; Paper 2 uses poetry & prose from Part 2.
• “A Passage to Africa” – George Alagiah
• “The Danger of a Single Story” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” – Aron Ralston
• “Explorers or boys messing about?” – Steven Morris
• “Young and Dyslexic?” – Benjamin Zephaniah
• “Disabled” – Wilfred Owen
• “Out, Out‑” – Robert Frost
• “An Unknown Girl” – Moniza Alvi
• “The Story of an Hour” – Kate Chopin
• “Night” – Alice Munro
+ additional poems and prose extracts.
💡 Revision tip: For the comparison question on Paper 1 (anthology text vs unseen), focus on writer’s methods, tone, and purpose. Use a PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
⚖️ Specification A vs B: side‑by‑side
📚 Free study resources & past papers
Download official past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for both specifications. All links open in new tabs.
Official Pearson training: Paper 1/2 tips, exam technique.
YouTube playlist →
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