English

English — IGCSE

British Curriculum · Pearson · Years 10-11 · Ages 14-16

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language (4EA1) is assessed by a written paper plus either coursework or a second examination, depending on the specification route the school follows.

Students study non-fiction extracts from an anthology alongside unseen passages, and are assessed on reading comprehension, comparison of texts, and transactional and imaginative writing. Edexcel also offers International GCSE English Literature, which many UAE schools take alongside Language.

The anthology is a real advantage: because the texts are known in advance, focused preparation on them is highly efficient, and it frees exam time for the unseen material where the harder marks sit.

Key topics covered

• Anthology Non-Fiction — Close study of the set non-fiction texts and the writers' methods.
• Unseen Reading — Comprehension and analysis of previously unseen passages.
• Comparing Texts — Comparing how two writers present a theme, viewpoint or experience.
• Transactional Writing — Articles, letters, reports and speeches for a stated purpose and audience.
• Imaginative Writing — Narrative and descriptive writing crafted for effect.
• Exam Technique — Timing, evidence selection and structuring an analytical response.