Overview (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)

• This section consists of 5 short and long answer questions

• Questions 1–3 will be based on an unseen non-fiction extract of text

• Question 4 will be based on one of the texts in the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Anthology

• Question 5 will ask you to compare both texts

• You will be provided with the anthology text in the exam

45 marks

1 hour 30 minutes (including reading time)

• In this section, you will complete one non-fiction writing task from a choice of two

• You will be asked to write in a specific form, and for a given audience and purpose

• You may be asked to write a letter, speech, article, leaflet, guide or a review

45 marks

45 minutes

Question 1

Select and retrieve

2

Read selected lines from Text One

Select two words or phrases that show or demonstrate something

Question 2

Summary

4

Read selected lines from Text One

Explain something in your own words

Question 3

Summary and support

5

Read selected lines from Text One

Describe something from the text, supporting your points with brief quotations

Question 4

Language and structure analysis

12

Read Text Two

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to achieve particular effects

Support your answer with close reference to the text, including brief quotations

Question 5

Comparison

22

Base your answer on Text One and Text Two

Compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives

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

Section B 

Transactional writing

45

Read both Questions 6 and 7 and decide which one you are going to answer

Write in the given format, adapting your language and tone to suit your audience and purpose

Section A

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

• Show that you understand the obvious meanings and suggestions communicated in a text

• Select and use relevant and appropriate information from a text to answer the questions

• Interpret meanings in a text in your own words

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

• Explore how writers use language to achieve particular effects

• Explore how writers structure their writing in order to achieve particular effects

• Show your understanding of the whole extract, supporting your points with close textual references and brief quotations

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

• Compare and contrast subject matter, themes, language choices, narrative voice, narrative perspective, tone and structure across two texts

• Support your points with close textual references and brief quotations from both texts

Section B

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

• Write clearly, concisely and with maturity and flair

• Follow the conventions of a particular form

• Adapt your use of language and tone to suit the purpose and intended audience

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

• Use a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary and vary your sentences

• Structure your writing fluently and appropriately

• Write with technical accuracy