specification overview
Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1) is a single-tier linear qualification offered by exam or coursework route. Exam route: Paper 1 (Poetry and Modern Prose, 2h) is 60%; Paper 2 (Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts, 1h 30m) is 40%. Coursework route: Paper 1 + Component 03 (Coursework, 40%).
subject content
1. Anthology Poetry (studied)
Paper 1- Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology, Part 3: 16 poems, all of which must be studied
- Analysis of language, form, structure; comparison across poems
2. Unseen Poetry
Paper 1- One unseen poem
- Analysis of language, form, structure
3. Modern Prose (studied)
Paper 1- Choose one from Pearson list: e.g. Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Whale Rider, Things Fall Apart
- Extract analysis + wider theme essay
4. Modern Drama (studied)
Paper 2- Choose one from Pearson list: An Inspector Calls, A View from the Bridge, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Kindertransport, Death and the King's Horseman
- One essay question from a choice of two (open book)
5. Literary Heritage Text (studied)
Paper 2- Choose one literary heritage text from the Pearson list: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations or The Scarlet Letter
- One essay question from a choice of two
6. Coursework (Component 03)
NEA- Assignment A: essay on one modern drama text from the prescribed list (30 marks, AO1 and AO2)
- Assignment B: essay on one literary heritage text (Shakespeare play or heritage novel) from the prescribed list (30 marks, AO1, AO2 and AO4)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Poetry and Modern Prose) | Unseen poetry + anthology poetry + one modern prose text | 2h | 90 | 60% | Section A: Unseen Poetry (20 marks). Section B: Anthology Poetry (30 marks). Section C: Modern Prose (40 marks). Closed-book throughout (only the anthology poems needed are provided in the paper) |
| Paper 2 (Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts) | One modern drama + Shakespeare or 19th-century novel | 1h 30m | 60 | 40% | Section A: Modern drama, one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two per set text. Section B: Literary heritage text, one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two per set text. Open-book (clean prescribed editions allowed) |
| Coursework (Component 03), alternative to Paper 2 | Two coursework assignments: one on a modern drama text, one on a literary heritage text | Coursework | 60 | 40% | 2 assignments (advisory 650-800 words per assignment). Internally marked, moderated by Pearson |
Schools choose exam route (Papers 1+2) OR coursework route (Paper 1 + Component 03). Paper 1 is closed-book throughout (the anthology poems needed are printed in the paper); Paper 2 is open-book (clean prescribed editions of the drama and literary heritage texts are allowed). Coursework must cover one modern drama text and one literary heritage text across the 2 assignments.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts, maintaining a critical style and presenting an informed personal engagement. | 30% |
| AO2 | Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects. | 40% |
| AO3 | Explore links and connections between texts. | 10% |
| AO4 | Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written. | 20% |
key tips for success
Master anthology + unseen comparison
Paper 1 Sections A and B test anthology comparison and unseen analysis. Practise a compact analytical structure (theme, technique, effect on reader) that scales to any poem.
Learn Paper 1 quotes cold
Paper 1 is closed-book throughout (only the anthology poems needed are printed in the paper). Learn 20-30 short quotes for the modern prose text so you can embed them under time.
Use the Paper 2 open-book copies wisely
Paper 2 is open-book: clean prescribed editions of the modern drama and Shakespeare/19th-century text are allowed. Still learn quotes, but use the copies to find precise references quickly.
Choose your route early
Exam route (Papers 1+2) vs coursework route (Paper 1 + Component 03). Your school picks. Coursework rewards steady drafting; exam route rewards timed performance.
Learn 3-4 context points per text
Context is AO4 and is worth 20%. It is assessed in Paper 1 Section C (modern prose) and in Paper 2 Section B / Component 3 Assignment B (literary heritage). Learn 3-4 key context points per text: Shakespeare (Elizabethan), 19th century (Victorian), modern (contexts vary widely). AO3 (10%) is links and connections between texts, assessed in the Paper 1 anthology poetry comparison.
Structure essays with PEEL
Every literature essay needs: Point (interpretation), Evidence (embedded quotation), Explanation (analysis of technique + meaning), Link (to question). Drill until automatic.
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