Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (4EA1)
Study anthology and unseen texts, transactional writing and imaginative writing. Language A has its own assessment routes, separate from Language B.
Specification Issue 7, August 2025
Course structure and assessment routes
- Complete Component 1 plus either examined Component 2 or coursework Component 3.
- An optional spoken-language endorsement is reported separately and does not change the qualification grade.
Main syllabus content
- Non-fiction anthology texts and unseen reading
- Transactional writing
- Poetry and prose anthology texts
- Imaginative writing
- Optional spoken-language presentation
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
4EA1 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
4EA1/01
Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing
- Duration
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- Marks
- 90
- Weighting
- 60%
4EA1/02
Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 40%; alternative to Component 3
4EA1/03
Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (Coursework)
- Duration
- Non-examined assessment
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 40%; alternative to Component 2
4EA1/E
Spoken Language Endorsement
- Duration
- Maximum 10 minutes
- Marks
- Criteria-based
- Weighting
- Optional; separately endorsed
Key assessment information
- Exams are externally assessed; coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated. Anthology texts are supplied in the exams. The spoken endorsement is internally assessed as Not Classified, Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 4EA1 syllabus/specification (PDF). Specification Issue 7, August 2025.
Source PDF pages: 9, 10, 11. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.