Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1)
Develop literary analysis and comparison through poetry, modern prose, drama and literary heritage texts.
Specification Issue 3, August 2025
Course structure and assessment routes
- Take Component 1 plus either examined Component 2 or coursework Component 3.
Main syllabus content
- Unseen and anthology poetry
- Modern prose
- Modern drama
- Literary heritage texts
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
4ET1 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.
4ET1/01
Poetry and Modern Prose
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 90
- Weighting
- 60%
Closed book; anthology poems are supplied. Unseen poetry 20, anthology comparison 30, modern prose 40 marks.
4ET1/02
Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 40%; alternative to Component 3
Open book: only prescribed, completely unmarked editions.
4ET1/03
Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (Coursework)
- Duration
- Non-examined assessment
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 40%; alternative to Component 2
Two 30-mark assignments; internally assessed and externally moderated.
Key assessment information
- Written exams are externally assessed. Check the prescribed set texts and editions in the specification. Components 2 and 3 are alternatives, not additional compulsory components.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 4ET1 syllabus/specification (PDF). Specification Issue 3, August 2025.
Source PDF pages: 10, 11, 12. 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.