Component 2 and 3 Overview: Literary Heritage (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature): Revision Note

If you are studying Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1), you must complete Paper 1, plus either Paper 2 (an exam) or Paper 3 (coursework). Both options cover the same two sections, Modern Drama and Literary Heritage, and you must write two 30-mark essays: one for Section A and one for Section B.

Paper 2

If you take Paper 2, you will answer two essay questions in the exam: one on your modern drama text (Section A) and one on your literary heritage text (Section B). In Section B, you will write one 30-mark essay (from a choice of two questions), analysing how language, form, structure and contextual factors are used to create meaning and effect in your literary heritage text.

There are two sections in this exam paper:

Paper 3

If you take Paper 3, you will complete two coursework assignments instead of the exam: one on your modern drama text (Section A) and one on your literary heritage text (Section B). Assignments can be self-generated or set by your teacher, and each is marked out of 30. In your Section B assignment, you will analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors are used to create meaning and effect in your literary heritage text.

In Section B, you will be expected to apply your knowledge and understanding of your text, including the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects. You should also understand the relationship between your text and the context in which it was written. 

You must:

• demonstrate a close understanding of your heritage text

• maintain a critical style

• present an informed personal engagement

• understand how writers create literary effects

• understand and use appropriate literary terminology

• understand the influence of contextual factors on the interpretation of texts

• identify and use relevant examples from the text

Find out more about how to answer the Literary Heritage question here.