Edexcel GCSE Urdu specification (1UR0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Urdu exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Urdu specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Urdu (1UR0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) in Urdu develops students’ ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in both speech and writing. It encourages accurate expression of ideas, fluency, and the use of repair strategies to sustain interaction. Through engaging and culturally relevant themes, students gain insight into the lives of Urdu-speaking communities and develop a strong foundation for progression to A Level or practical language use. The qualification promotes independent language use, creative communication, and understanding of authentic spoken and written materials, with a focus on both grammatical mastery and real-world application:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Who am I?: relationships, childhood, friends and family, interests, role models, socialising
- Daily life: customs, food and drink, shopping, social media and technology
- Cultural life: festivals and celebrations, reading, music, sport, film and TV
Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel
- Holidays: preferences, experiences, destinations
- Tourist transactions: travel and accommodation, directions, problems, eating out
- Town/region/country: weather, attractions, local activities
Theme 3: School
- School life: types, routine, subjects, rules and pressures, success celebrations
- School activities: trips, events, exchanges
Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work
- Languages beyond school: relationships, travel, jobs
- Ambitions: study, volunteering, training
- Work: jobs, careers and professions
Theme 5: International and global dimension
- Global unity: sporting and music events, campaigns, causes
- Environmental issues: sustainability, natural resources
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Foundation: 35 mins | Higher: 45 mins (includes 5 mins reading)
- 50 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Two sections per tier: English and Urdu instructions/questions
- Respond to audio with short and multiple-choice answers
Paper 2: Speaking
- Foundation: 7–9 mins | Higher: 10–12 mins + 12 mins prep
- 70 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Task 1: Role play (Pearson allocated)
- Task 2: Picture-based discussion (Pearson allocated)
- Task 3: Conversation (1 topic chosen by student, 1 allocated)
Paper 3: Reading
- Foundation: 50 mins | Higher: 1 hr 5 mins
- 50 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Three sections: Questions in English and Urdu, plus Urdu → English translation
Paper 4: Writing
- Foundation: 1 hr 20 mins | Higher: 1 hr 25 mins
- 60 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Foundation: 3 open-response Qs + translation (English → Urdu)
- Higher: 2 open-response Qs + translation (English → Urdu)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Listening – 25%
- AO2 Speaking – 25%
- AO3 Reading – 25%
- AO4 Writing – 25%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Urdu isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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